About Carol J Richards
I guide clients in helping pursue their financial goals by applying the knowledge I have gained from more than three decades as a financial advisor. I believe it is vital to provide financial planning by design, so I am purposeful and detailed about the planning process that I use to help clients define and address their objectives. My approach has been influenced by my experience as an educator, and I use my skills to educate clients on how and why to implement financial strategies that align with their goals. Above all, I am committed to providing outstanding service with dedication and integrity.
Before joining Morgan Stanley in 1991, I had successful careers in education, publishing and fixed-income securities. The transition to financial planning has allowed me to utilize my diverse skills to educate clients on how to understand and implement important financial strategies. I utilize a highly disciplined process based on clients’ values to lay the foundation for a plan that reflects my clients’ goals. One of my defining strengths is my advocacy in helping clients make vital decisions today, which can help them achieve their future financial objectives. When clients’ circumstances require additional support, I leverage the global resources of Morgan Stanley to identify and deliver the Firm’s expertise.
I consider myself a lifelong student and remain diligent about maintaining my industry knowledge. I earned a B.B.A. from Adelphi University and a master’s degree in guidance and administration from New York University. I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning; a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant, a credential for financial professionals who advise, market, and support employer-sponsored retirement plans; and an Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorSM, which qualifies financial professionals to address the unique planning needs specific to unmarried, coupled persons. Within Morgan Stanley, I hold the titles of Senior Portfolio Manager, indicating that I have been qualified by the Firm to manage clients’ assets based on training, experience and a commitment to service; Alternative Investments Director, reflecting my knowledge of alternative investment strategies and Lending Specialist, meaning that I understand the full range of lending resources that I can use to support your goals.
Outside the office, I am an active member of the Women Presidents’ Organization and the Doubles Club. I, also, volunteer with the Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum, an organization which connects outstanding high school girls with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with women entrepreneurs in their local communities. In my free time, I enjoy seeing Broadway shows, visiting museums, working out, ballroom dancing, participating in Pilates sessions, and traveling to many locations, including where my children and grandchildren live.
Securities Agent: AZ, CT, NJ, WA, OR, NC, MA, UT, DE, OH, NY, NV, NH, LA, IL, CO, OK, MD, CA, SC, PA, KS, TX, SD, RI, MI, GA, WI, VT, VA, NM, MO, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1253108