Richard L. Schaefer
Financial Advisor
Phone:
(603) 422-8916(603) 422-8916
The Schaefer Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(978) 739-9655(978) 739-9655
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.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources
Below you will find several insightful resources. Whether it is staying up to date on the market, or looking into tax strategies for retirement, it is important to understand the many factors that affect your financial situation.
2022 Global Macro Outlook
The surge in global inflation has investors fretting about future growth, but Morgan Stanley economists say price surges will subside, making way for 4.7% global GDP growth in 2022. Here’s the view on the global economy.
Tax-Smart Strategies for Retirement
Smart tax planning can help you save more for retirement and keep more of what you’ve already saved. Consider these tax-efficient retirement planning strategies.
Tax-Smart Strategies for Retirement
You Work Hard, Make Your 401k Plan Work Harder
It’s important to determine how much money you may need to save for a comfortable retirement. Here are three strategies that can help you optimize your 401(k) plan.
You Work Hard, Make Your 401k Plan Work Harder
Total Wealth View
Total Wealth View gives you ability to view all of your assets and liabilities together, whether held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere. This can further enable us to advise and manage, taking your entire financial picture into account.
Total Wealth View
Digital Vault
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Digital Vault Video
eAuthorization
Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.
eAuthorizationModern Wealth Tools
These comprehensive resources will give you an in-depth view to your complete financial situation.
Morgan Stanley Online and Mobile App
With Morgan Stanley Online and our mobile app, save time on your finances and spend time on what matters most.
Morgan Stanley Online and Mobile App
Total Wealth View
Total Wealth View gives you ability to view all of your assets and liabilities together, whether held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere. This can further enable us to advise and manage, taking your entire financial picture into account.
Total Wealth View
Digital Vault
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Digital Vault Video
eAuthorization
Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.
eAuthorizationClient Experience
We work with you to create a tailored financial strategy that best fits your needs and goals. Here is our step by step process:
1. Discover
We meet with you to make sure we fully understand your financial experience, objectives and concerns. Whether planning for retirement, purchasing a home, or starting a family, we consider the entire scope in order to formulate a plan.
2. Create
Using your life goals as our compass, we work with you to develop a roadmap to help you pursue the outcomes you envision.
3. Implementation
We apply extensive research and analysis, as well as utilize Morgan Stanley's suite of resources to ensure an efficient action in all market scenarios.
4. Adjust
Achieving your goals requires vigilance and flexibility. We help you monitor your progress and make adjustments as life evolves, markets and tax laws shift, and priorities change.
Cybersecurity Resource Center
Your security is our top priority. Morgan Stanley proactively defends our systems and monitors our digital landscapes to anticipate issues before they arise and responds appropriately when they do.
The Firm is actively supporting a multitude of layers of security. Security includes the following; strong encryption protocols designed to protect your data, continuous monitoring to help detect and prevent fraudulent activity in your accounts, routine testing of our systems to identify potential vulnerabilities, and independent reviews by outside security firms to penetration test our applications and evaluate our processes.
The Firm is actively supporting a multitude of layers of security. Security includes the following; strong encryption protocols designed to protect your data, continuous monitoring to help detect and prevent fraudulent activity in your accounts, routine testing of our systems to identify potential vulnerabilities, and independent reviews by outside security firms to penetration test our applications and evaluate our processes.
Cloud Computing
As companies accelerate the move toward cloud computing, cybersecurity challenges have unequivocally intensified. Learn how two key software markets are poised to converge to mitigate new threats.
Click here to learn more
Protecting your Smart Device
Smart devices, we can’t live without them. They know our voices, our search history, and much more. This can present security risks. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Click here to learn more
Online Security Center
Safeguarding your assets and personal information is paramount to us. Learn about our extensive security measures and take advantage of our numerous resources and ideas that are geared towards helping you stay protected on the World Wide Web.
Access the Online Security Center
Cryptocurrency Scams
Cryptocurrency is attracting quite a bit of attention lately—including from cybercriminals. Learn more about this digital currency, as well as some popular scams that are being perpetrated by fraudsters.
Click here to learn more
Cybersecurity for College Students
College students may not be too concerned about being a target for hackers. Find out why cybercriminals may prey on students and how they can protect themselves.
Click here to learn more
Protecting your Digital Footprint
Worried about how much of your personal information is available online? See how you can manage your digital footprint.
Click here to learn more
Phone Security
You likely spend more time each day on your smartphone than on your computer, but do you pay as much attention to protecting the security of your phone as your computer? Find out why you should.
Click here to learn more
Cybercrime Preparedness
Was your email hacked? Your Social Security Number stolen? Do you know how to respond? Learn the steps to take if and when your identity, account, device or information is compromised.
Click here to learn more
Staying Cybersafe on Vacation
Going on vacation? You may be on a break, but cybercriminals aren't! Use these tips to help ensure you return home with your cybersecurity intact.
Click here to learn more
Family Office Cybersecurity
Family Offices can be quite vulnerable to cyber threats and the dangers of ransomware are real. Consider these best practices to protect your information and assets in an increasingly complex digital world.
Click here to learn moreLocation
35 Village Rd
Ste 601
Middleton, MA 01949
US
Direct:
(978) 739-9655(978) 739-9655
One Harbour Place
First Floor
Portsmouth, NH 03801-3834
US
Direct:
(603) 422-8916(603) 422-8916
Meet The Schaefer Group
Aaron J. Sousa, CRPC®
Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
Phone:
(978) 739-9655(978) 739-9655
About Richard L. Schaefer
Securities Agent: NH, MI, SC, OH, MD, AZ, ME, NY, TX, GA, NJ, HI, MA, FL, VA, MN, IN, DE, PA, RI, CO, CA, CT, IA, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297701
NMLS#: 1297701
About Aaron J. Sousa
Aaron Sousa first began his career in the financial services industry in 2004 in Providence, Rhode Island, and since then, he has succeeded in building long-lasting relationships with his clients by providing a balanced combination of education; strategic advice; and timely, ongoing service. He leverages his ability to simplify complex financial situations and needs for clients to ensure that they understand and feel confident about the decisions they make.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Aaron spent several years with a large regional financial institution assisting clients by providing holistic financial advice through goals-based planning. His involvement with clients encompassed all aspects of their financial lives, including investments, lending, banking, trust and estate strategies. From this experience, he gained valuable insight into the financial concerns and challenges of individual investors, business owners, as well as the substantial effort involved in building wealth.
Aaron has attained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation and holds Series 7, Series 66 and Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses. Over the years, he has attended numerous conferences to meet with and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Aaron earned his B.A. in Financial Services Management from Johnson & Wales University, graduating summa cum laude in Providence, Rhode Island.
Aaron and his wife, Alyssa, live on the North Shore with their four children: Cecilia, Colton, Chloe, and Calvin. Aaron enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams and is actively involved in their events and activities. He also enjoys watching the local Boston sports teams, playing golf, and skiing.
A lifelong Gloucester resident, Aaron believes in the value and necessity of our community’s great institutions. In addition to giving to his church and several local charitable organizations, he donates his time to Invest Write, SIFMA Foundation, and The Open Door.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Aaron spent several years with a large regional financial institution assisting clients by providing holistic financial advice through goals-based planning. His involvement with clients encompassed all aspects of their financial lives, including investments, lending, banking, trust and estate strategies. From this experience, he gained valuable insight into the financial concerns and challenges of individual investors, business owners, as well as the substantial effort involved in building wealth.
Aaron has attained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation and holds Series 7, Series 66 and Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses. Over the years, he has attended numerous conferences to meet with and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Aaron earned his B.A. in Financial Services Management from Johnson & Wales University, graduating summa cum laude in Providence, Rhode Island.
Aaron and his wife, Alyssa, live on the North Shore with their four children: Cecilia, Colton, Chloe, and Calvin. Aaron enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams and is actively involved in their events and activities. He also enjoys watching the local Boston sports teams, playing golf, and skiing.
A lifelong Gloucester resident, Aaron believes in the value and necessity of our community’s great institutions. In addition to giving to his church and several local charitable organizations, he donates his time to Invest Write, SIFMA Foundation, and The Open Door.
Securities Agent: ME, NJ, VA, TX, MI, IN, AZ, NY, GA, FL, RI, NH, MD, IL, HI, SC, DE, CO, MA, CT, CA, PA, IA, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 660550
NMLS#: 660550
Contact Richard L. Schaefer
Contact Aaron J. Sousa
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Schaefer Group today.
1When 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.
2Morgan 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.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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
2Morgan 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.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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)