Our Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

WHAT DOES YOUR FINANCIAL PICTURE LOOK LIKE

To help you work towards what is important to you, we leverage LifeView® - a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including and not limited to: your investments and cash management needs – whether in the accumulation or distribution stage of your life; projected outcomes under different savings rates; life expectancy; illiquid investments; insurance; end of life, projected net worth; et al. This includes Social Security analysis to determine the probability of success of beginning your benefit at different ages, thus gaining the ability to make informed, objective decisions around this important planning consideration.

LifeView® is a hard-copy document that utilizes probability analysis, versus linear, that helps us better understand achievable withdrawal rates from capital during different market scenarios.

LifeView®, importantly, provides ongoing, progress-to-goals reporting, so you can take the guess-work out of where you stand relative to your goals each year. We can run new ‘What If?’ scenarios at your request, as well as illustrate complex planning strategies such as stock option exercise methods; Roth conversion analysis; and early 401(k) distributions under IRS Rule 72(t).

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Awards

2019-2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2012-2016 and 2018-2022 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2016 and 2018-2022) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.
  • Forbes’ 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
  • 2019-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
  • 2012-2016, 2018-2024 Five Star Wealth Manager - Baltimore Magazine

Working With You

We accomplish your planning through a four-step process:

1) We gather complete financial information.  This includes financial documents; investment & insurance statements; and completed questionnaires. We discuss your current financial picture, your goals and needs, investment & estate objectives, income requirements, and your ability to assume capital and income risk.

2) We complete a thorough analysis of this information.  Using asset and investment vehicle allocation, together with market analysis, we develop your Financial Plan, which includes investment strategy designed around the minimum risk necessary to meet your objectives.

3) We review your Financial Plan.  This includes your Retirement Planning Analysis, Personal Liability & Risk Assessment and Investment Plan – a detailed investment strategy with specific asset allocation and investment vehicle recommendations.  We implement the plan.

4) We monitor and periodically review your Financial Plan.  We will monitor both quantitative and qualitative aspects of your Plan and make necessary adjustments to reflect changes in your life, the financial markets, and economic conditions.  We ask that you commit to periodically meeting with us to update and review your Financial Plan, so that you know where you stand relative to your financial goals.

Research & Diligence

We strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to shape their financial future. We believe in providing our clients with resources in order to stay informed about the latest market trends and outlook. Coupled with the firm's recognition as a thought leader, we have the ability to execute on this. We have included, and regularly update the below links as they provide real-time, succinct analysis.
Thoughts On The Market
Listen to Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace. Learn about their perspectives on the forces shaping the markets today and as well as their market outlooks for the future.
Click Here To Listen
Thoughts On The Market Podcast
Each week, Chief Cross-Asset Strategist Andrew Sheets, or a member of his team, offers perspective on the forces shaping the markets as well as insights on investment opportunities and risk across global asset classes.
Click Here To Listen
Weekly Global Investment Committee Commentary
A blog version of Lisa Shalett's weekly commentary with the Global Investment Committee.
Check out this week's edition here.
Lessons In Leadership
Morgan Stanley frequently invites influential figures in the sports, music, and entertainment industries to give talks regarding their careers and experiences with leadership.
To enjoy these lessons in leadership, click here

Location

2330 W. Joppa Road
Suite 255
Lutherville, MD 21093
US
Direct:
(410) 296-9200(410) 296-9200

Meet The Proctor Jacobson Macon Group

About Benjamin G Proctor III

I have been in practice with Morgan Stanley, and predecessor, Smith Barney, since 2000. This has helped forge my understanding of how best to leverage the full resources of the firm for my clients’ benefit, by coordinating the strategies and specialists who are my colleagues, to ultimately help our clients realize their vision of their future. I aim to create the best experience I can for our clients by leveraging my colleagues, including Jamey, as well as our best in class resources to simplify our clients' personal, professional and financial lives.

Regarding wealth, I believe we can view it as not only encompassing our financial successes – but also the time we have invested in our families, the values that shape our lives and the legacies we hope to leave to our children and grandchildren. Thus, our focus on helping our clients preserve every facet of their wealth.

What is your vision of the future you want for yourself and your family? We can work together to translate your vision into a written, hard-copy, and customized, goal-oriented wealth strategy that helps maximize opportunity and minimize risk. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I firmly believe in looking at the big picture, combining comprehensive financial planning with personalized investment strategies and wealth management solutions designed to help you achieve your most important goals.

My goal has been, and remains, to build long-term, multigenerational relationships with my clients – one that is founded on trust, integrity and exceptional service. I understand the diligence and determination behind created wealth. I have the demonstrated ability – and desire – to help my clients make informed, confident decisions about their financial futures. For me, the bottom line is that my clients’ success is my success.

On a personal note, I am married to Sherry. We celebrated our 20-year anniversary in June, 2022. We have two teens – Regan (18), and young Ben (17). We enjoy watching them play volleyball and lacrosse. I also enjoy landscaping, attending college football & lacrosse games, and playing doubles sand volleyball. I am a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Maryland Chapter; a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park; a proud member of the Terrapin Club; a Master Mason with Liberty Lodge; and a Hereford High School Sports Booster.

I welcome a conversation to learn more about you and your family.
Securities Agent: MD, DE, PA, DC, MS, MI, IN, NC, GA, CA, RI, OR, FL, WA, TX, NV, NM, CO, NY, MN, SC, MA, OH, AZ, CT, NJ, NH, LA, WV, VA, TN, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2575817

About James J Jacobson

Jamey started his career with Prudential Bache in 1987 and joined Morgan Stanley predecessor, Salomon Smith Barney, in 1997 to work together with his father, Norman. Jamey received his BS degree from the College of Business and Management at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds the Series 7, 63, 65, 3, and Life Insurance licenses. In his free time, Jamey enjoys playing golf, tennis, biking, coin collecting, and listening to music. He also enjoys rooting on the Ravens and Terps. A lifelong resident of Maryland, Jamey currently resides in Baltimore County with his wife, Debi. He loves to travel, especially to be with his children and grandchildren.
Securities Agent: IL, LA, GA, DC, CA, AZ, VA, MI, OH, NY, MD, IN, CO, SC, RI, MS, WA, PA, NC, FL, TX, NH, MA, OR, NM, CT, WV, NV, MN, DE, TN, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2016127

About John A Macon

John joined Morgan Stanley in July of 2002. His specialties include Investment Management Consulting as well as comprehensive Financial Planning. John became a Certified Financial Planner™ in 1991 and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association. He and his partners prepare and maintain financial plans for individuals and trustees by working closely with them and their professional advisors (i.e. attorneys, accountants & ERISA plan administrators).

Prior to joining the firm, he was a Director and Partner with Alex. Brown in Baltimore, MD from 1984-2002. John served on the committee responsible for the creation and implementation of the firm’s Asset Manager Evaluation Service. This consulting service was founded to address the investment management consulting needs of Alex. Brown’s clientele.

Before joining Alex. Brown, John structured and syndicated tax-motivated commercial leases for Maryland National Leasing Corporation, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the former Maryland National Bank). He worked closely with the Chief Financial Officers of private and public companies to structure capitalized and off-balance sheet leases to target desired corporate capital ratios. He provided lease vs. buy comparisons with multiple internal and external bank financing options, primarily for equipment lease / purchase decisions.

When not working with clients, John enjoys his time swimming on a Masters team and resides in Towson with his wife, Sandy.
Securities Agent: OH, CA, WV, MD, TX, CO, VA, FL, NC, DE, AZ, SC, NJ, TN, PA, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Mandy Burnside

Mandy is a Senior Registered Client Service Associate with 25 years of proven wealth management experience. Mandy holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses and a Maryland Insurance License (Life & Health). Mandy is a knowledgeable and dependable resource for clients, here to assist clients with all aspects of servicing their Morgan Stanley accounts. Baltimore born and raised, Mandy is a mother of two, an avid Ravens fan and supporter of local charities, including Casey Cares, the Baltimore Food Project, and the Maryland Food Bank.

About Elisha Comfort

Elisha is a Wealth Management Associate. Elisha was recruited to Morgan Stanley in 2016, following 15 years of proven experience in client service. Elisha's responsibilities include delivering an enhanced client experience by supporting clients’ transactional and financial planning needs. Elisha holds Series 7 and 66 licenses; was born and raised in Maryland; and lives in Baltimore County with her dog, Riley.

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Daniel Benkoski

Daniel J. Benkoski is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Maryland and Delaware.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Daniel began his career in financial services in 2014 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Financial Advisor at AXA Advisors.

Daniel is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Crime, Law, and Justice and a minor in Economics. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Outside of the office, Daniel enjoys traveling, golfing, and exploring the outdoors.
NMLS#: 1653913

About Karen Pillets

Karen Pillets is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Delaware and Maryland. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.

Karen began her career in financial services in 1977 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to her current position, she worked at Fidelity Investments, State Farm, Provident Bank, Third National Bank, and Equitable Bank.

Karen graduated with a BA from what is now Mc Daniel College and an MBA from what is now Loyola University of Baltimore and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation. Karen lives in Millsboro, Delaware. Outside of work, Karen enjoys exploring the waterways of Delaware and Maryland with family and friends. Supporting the Children’s Beach House and Milton Theatre are also favorite diversions.

About Chris Smith

Chris Smith is an Executive Director and Head of Morgan Stanley’s Trust Services Group. As a 30-year employee of Morgan Stanley, Chris is responsible for maintaining the “Open Architecture” trustee platform, which consists of thirteen third-party trust companies who can serve in a fiduciary, agency or custodial role for ultra-high-net worth client trust accounts. Chris and the Trust Services Group help Advisors, clients, prospects and the professional community understand the corporate trustee services available through Morgan Stanley and how our corporate trustee partners can be used to provide fiduciary solutions for clients. This involves reviewing trust document and statements as well as analyzing family dynamics. Chris then uses this information to recommend one or more of the firm’s third-party corporate trustee partners to possibly serve as trustee, co-trustee or administrative agent for a client trust account.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley (Dean Witter), Chris worked in the Retirement Plans department of Prudential Securities and prior to that the District Agency department of Prudential Insurance Company. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Journalism and Psychology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. He lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with his wife Sharon and two boys, Ryan and Michael and has a passion for golf, skiing and horse racing.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

The New Technologies for Longer, Healthier Lives


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Proctor Jacobson Macon Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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6When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Participating in a new issue/syndicate is subject to availability. IPOs are highly speculative and may not be appropriate for all investors because they lack a stock-trading history and usually involve smaller and newer companies that tend to have limited operating histories, less-experienced management teams, and fewer products or customers. Also, the offering price of an IPO reflects a negotiated estimate as to the value of the company, which may bear little relationship to the trading price of the securities, and it is not uncommon for the closing price of the shares shortly after the IPO to be well above or below the offering price.

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9Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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11Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)