Charting a Course to Your Financial Future

If you’re like many of our clients, you seek greater balance in your life. You’d prefer to focus more time on your family or career, and less time managing the day-to-day aspects of your finances. You value a team of caring and experienced advisors who can help you make more informed and confident decisions about your wealth, supported by a disciplined process that sets you on a path to long-term financial success.

At The Short Hills Group, we understand the challenges you face. We provide personalized, high-quality financial advice that simplifies your life, while adding meaningful value to you and your family. Above all, we make it a priority to be your financial steward, navigating the distractions of challenging markets, while striving to address your specific concerns and circumstances.

Getting started is easy. It begins with a conversation. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing details on how we can make a real difference in the quality of your life now and for the generations that follow.

We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Awards
  • 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams - Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/23 – 3/31/24
  • 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams - Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/22 – 3/31/223
  • 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager – 2024 winner Michael B. Goldberg; 2024 winner Heather Richelson-Hopkins; 2024 winner Zachary Z. Goldberg –Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 12/01/2023) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from 03/13/2023 through 09/29/2023.
  • 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams - Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/22.
  • 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager – 2023 winner Michael B. Goldberg; 2023 winner Heather Richelson-Hopkins; 2023 winner Zachary Z. Goldberg –Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 12/01/2022) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from 03/21/2022 through 10/18/2022
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
As a part of our client experience we produce videos on timely and timeless matters that may impact your financial plan. Helping you to develop a cohesive strategy to meet your goals and objectives. See the videos below for our Wealth Management Perspectives.
    Icon Image
    The Financial 5: One Topic, Five Tips – Preparing for Life After Selling a Business - 03/2025
    If you have poured years, or even decades, of your life into building a business, the time to sell may come with mixed emotions. Figuring out what comes after this significant milestone can seem daunting. Here are 5 considerations as you move toward this big step.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    The Financial 5: One Topic, Five Tips – Financial Do's and Don'ts for New Parents - 03/2025
    As a new parent you’ll receive no shortage of advice about how to prepare and care for your little one. While you ultimately know what’s best for your family, you may find comfort in learning the best practices that have helped other parents, including myself, on their journey. Let’s go over some common financial dos and don’ts to help you navigate this important time.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    The Financial 5: One Topic, Five Tips – Common Myths about Retirement Planning - 1/2025
    Even if you’re decades away from retirement, there’s no time like the present to start planning. Here are five common misconceptions about retirement planning to avoid and how to build healthy wealth habits today.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    The Financial 5: One Topic, Five Tips - Financially Smart Ways to Start 2025 - 1/2025
    Revisiting your finances at the start of a new year may not seem as exciting as making other resolutions such as exercising more, eating healthier, or taking steps to reduce stress in your life. But your financial wellness is often closely connected to your physical and mental health. Watch our brief video to hear more about the importance of starting the year financially on the right foot.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    The Financial 5: One Topic, Five Tips - Navigating Market Volatility - 12/2024
    During periods of heightened market volatility, maintaining perspective is key while navigating the ups and downs. We're often asked what one should do when faced with volatility, and a common answer involves patience. Here are five tips for navigating market volatility:
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    End of Year Planning - 11/2024
    As we approach the end of 2024, now can be an ideal time to revisit your financial plan with a fresh perspective. Ask yourself: What goals do you want to accomplish before year-end? What goals do you want to pursue in 2025? Watch this short video to learn more about year end planning considerations.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    Team Update - 11/2024
    We are excited to share we are now able to meet in-person in both Short Hills, NJ and Boca Raton, FL, in addition to via Zoom. View this brief video for more information.
    Click here to watch the video
    Icon Image
    A Historical Perspective on Investing and Politics - 10/2024
    In presidential election years, it’s important to maintain perspective when it comes to your portfolio and financial plan. We wanted to share our perspective with you.
    Click here to watch the video

A Disciplined Process Focused on You

Charting a clear, confident course to financial success begins with understanding your values, priorities and goals for the future. Working together, we define what is most important to you and your family and then develop the appropriate strategies to help you achieve your goals. Through each step, we provide objective advice and investment insights to construct a plan that is uniquely yours.

Our goals-based approach emphasizes investor education, ongoing communication and premium service. If your circumstances change – whether by chance or choice – we will be with you every step of the way.
Our Goals-Based Process
  • 1 - Discover: Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you – your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your goals for the future.
  • 2 - Advise: We work with you to develop strategies to help you achieve and protect the outcomes you envision.
  • 3 - Implement: We look across multiple accounts / products to help you implement solutions suited to your needs.
  • 4 - Provide Ongoing Service: Through ongoing reviews, we help you measure where you stand relative to your goals, making adjustments as necessary.

Our Valued Clients

    Managing Wealth, Making a Difference
    Our family wealth practice is built on the development of deep and enduring relationships and the delivery of comprehensive wealth management services.

    We work with a broad range of clients who value and respect the advice and guidance we carefully craft to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

    These goals often involve life-changing events, such as:

    • Starting a family
    • A new job or career change
    • Planning for and enjoying retirement
    • Relocating from another city or state
    • The sale of a business
    • A divorce or loss of a spouse
    • A large inheritance

    We also help our clients:

    • Minimize taxes
    • Optimize investment performance
    • Manage risk and provide family protection
    • Finance a major acquisition
    • Achieve long-term philanthropic goals
    • Pass wealth to the next generation effectively
    Our clients include:
    • Successful individuals and multiple generations of families

    • Professionals in the healthcare, legal, technology and financial fields

    • Business owners and entrepreneurs

    • Women seeking guidance for themselves and their families

    • Individuals faced with a major life event, such as a divorce, loss of a spouse or an inheritance

    • Referrals from existing clients and industry professionals

    While each client has unique goals and circumstances, they all have one thing in common: The desire to simplify their financial lives and develop an integrated strategy to preserve and grow their wealth.

A Commitment to Education & Engagement

We believe ongoing financial education leads to a better understanding of how to manage your assets and preserve your wealth. To that end, throughout the year we host a number of programs that focus on all aspects of your financial life.

In addition to in-person programs, we offer webinars and conference calls for our clients and their guests. We create these opportunities so we – and our featured speakers – can share insights and new perspectives on topics that may impact your financial plan and investment portfolio.

Please see the photographs above from some of our unique programs over the years. We hope you’ll reach out to us for information about upcoming events and look forward to seeing you soon.
Upcoming Events
For information on upcoming events, please contact Zachary at Zachary.Z.Goldberg@MorganStanley.com.
U.S. Policy Pulse: Trump 2.0 and the Market - February 25, 2025
Join Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett, on Tuesday, February 25, for a conversation with Chief Economic Strategist and Global Head of Thematic and Macro Investing, Ellen Zentner, and Head of U.S. Public Policy, Monica Guerra, on the top policy and regulatory actions that could impact investors in the months ahead.
Click Here to Register
Past Events
Navigating Financial Markets – April 3, 2024
Today’s markets are subject to forces that are often difficult to decipher and impossible to predict. As market conditions change, new investment opportunities emerge. Please join us at this seminar to discover some of the most important investment themes, opportunities and risks in today’s outlook.
Navigating Financial Markets
WEBINAR INVITATION: How to Navigate Emerging Cyber Risks - Oct. 26, 2023
Join us on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. ET for our latest cyber webinar. To mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Morgan Stanley expert Rachel Wilson will review how the threat landscape has evolved over the past year and unpack new trends and terminology.
Join us - Cybersecurity Webinar 10/26/2023
Exclusive Invitation - Andy Blocker, Invesco - September 26, 2023
Join Morgan Stanley on September 26 for an exclusive conversation with Andy Blocker, Global Head of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Invesco, and Monica Guerra, Head of U.S. Policy, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

Just a few days before Congress’s deadline to approve the 2024 budget and avoid a government shutdown, Blocker and Guerra will discuss the economic and market impact of the legislative logjam and the broader implications of congressional gridlock for investment strategies.

This webcast is part of the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Market Perspectives virtual event series.

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 4:15 PM ET
Register Here
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” - webinar via Zoom- 6/23/2022
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” webinar featuring Jack Manley – Vice President – Global Market Strategist – J.P. Morgan Asset Management on June 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm EST.

Today’s markets are subject to forces that are often difficult to decipher and impossible to predict. We will explore important investment themes, opportunities and risks in today’s outlook. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s “Guide to the Markets” presentation provides timely and thought-provoking insights on the global investment landscape.

Please see the invitation for details and RSVP by 6/22 to: shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: Thursday, June 23, 2022 – 4:00pm EST
Join us – Wealth Management Perspectives 6/23/2022
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” - webinar via Zoom- 2/9/2022
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” webinar featuring Jack Manley – Vice President – Global Market Strategist – J.P. Morgan Asset Management on February 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm EST.

Today’s markets are subject to forces that are often difficult to decipher and impossible to predict. We will explore important investment themes, opportunities and risks in today’s outlook. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s “Guide to the Markets” presentation provides timely and thought-provoking insights on the global investment landscape.

Please see the invitation for details and RSVP by 2/7 to: shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 – 4:00pm EST
Join us – Wealth Management Perspectives 2/9/2022
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Where are Today’s Opportunities?’” – Webinar via ZOOM – 10/19/2021
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Where are Today’s Opportunities’” webinar featuring James T. Tierney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer Concentrated Growth – AB on 10/19/2021 at 4:15pm EST.

Please see the invitation for important details and disclosures. RSVP by 10/18 to shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: October 19, 2021 – 4:15pm EST
Join us – Wealth Management Perspectives 10/19/2021
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” - webinar via ZOOM- 8/10/2021
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” webinar featuring Jack Manley – Vice President – Global Market Strategist – J.P. Morgan Asset Management on 8/10/2021 at 4:15pm EST.

Today’s markets are subject to forces that are often difficult to decipher and impossible to predict. We will explore important investment themes, opportunities and risks in today’s outlook. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s “Guide to the Markets” presentation provides timely and thought-provoking insights on the global investment landscape.

Please see the invitation for details and RSVP by 8/6 to: shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: August 10, 2021 – 4:15pm EST
Join us – Wealth Management Perspectives 8/10/2021
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to Retirement’” – webinar via ZOOM – 5/12/2021
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to Retirement” webinar featuring Katherine Roy, Chief Retirement Strategist with J.P. Morgan Asset Management on 5/12/2021 at 4pm EST.

Retirement is different now than it was in past generations. These days, individuals have varying expectations for how they wish to spend their retirement years. Many factors are interconnected, which require careful consideration when developing a retirement strategy. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s “Guide to Retirement” is a comprehensive guide to navigating to and through retirement.

Please see the invitation for details and RSVP by 5/11 to: shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: May 12, 2021 – 4pm EST
Join us – Wealth Management Perspectives 5/12/2021
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘2020 Year End Review & 2021 Outlook’” webinar via ZOOM
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives – 2020 Year End Review & 2021 Outlook” webinar featuring David M. Lebovitz, Executive Director, Global Market Strategist with J.P. Morgan Asset Management on 12/9/2020 at 4pm EST.

Please see the invitation for details and RSVP by 12/8 to: shorthillsgroup@ms.com

Date: December 9, 2020 – 4pm EST
Join us - Wealth Management Perspectives 12/09/2020
“LinkedIn Training For Job Seekers” webinar via ZOOM
Having a digital presence can open the door for new opportunities. Optimizing your LinkedIn profile to be seen by recruiters and implementing search techniques to find educational or career opportunities are critical especially during current times. Please see the invitation for details.

Date: November 10, 2020 – 5pm EST
Join us - 2020 LinkedIn Job Seekers Seminar
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Retire On Purpose’” webinar via ZOOM
Having a purpose is fundamental to health and happiness in retirement. We will discuss what happens beyond the “sugar rush” that retirees often feel directly after retirement. We will explore how to find your purpose and add meaning and fun to your future years. Please see the invitation for details.

Date: August 12, 2020 – 2pm or 6pm EST
Join us - Wealth Management Perspectives 08/12/2020
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Guide to the Markets’” webinar via ZOOM
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives” webinar featuring Philip Camporeale, Managing Director with J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Please see the invitation for details.

Date: July 15, 2020 – 2pm EST
Join us - Wealth Management Perspectives 07/15/2020
“Wealth Management Perspectives – ‘Opportunities in an Uncertain World’” webinar via ZOOM
Please join us for our “Wealth Management Perspectives” webinar featuring Erin Leighty, Senior Vice President, Fixed Income Strategist with PIMCO. Please see the invitation for details.

Date: June 24, 2020 – 2pm EST
Join us - Wealth Management Perspectives 06/24/2020
Past Events - 2019
“Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, NJ

Date: May 14, 2019
2019 - “Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”
Past Events - 2018
“Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, NJ

Date: May 15, 2018
2018 - “Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”
Past Events - 2017
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, NJ

Date: May 3, 2017
2017 - “Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”
Past Events - 2016
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, NJ

Date: April 5, 2016
2016 - “Investment and Financial Planning Symposium”

Location

150 Jfk Parkway
2nd Fl
Short Hills, NJ 07078
US
Direct:
(973) 912-7761(973) 912-7761
Toll-Free:
(800) 927-0227(800) 927-0227
4855 Technology Way
6th Fl
Boca Raton, FL 33431
US
Direct:
(973) 912-7761(973) 912-7761

Meet The Short Hills Group

About Michael B. Goldberg

As a Financial Advisor for over 35 years, Michael implements wealth management strategies for clients by focusing on their financial objectives.

Michael is firmly committed to long-term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional client service. He listens carefully to his clients’ goals, values, aspirations and concerns. Based on their input, he then works to help them to achieve their financial goals. Over the years Michael’s practice has evolved partnering with his son, Zachary, in 2008, and Heather in 2019.

He attended Stuyvesant High School. After graduating from Yeshiva University in 1969, he received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. After a career in social work, Michael joined Morgan Stanley’s predecessor firm as Financial Advisor in 1986. He has attained firm recognition as a member of the Century Club in 2017. His professional credentials include Financial Planning Specialist.

Michael, and his wife Judy, have been married for more than 40 years, have 3 adult children, 5 grandchildren, and reside in Somerset, NJ. In his spare time, Michael plays ping pong and enjoys regular trips to Florida.

Direct: 973-912-7744
michael.b.goldberg@morganstanley.com
Securities Agent: WI, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, MA, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1312834

About Heather Richelson-Hopkins

Heather’s experience and focus on income in retirement and preservation planning is core to our team’s mission. She strives to help our clients identify and reach their financial goals through having thoughtful and meaningful conversations reflected in a plan to achieve those goals. She continues to work with many of the clients and their next generations that started working with her father over 50 years ago.

Heather started at Merrill Lynch in 1995 with her father and took over the family practice once he retired in 2002. She transitioned to Morgan Stanley in 2011. In 2019 Heather’s practice evolved, partnering with Michael and Zachary forming The Short Hills Group at Morgan Stanley.

Heather is actively involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, where she donates her spare time to help find a cure for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, a disease which her daughter suffers from. She is a past board of trustee member for the Foundation for Diabetes Research. She is also a member of the NJ Association of Women’s Business Owners, JCC working mothers group and Mountain Plains Mothers of Multiples Club. Over the years, Heather has held executive positions in each of these groups.

Heather received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Syracuse University. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking and traveling. Heather’s passion for writing led her to publishing her first novel, a science fiction thriller, The Weapon, in 2014. Heather lives in Scotch Plains, NJ with her husband and her youngest son, while her boy/girl twins currently attend college.


Direct: 973-912-7726
heather.richelson-hopkins@morganstanley.com
Securities Agent: VA, TX, TN, SC, RI, PA, OH, NY, NV, NJ, NH, NC, MT, MD, MA, IN, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, WI, WY, WA, VT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282450

About Zachary Z. Goldberg

Zachary’s extensive knowledge in financial planning – retirement, estate planning strategies, insurance, education, investments and asset allocation –helps to ensure that our group provides comprehensive financial planning to our clients.

After graduating from Brandeis University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Zachary began his career with Ryan Beck & Co. in the Financial Planning and Estate Planning departments. In 2007 he moved to Morgan Stanley’s Retirement and Financial Planning group supporting the firm’s advisors nationwide. In 2008 he transitioned into working with his father, forming The Goldberg Group at Morgan Stanley. In 2019 the practice evolved forming The Short Hills Group at Morgan Stanley with the addition of Heather to the team.

In 2007 Zachary received an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Fordham University, and subsequently attained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Zachary has also attained Morgan Stanley’s Family Wealth Advisor designation.

In mid-2023 Zachary and his family moved from New York City to live in North County San Diego, CA. There they enjoyed the coast, hiking and monthly campfires on the beach making s’mores. Subsequently, Zachary, his wife Ilana, and their son and daughter moved to Boca Raton, FL in mid-2024. Zachary is an active member of the Brandeis Alumni association and local PTA. In his spare time, he enjoys being with family and friends, swimming, going to the beach, barbequing and traveling.

Direct: 973-912-7761
zachary.z.goldberg@morganstanley.com


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 matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: TX, CT, WA, NV, VA, NH, RI, FL, NJ, NY, IL, SC, PA, HI, CO, TN, IN, WI, AZ, CA, GA, MD, MA, DC, DE, OH, VT, NC, MT, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1380610

About Claudia Diaz

With previous experience in the financial industry, Claudia has multifaceted duties comprised of coordinating the group’s overall day-to-day operations. Claudia worked on Wall Street in the 1990’s and then created a family-owned construction business with her husband for the past two decades. She joined our team in 2022. Claudia graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner’s School of Public Service with a Master’s of Public Administration. She is a proud mother of two adult children and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Direct: 973-912-7751
Claudia.Diaz@morganstanley.com

About Ellen Reyes

Ellen’s focus on client service and attention to detail helps ensure our clients’ experience with our team can exceed their expectations. She has worked in the financial services industry since 1980 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 1997. Ellen graduated from the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, Philippines with courses in Liberal Arts and Bachelor of Science in Commerce. Ellen enjoys spending time with her family & friends and exploring the world. She has traveled to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, France, Monaco, Mexico and Canada.

Direct: 973-912-7722
Maria.elena.reyes@morganstanley.com

Hear from Our Clients

Michael, Zachary and Heather have been providing financial planning and advice for multiple generations of our family. Their financial planning advice, frequency of contact, accessibility, and premier client service model has been conducted in a first class way. This includes all aspects of financial planning including education, retirement, banking, and estate succession planning. Claudia is also a key contributor in making The Short Hills Group a top notch team and practice!
checkmarkVerified Client

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication. No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented. Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

3846129 9/24

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Adam Guralnick

Adam Guralnick is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New Jersey.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Adam began his career in financial services in 2002, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at UBS. He also served as a UHNW Associate Private Banker at Citi Private Bank and a Merrill Lynch Banking Advisor.

Adam is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Arts in Informatics. He lives in Livingston, New Jersey with his family. Outside of the office, Adam enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1114313

About Lucas Cervelli

Lucas Cervelli is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Lucas provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

He earned his undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Lucas is originally from Hunterdon County, New Jersey and currently resides in Lebanon Township, New Jersey.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

Are You Prepared for Tax Day?


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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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

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.

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
Article Image

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 
Article Image

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.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
Article Image

A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Short Hills 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



4When 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.

Back to top



5Investors 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.

Back to top



6Morgan 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

Back to top



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

Back to top



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

Back to top



9When 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.

Back to top



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.

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication.  No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented.  Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)