Our Story and Services

A team led by experienced Morgan Stanley designated financial professionals and a Family Wealth Director, we believe that our clients are entitled to a customized working relationship with both our team and the firm. Our grooup strives to provide our most valued clients with both the scope and influence of differentiating resources that Morgan Stanley has to offer.

Through the combination of personal attention and the team's financial markets experience, we help create financial opportunities for our clients and their families. We are committed to providing our clients with a grander experience, in regards to their financial needs, by utilizing a vast scope of knowledge that is both simple and rewarding. We work diligently to figure out our client's needs and then work to create strategies designed to provide them with the highest probability of reaching those goals, with the least amount of risk.

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Why A Trust May Be Right For You:

A trust fund is set up in order to control and manage assets of senior clients. These legal and financial agreements involve three key parties: the Grantor (the client), the trustee, and one or more beneficiaries.
Find the Trust that is Best Suited to You:
  • TRUST TRANSFERS: While certain elements of a trust may be set in stone, the person or institution named to act as trustee often is not. A trustee holds fiduciary responsibility to manage and administer trust under the terms of the trust document in a manner most advantageous to the beneficiaries of the trust.
  • LIVING TRUST: A living trust is created during the lifetime of the grantor.
  • TESTAMENTARY TRUST: A trust created under a will.
  • REVOCABLE TRUST: With a revocable trust, as long as the grantor is alive, the grantor can amend and revoke the trust. With a revocable trust all income is generally paid to the grantor as long as the grantor is alive. A revocable trust is used as a will substitute. A revocable trust allows the avoidance of probate for all assets contributed to the revocable trust.
  • IRREVOCABLE TRUST: An irrevocable trust is a trust that cannot be easily amended or revoked. Assets contributed to an irrevocable trust are completed gifts and no longer belong to the grantor. This means that all assets contributed to an irrevocable trust are removed from the grantor’s estate and are not subject to probate.
  • SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST: A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is an irrevocable trust created to ensure that a beneficiary who has a disability can enjoy the use of property held in trust for his or her benefit.

Investing with Purpose

"Delivering innovative solutions for our clients that align their personal values with their financial goals is an important focus for Morgan Stanley, and I believe we are uniquely suited to do this"
- James Gorman, Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO

At the Sapient Wealth Management Group, we wholeheartedly embody this sentiment- working tirelessly to invest with impact in a way that aligns with your values. We use several charitable giving strategies to achieve your philanthropic initiatives. The three most common charitable giving strategies are:
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    Donor Advised Funds
    A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible way to donate to nonprofit organizations. Clients who own DAF's make irrevocable, nonrefundable contributions of cash or securities to the fund. Assets in the fund can grow free of federal income tax, potentially increasing the value of future grants by the fund. An investment firm typically manages assets in a DAF, and the donor can give direction on when and which qualified charities should receive grants.

    Clients may receive a federal income tax deduction for a contribution made to a DAF in the year in which they make the contribution, even if they aren’t yet ready to decide which charities they would like to receive grants.

    Other potential benefits of DAFs include streamlined paperwork; the ability to donate more complex assets like real estate or art; and an opportunity to get family members involved in their giving strategy through tools like NextGen DAFs. Donors can also give because grants made to the charities will be made in the name of the DAF, rather than in the name of the donor.
    Speak with an Advisor
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    Private Foundations
    A private (non-operating) foundation is a charitable entity, usually controlled by the donor, that makes grants to public charities or, in some cases, other private foundations or individuals. Additional benefits of private foundations include:

    - The private foundation may employ the donor and his or her family and pay them reasonable compensation.

    - The donor can use the private foundation to teach family members fiscal responsibility and encourage philanthropy.

    - The private foundation can memorialize the name of the donor forever.

    - The private foundation can advance the philanthropic goals of the donor after his or her death.
    Speak with an Advisor
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    Charitable Remainder Trusts
    The Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is an irrevocable trust that is set up to diversify asset holdings, potentially defer capital gains tax and benefit charity by creating a trust that provides a fixed payment stream to family members over a specified term and then distributes the remaining trust assets to charity at the end of the payment term. The CRT is tax exempt, but the annual distributions to the non-charitable beneficiaries may be taxable income.
    Speak with an Advisor

Valuable Tools and Resources

We believe financial education helps our clients better understand our investment strategy and discipline, and in turn, result in superior long-term decisions. Therefore, we are committed to providing important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.

We've assembled the following resources in order to supply information we feel fit for our clients and current world events. We've provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you'll return often to learn more and stay up-to-date on relevant financial topics.
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    Global Investment Committee On the Markets
    Check out the Global Investment Committee's market outlook for this month. A publication containing thought- provoking content that examines the forces shaping the investment landscape.
    Read: "GIC on the Markets"
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    Tax Tables 2024
    Check out this outline of the 2024 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
    Access the 2024 Federal Tax Tables
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    Tax Tables 2025
    Check out this outline of the 2025 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
    Access the 2025 Federal Tax Tables

Location

58 South Service Rd
Ste 400
Melville, NY 11747
US
Direct:
(631) 755-8800(631) 755-8800

Meet The Sapient Wealth Management Group

About Kyle S. Kennelly

Kyle is a First Vice President and founding partner of The Sapient Wealth Management Group. He has been a Financial Advisor in the Wealth Management business for over 24 years.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2007, Kyle spent over 10 years working at Smith Barney.  As a financial advisor Kyle focuses on developing asset allocation and investment strategies for his clients.  He believes in advising his clients by utilizing a holistic financial planning process that integrates portfolio construction, risk management, investment selection, trust & estate planning strategies, retirement planning, and insurance.  His team’s shared goal is protecting client assets while guiding and assisting them on how to most efficiently grow their hard earned assets over time.
 
While at Morgan Stanley, Kyle has attained the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, CRPS designation.  He has also achieved the title of Corporate Retirement Director at the Firm.  In this specialized role, Kyle is able to advise and guide his Corporate Retirement Plan clients on how to best maximize their retirement savings.  He accomplishes this by educating his clients and working alongside their tax advisors and various strategic partners.   
 
A graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, Kyle then went on to pursue and attain a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Bentley University. 
 
Kyle is most proud of his three children. While away from the office, he enjoys playing golf, platform tennis, and fishing. 
Securities Agent: WA, CA, WI, VA, AZ, TX, NY, NC, FL, DE, NJ, VT, DC, SC, MI, MN, MA, GA, NV, MD, CO, PA, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1468171

About Michael Lupia

Michael Lupia is a founding partner of The Sapient Wealth Management and has been a financial advisor for over 30 years, helping high net worth individuals, affluent families and corporations achieve their financial objectives. He focuses primarily in utilizing a comprehensive financial planning process that is holistic and client specific. As a senior portfolio manager, he develops and implements a customized portfolio for each client that is designed to be as liquid and tax efficient as possible. Michael is committed to helping clients with every aspect of their financial needs, including portfolio management, retirement planning, trust and estate planning strategies, and cash management and lending services.

After graduating from Archbishop Molloy High School, Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fordham University, College of Business Administration. He then joined his father’s financial planning firm as an advisor, where he learned all aspects of the brokerage business. Similarly, his mother’s career at Roosevelt Savings Bank gave him a valuable perspective of the banking industry.

As a result of growing up in a financial household, Michael embarked on a 14 year career with JP Morgan Chase in Manhasset and Great Neck, NY as a senior financial advisor. He subsequently joined Morgan Stanley in Melville, NY where he has been a financial advisor and senior portfolio manager for over 10 years managing and preserving his client’s wealth.

His interests and hobbies include helping coach his daughter’s softball team, family travel, golf, fishing, classic and performance cars, food and fine wine. Michael currently resides in Farmingdale, NY with his wife Donna and their two children Michael and Olivia.
Securities Agent: VA, NJ, DE, AZ, VT, FL, MD, DC, NY, MN, TX, NC, CA, SC, PA, CT, WA, NV, MI, MA, CO, WI, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282481

About Ronald Valinotti The Sapient Wealth Management Group

Ron is a Vice President, Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley and founding partner of The Sapient Wealth Management. Ron's areas of focus are Corporate Retirement Planning, Corporate Cash Management, Estate Planning Strategies, Business Succession, and Personal Asset Management. Before coming to Morgan Stanley in 2009, he worked at Merrill Lynch, giving him over 20 years of industry experience.

Ron attended Iona college receiving his bachelor's degree in finance and since then has gotten his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation to help better serve his clients. Ron also, currently sits on the Board of trustees for Christ the King Regional High School, where he attended high school.
Securities Agent: CT, WA, MI, DC, WI, NY, MD, NV, GA, DE, MN, CO, CA, VT, SC, FL, AZ, PA, VA, TX, NC, NJ, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1331989

About Jacqueline (Jakki) Motta

Jacqueline (Jakki) Motta, Portfolio Associate, has been working in the financial services industry since 2000. She started in Operations, then soon after worked as a client service associate and became licensed. Jakki is responsible for coordinating all daily operational duties as well as assisting clients with day to day activities. Prior to working in this industry, Jakki was a deputy finance director in the political arena. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Molloy College and majored in Business Management. Jakki has her Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. She resides on the North Shore of Long Island.
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.

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Sapient Wealth Management Group today.
1Morgan 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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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 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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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’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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6Morgan 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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7Morgan 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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8Morgan 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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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)