Our Story

The Shore Bitterly Group is a multigenerational family team with a focus on providing financial guidance and management to other families and family institutions as they navigate life’s significant transitions.

Our team takes pride in helping other families preserve their wealth and spend more time on the things they enjoy in life. Our approach to financial planning includes retirement income strategies, legacy planning, wealth transfer, asset protection, business success planning, and management of wealth focused on your family’s interest over the long term.

Given our clients are primarily families, we have extensive experience in guiding our clients through life's most difficult transitions like a family loss or divorce as well as life's most exciting transitions including college planning, retirement, and legacy planning. We consider ourselves “transition specialists” and also “lifestyle advisors”, compassionately helping our clients transition from one phase of life to another. Our family-oriented approach fosters a team environment where every client is viewed as an extension of our own family.

The Shore Bitterly Group fosters a small family practice feel, while being fortunate enough to be supported by one of the largest and most well-respected investment firms in the world. We are a multigenerational team that encourages diverse thinking and collaboration amongst the newer and more seasoned partners. We practice and preach our own family values, including financial stewardship and education. Our primary goal is to preserve, protect, sustain, and successfully transfer our clients’ wealth to the next generation.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

The “Family Approach”

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• Our family-oriented approach fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and shared values- which leads to the more successful outcomes for our clients.

• We understand firsthand the importance of family dynamics and intergenerational wealth. This perspective allows us to deeper understand the complexities of preserving and growing wealth while nurturing and maintaining family values and closeness.

• Our open and candid lines of communication within our family team allow clients to benefit not only from our individual capabilities but also from the collective wisdom and synergy that arises when working with a dedicated family team committed to long-term success.

• Lastly, take pride in a team environment focused on helping our clients as if they are extended members of our family.

Our Videos

Morgan Stanley seeks to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future, and why. The links below provide in-depth analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the worlds of business and finance not only now, but in the future.
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    Introduction to our Video Series
    Learn more about what to expect from our teams financial education video series.
    Watch The Video
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    What is a Roth IRA?
    Learn more about a Roth IRA and it's uses.
    Watch The Video
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    Tips for Retirement Planning in Your 50’s
    Learn more about some of the steps our team recommends for those thinking about retirement in their 50's.
    Watch The Video
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    Tips for Starting A New Job
    Learn more about the tips our team recommends for those just starting a new job.
    Watch The Video

THE CFP® PROFESSIONAL - THE SHORE BITTERLY GROUP

Individuals certified by the CFP® Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate commitment and professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These four cornerstones set the foundation for the CFP® professional's ability in helping clients achieve their goals, The Shore Bitterly Group's diverse skillets can help clients navigate the complicated financial factors in their life. See below for more information about the CFP designation and how we can help:
Education
The CFP® professional must develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing 2 to 3 years of comprehensive coursework at an institution of higher learning approved by the CFP® Board. Once obtaining the CFP® trademark, their education does not stop, as continued education is part of the recertification process.
Examination
The CFP® professional must pass the 7 hour comprehensive Certification Exam, which tests abilities to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
Experience
All CFP® professionals are required to complete several years of experience related to financial planning services prior to earning the right to use the CFP® trademarks.
Ethics
The CFP® professional is obligated to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence as outlined in the CFP® Board's Code of Ethics. The Rules of Conduct require the CFP® professional to put the client's interest first at all times.

Financial Resources

Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. We are firm believers of providing our clients with as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns.
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    Mike Wilson: Thoughts On The Market
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join 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.
    This Week's Podcast With Mike Wilson
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    Global Investment Committee On The Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out this month's edition below.
    Read: "GIC On The Markets"
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    GIC Weekly
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income. Click the link below to read the full report.
    Read: "GIC Weekly"
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    2023 Federal Income Tax Tables
    For help filing your taxes this year, our team has published the 2023 tax tables for your reference. Please click the link below to view them.
    Read: "Tax Tables"
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    Reducing Your Income & Portfolio Tax
    Achieving your investment goals isn’t just about maximizing returns. Minimizing the impact of taxation in your portfolio can also play a key role in helping you build wealth over the long run. As you review your income and portfolio, consider the steps in the document below to assist in minimizing taxes on your investments.
    Read: "These Steps May Reduce Taxes On Your Income & Portfolio"
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    Home Financing Options
    Government policies have opened up multiple options to finance the purchase of a new home. The following PDF outlines 4 options to helping you make the best possible decision and maximize your financial potential.
    Read: "Four Ways To Finance A Home Purchase"

Location

20 Linden Place
Red Bank, NJ 07701
US
Direct:
(732) 224-3747(732) 224-3747

Meet The Shore Bitterly Group

About Gary G Bitterly

Gary has been a financial advisor for over 35 years; beginning his career in the financial service industry as a consultant for Sweeney & Associates CPA on Wall Street upon his college graduation from Rutgers University. A few years later he was given the opportunity to start as a Financial Advisor/Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch in Red Bank, of which he successfully continued his career for 25 years. In 2008, Gary left Merrill Lynch and joined Morgan Stanley where he continued his career and resides currently.

Gary’s practice has always been founded upon trust and transparency with his clients. He is a resource for professional investment and financial advice. In addition, his over 35 years of experience as a portfolio manager enable him to execute discretionary investment strategies that properly align with client’s objectives, ensuring their investment needs are being properly monitored and looked after.

Gary is a firm believer of being a lifetime learner, a hard worker, and an avid researcher. He also believes that one should always be learning and improving throughout their life. When he isn’t working, Gary enjoys researching markets, staying on top of current events, and being a history buff. He also enjoys playing golf and spending as much time as he can with his wife and three children.
Securities Agent: NY, CT, TX, MA, VA, NH, CO, CA, IL, UT, NJ, SC, NC, GA, DE, ME, FL, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1650432

About Dana Bitterly, CFP®, MBA

Dana is the head financial planner for The Shore Bitterly Group and has been with the firm for over seven years. Dana is a vital part of the team, focusing on creating financial and retirement plans for clients. She works directly with clients to deeply listen, learn and understand their full financial picture and creates plans that reflect their needs, wants, and life goals. Through careful monitoring and check ins, Dana keeps clients on track of their plans.

Dana is a alum of American University Business School as well as Monmouth University where she earned her working MBA in 2013. She has recently been accepted into Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Pacesetter’s Club 2020 for her excellence in providing a wide range of services to clients. She is also a Co-Chair for Women in Wealth Jersey Shore, an employee-run group dedicated to supporting, advancing, and celebrating women at Morgan Stanley.

Dana also has her Series 7, Series 66, and Life and Health Producer licenses.
Securities Agent: MA, CT, GA, CO, NY, NH, UT, TX, PA, ME, VA, NC, IL, FL, CA, DE, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1662616

About Tara Lynn Bitterly

Tara Bitterly is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Retirement Planning Counselor, Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor with The Shore Bitterly Group. Tara is responsible for client communication and investment strategies as well as working closely with clients to ensure a smooth implementation of investments and financial plans. She has been accepted into the Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Pacesetter’s Club in 2020, 2021, and 2022 for her excellence in client acquisition and business growth.

Tara began her career at the firm nearly a decade ago as a client service associate upon her graduation from The College of New Jersey Business School. Her passion for helping clients secure their financial futures is matched only by her drive to continually enhance her knowledge and skills. In her commitment to continued education and personal growth, Tara became a Certified Financial Planner in 2021, demonstrating her pursuit of excellence in wealth management and financial planning.

Tara lives on the Jersey Shore with her husband, Logan, and dog Pistachio. Outside of work her interests include real estate, traveling, and spending time with family.
Securities Agent: NY, VA, FL, CA, PA, IL, DE, UT, NC, CT, MA, TX, NJ, CO, NH, ME, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1650443

About Amy Weston

Amy is a Portfolio Associate with more than 35 years of industry experience both servicing clients as well as on the operational side. She began her career as a Client Service Associate for Shearson Lehman Brothers in 1990 and has worked in Toms River, Boca Raton, New York City and finally in Red Bank. Amy’s many years of experience helps her serve clients routine requests in addition to resolving issues quickly. She holds the Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. Amy lives near the ferry in the quiet town of Belford. She loves spending time with her husband of 23 years, 2 teenage sons, a Newfoundland and a Chocolate Labrador as well as gardening and working with the Boy Scouts and the Society for Prevention of Teenage Suicide (SPTS).

About Paul Bitterly

Paul is a highly skilled Client Service Associate with expertise in portfolio performance analysis and risk reporting. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2015, where he began his career as an associate for The Shore Bitterly Group, working closely with the team to provide insight on investment and risk analysis.

Paul's exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Software (formerly called Aladdin), which is used by many of the world's largest institutional asset managers, enable him to identify and mitigate risks and optimize portfolio performance. In addition, Paul's passion for technology and his natural curiosity help him stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The College of New Jersey and a Masters of Computer Science with a Specialization in Cybersecurity from Monmouth University. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, music, and computer programming. He holds his Series 7 and Series 66.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Shore Bitterly 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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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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.

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3When 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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4Morgan 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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5Morgan 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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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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7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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

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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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10Morgan 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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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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12When 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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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)