About Us

At The Schmitz and Sheehan Group, quality of personalized service is the foundation of everything we do. As such, we believe it is important that our clients understand the key pillars upon which our practice is built:

Experience
Our team offers seven decades of combined experience that informs how we interact with and serve our clients. Having worked with people from all different backgrounds, we understand that each person’s starting point and subsequent goals are unique. Our experience and insight help map out innovative, forward-thinking strategies designed to achieve the wide-ranging objectives of our clients.

Consistency
Consistent service that puts the client first ensures that their distinct needs are met with quality and care. We are committed to putting our efforts towards understanding our clients personally, so that we can craft customized strategies to the challenges they face in planning for their financial futures.

Education and Expectations
While any client can be told what to do to plan for their financial future, we believe it to be extremely important that they understand why they are doing what they are doing. Educating our clients on the options available to them and setting achievable, realistic goals is one of the main services that we provide to our clients day in, and day out. From the formulation and implementation of a plan, to the continued monitoring of its success, we are here to answer any questions our clients have concerning their futures.

Being asked for our recommendations and guidance concerning our clients' finances is not something that we take lightly. The confidence they place in us is returned through our dedication to helping them reach their goals, so that they can spend less time worrying about their financial situation, and more time doing those things that matter most to them.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

How We Work

At the Schmitz and Sheehan Group, we believe certain steps are necessary in order for you to feel comfortable with us advising you, and for us to feel confident we can help you reach your goals. The following is what you can expect from us throughout our relationship together:
Discovery
We spend a great deal of time determining your financial standing, including where your current assets are allocated and what you have done thus far to plan financially. This allows us to get a full picture of you both personally and as someone who is looking to the future and planning for retirement.
Goal Setting
Determining where you would like to be financially in the future and the feasibility of these objectives is key in setting attainable goals that can be worked towards throughout our relationship. Having a discussion concerning whether or not your risk tolerance is well-suited to achieving your goals allows for expectations to be set and managed going forward.
Financial Planning
Collaborating to build a customized financial plan involves an understanding of your current and future expenses, performance to date, risk level, and desired retirement income. All of these factors are taken into account to provide a well-rounded and dynamic plan that is both actionable and achievable in terms of working towards its success.
Investment and Monitoring
Just because a plan is in place, doesn’t mean that our work together is done. As contributions are made and investments are undertaken, we continue to monitor progress and hold regular client meetings. These sit-downs are to discuss any changes that may have occurred in your life or plans for the future that would affect your finances, and how we can modify our program to keep you on track.

Advice Matters

Not all advice is the same. Our team’s advice is backed by advanced technology, exceptional insight, and institutional scale that can’t be found just anywhere. We offer wealth planning informed by sound advice, developing comprehensive solutions to help you meet your goals. We take the time to develop a deep understanding of your complete financial picture, using your unique objectives to construct an investment strategy that is appropriate and all-encompassing. We will be sure to communicate with you regularly throughout our relationship and make adjustments as your life and the financial markets change.
Client Benefits
  • Dynamic Wealth Management Strategies
  • Customized Financial Planning
  • Industry Leading Analytics
  • World Class Institutional Support

Digital Tools

Morgan Stanley's suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools allows advisors to offer more customized and comprehensive advice than anywhere else. These tools' ease of use allows for a more in-depth view of a client's financial life to be taken, resulting in better service and more well-rounded advice.
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    Morgan Stanley Online and MSMobile
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of.

    FEATURES
    eAuthorizations: an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App

    eDelivery: reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.

    Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
    Morgan Stanley Online Log-In
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    Asset Aggregation
    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind. We've launched a new tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.
    Asset Aggregation
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    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one 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. The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Digital Vault Video

Location

1212 Troy Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110
US
Direct:
(518) 386-2900(518) 386-2900
Toll-Free:
(800) 438-5843(800) 438-5843
Fax:
(518) 386-2995(518) 386-2995

Meet The Schmitz and Sheehan Group

About Thomas Schmitz

As Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley and co-managing partner of The Fazio/Schmitz/Sheehan Group, Thomas Schmitz has two decades of experience helping clients meet their investment and retirement goals. Tom believes that each client’s circumstances are unique, and as such, require customized solutions in order to address their specific needs. He is a Financial Planning Specialist that focuses on managing client relationships, goal planning, asset allocation, insurance, and estate planning strategies.

Beginning his professional career after graduating from State University of New York at Albany in 1986, Tom spent 14 years in private practice as a CPA before becoming a Financial Advisor in 2000. First at Smith Barney, and then at Morgan Stanley after its acquisition of Smith Barney in 2009. Tom’s two decades of experience have resulted in a well-rounded approach to financial advisory that puts clients’ needs first. Over the course of his career, Tom’s dedication to his clients and his desire to help guide them to achieve their financial and investment goals has led him to be named to Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Century Club.

Tom is Series 7, 63, and 65 registered, as well as Life, Accident, and Heath Insurance licensed. These certifications provide him with access to a host of financial products and strategies that help meet the diverse needs of individuals and families alike.

While Tom especially enjoys spending time with his family outside of work, he is also very active in the community, as he donates his time to coaching youth tennis and to local charities in the area.
Securities Agent: MI, DE, MT, WA, RI, NY, GA, WI, VT, VA, SC, PA, NC, DC, TX, SD, KY, NV, AZ, ME, CA, OR, MD, IL, FL, CT, NJ, MA, CO, NH, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1482053

About Jonathan Sheehan

Jonathan Sheehan began his investment career in 2008 after graduating from State University of New York at Plattsburgh with a degree in Finance. Joining The Fazio/Schmitz/Sheehan Group in 2017 as a Financial Advisor, Jonathan focuses on creating detailed financial plans for clients using Morgan Stanley’s suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools. His knowledge of Morgan Stanley’s digital tools allows for a greater ability to customize strategies that are tailored to the diverse financial needs of his clients.

Jonathan is a Certified Financial Planner, a designation attained in 2018, and holder of the Series 7, 9, 10, 63, and 65 licenses. These qualifications, along with his Life, Accident, and Heath Insurance license, give him the versatility needed to design comprehensive plans that take into account clients’ full financial circumstances.

Prior to partnering with Robert and Tom, Jonathan held a number of different positions within Morgan Stanley. Specifically, he aided in the rolling out of client tools for the firm and, as an Integration Specialist, worked to ease the transition that came along with Morgan Stanley’s acquisition of Smith Barney in 2009. More recently, he was a member of the Complex Management team in Central Eastern NY for several years. These prior roles have given Jonathan a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon when designing solutions to help clients meet their needs.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys playing pickup basketball and spending time with his wife, daughters, and their family dog.
Securities Agent: SC, GA, WI, MA, DE, AZ, WA, RI, NV, NC, MD, FL, SD, PA, CT, OR, OH, NY, MT, DC, VA, NH, MO, CA, TX, NJ, MI, KY, IL, CO, VT, ME; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1634240

About Lori Haertel

Lori began her career as an Operations Associate with Smith Barney, later Morgan Stanley, in 2000. Through hard work and dedication she has expanded her responsibilities, and role within the firm, over the last twenty plus years.

Lori provides a full range of services for our clients, and has been recognized for her exceptional diligence, courtesy, and attention to detail. She is particularly passionate when it comes to providing our clients with online access, and ensuring that they are utilizing the full breadth of Morgan Stanley’s capabilities. Outside of the office, Lori is an active member of her community, and enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs. She is Series 7 and Series 66 registered.
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.

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.

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 Schmitz and Sheehan Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan 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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3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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7When 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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8When 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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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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)