Our Story and Services

At The Southern Tier 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 six 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 help achieve the wide-ranging objectives of our clients.

Customization
Even the best strategy can be ineffective if it is applied to the wrong person, or at the wrong time. Due to this fact, we focus our time and efforts on deeply understanding the individual needs of each of our clients. We then help to craft an actionable plan that is tailored to their life situation, with their goals and their ability to help meet their objectives in mind.

Institutional Knowledge and Support
Our knowledge, coupled with the institutional support of a global brand like Morgan Stanley, grants us the resources and tools necessary to formulate detailed plans and provide world class investment insight and advice for each and every client. Our use of Morgan Stanley’s Modern Wealth Management Tools provides us with a cache of sophisticated financial instruments and techniques designed to help meet even the most complex requirements.

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

How We Work

At the Southern Tier Group, we believe certain steps are necessary in order for you to feel comfortable with us advising you, and for us to feel confident that we are able to satisfactorily guide you as you plan for your financial future.
Evaluation
In the beginning, we will spend time determining your financial standing, including where your assets are currently allocated and what you have done thus far to plan financially.
Life Stage Situation
Next, we will determine your risk tolerance and how it fits in with your current financial standing. It is at this point that we will initially discuss your goals and your level of comfortability in assuming the risk necessary to achieve those goals.
Asset Analysis & Goal Determination
During this critical step, we will take a deep dive into your personal finances. This requires an analysis of internal expenses, performance to date, current and desired risk level, and a future retirement income analysis. It is at this point we will be able to determine the feasibility of your retirement goals and the likelihood of achieving your objectives.
Planning and Monitoring
Lastly, based on the above analysis, we will collaborate to build a customized financial plan that allocates assets and builds a portfolio with your ultimate goals in mind. From there we will continue to monitor the progress of the plan, with regular meetings throughout our relationship to update you on your progress and discuss any changes if need be.

Our Core Values

The best relationships are built on trust, understanding, and shared values. Discipline and patience mold our investment philosophy, and are critical to us in helping you to achieve your goals. To that end, we are committed to the following core values that serve as the foundation of our practice:
    Comfort
    It is only on a foundation of trust and honesty that any relationship can be built. That is why we focus on making sure that our clients are comfortable discussing with us any topic that might affect their financial lives. This allows us to potentially better serve our clients and provide them with a greater level of confidence that they are in good hands.
    Consistent Contact
    Just because a financial plan has been put in place, doesn’t mean that our work is done. We continue to monitor and update our clients’ financial plans throughout our relationship with them, and this requires consistent contact. Keeping up with our clients ensures that we know what is going on in their lives and when their circumstances change. This allows to us react accordingly, adjust their financial plan if necessary, and involve them in every step of the process.
    Intellectual Capital
    Our combined six decades of experience allow us to offer disciplined, innovative thinking and strategies. We are able to incorporate best practices from two lifetimes spent serving the financial needs of individuals and families alike. Our insight help us to bridge the gap between the “real world” challenges our clients face and the investment world driving their decisions.
    Community Feel
    As lifetime members of the Binghamton community, we understand how important it is to have someone you trust working on your behalf. We bring this community oriented mindset to our practice by making sure that all of our clients understand that our commitment to helping them achieve their financial goals is deep rooted and unwavering.

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
  • Customized Financial Planning
  • Individually Tailored Advice
  • 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
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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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    Goal Planning System
    GPS helps clients define what they want out of life, and then creates a financial framework to bring these goals to life.

    Client Benefits
    A Plan Designed to Achieve Goals: A holistic Goals Planning System approach to Wealth Management can help tailor an investment framework that considers key aspects of a client's life, such as retirement age, healthcare costs, home buying, cash management, legacy needs, and potential withdrawal strategies.

    Embedded Investment Strategy to Help Clients Get on Track: Once goals are assessed, various investment proposals are considered to help clients get on track in accordance with their risk tolerance. The new tools will link to the latest asset allocation models, research and ideas and facilitate the Financial Advisor in providing advice right where it's needed.

    Track Progress to Goals: Using goals as a benchmark, the investment strategy is continuously evaluated to ensure clients are on track.

    Stay Flexible as Goals Change: As circumstances and goals change, Financial Advisors can help adjust priorities and introduce additional solutions.
    GPS Video
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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

50 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
US
Direct:
(607) 772-3400(607) 772-3400
Toll-Free:
(800) 776-0780(800) 776-0780

Meet The Southern Tier Group

About James Molinaro

As First Vice President at Morgan Stanley and co-managing partner of the Molinaro Group, James offers more than 40 years of experience in aiding clients with planning for their financial futures. James began his career as a Financial Advisor at First Albany Corporation in 1976, eventually moving to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in 1988, where he has conducted business ever since. While he and Troy had known each other previously through their work, they began their partnership in 2001. Both having been born and raised in Binghamton, they saw this as the perfect opportunity to utilize their combined skills and knowledge to serve their community. His primary responsibilities include maintaining client relationships, goal planning, and asset management in order to plan for his clients’ financial futures.

A graduate of St. Bonaventure, James is Series 3, 5, 7, 63, 65, and 66 licensed. These licensures for the securities industry enable James to design personalized, actionable plans for those he helps serve in order for them to better navigate their financial lives.

Outside of his practice, James enjoys golf and wintering in Sarasota, Florida with his wife Patty. He has two sons, Joe and Dave, as well as his many grandchildren that he enjoys seeing regularly.
Securities Agent: RI, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WY, IL, ID, GA, FL, DE, SC, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures

About Troy Sebeck

Troy Sebeck began his investment career in 1997 after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from The Binghamton University School of Management. Starting out as a Financial Advisor at Dean Witter, and staying with the company after its subsequent acquisition by Morgan Stanley, Troy has spent his entire 20 plus year career serving the diverse financial needs of his clients. Over that time, Troy has developed deep relationships with those he serves and prides himself on helping members of his community plan for their financial future. As a Vice President at Morgan Stanley and co-managing partner of The Molinaro Group, Troy focuses on asset management, goal planning, tax-efficient planning, insurance, and estate planning strategies.

Through his designation as a Certified Financial Planner, as well as his holding of the Series 7, 31, 63, and 65 licenses, Troy has attained the knowledge and skill necessary to design customized portfolios that help meet a variety of financial goals. His holistic view of the investment arena, coupled with the versatility that comes with serving a diverse clientele for over two decades, enables him to provide personalized advice that are appropriate for each individual.

Troy’s dedication to his clients and financial advisory is surpassed only by golf, of which he is a loyal fan and avid player with friends, family, and clients alike. Outside of work, Troy enjoys jogging and spending time with his wife, Barb, on their 10 acre property in the greater Binghamton area, where he has lived his entire life.
Securities Agent: ID, MI, VT, NC, ME, PA, NM, MD, CT, WI, TX, NH, NV, TN, OH, GA, CA, MO, CO, AR, WY, VA, DE, NY, NJ, DC, MN, MA, LA, AZ, SC, RI, IN, IL, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1475793

About D. Mark Macgargle

As a seasoned professional with nearly four decades of industry experience, Mark has a lifetime of skill and experience upon which to draw in order to help clients reach their investment and retirement goals. Over his career, Mark has developed deep relationships with those he serves and prides himself on helping his clients plan for their futures. As co-managing partner of the Macgargle/McKillop Group, he is responsible for maintaining client relationships, goal planning, asset allocation, and progress monitoring.

Mark began his career in 1978 at Prudential Insurance, eventually rising to Sales Manager and being included in the “Million Dollar Round Table,” which recognizes high achievement in insurance sales. Mark then moved on to Merrill Lynch in 1986 where he partnered with Dennis and began his career in financial advisory. This partnership led them to Morgan Stanley in 2007 after its acquisition of Smith Barney, and is where Mark and Dennis have conducted business ever since.

These diverse experiences, along with Mark’s holding of the Series 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 63 licenses, provide him with the skill and knowledge necessary to design customized portfolios that can help meet a variety of his clients’ financial goals.

Outside of work, Mark is a lover of animals and the outdoors, especially beekeeping, gardening, hunting, and donating his time to the Broome County Dog Shelter. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Christine, daughters Meghan and Margaret, and his two granddaughters, Meadow and Willow.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: TN, WY, FL, IN, VT, MS, NE, NV, WV, WI, WA, VA, UT, TX, SD, SC, RI, PR, PA, OH, NY, NM, NJ, NH, ND, NC, MT, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, IL, ID, GA, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, HI, OR, IA, KS, OK, VI, KY; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 879994

About Dennis McKillop

Dennis began his professional career in 1972 after graduating with a Business degree from State University of New York at Broome. As Vice President at Morgan Stanley and co-managing partner of the Macgargle/McKillop Group, Dennis believes that each client’s circumstances are unique, and as such, customized solutions are needed in order to address their specific needs. It is this belief, coupled with his nearly 40 years of financial industry experience, that grants him the ability to understand the financial objectives of his clients and help them to achieve their goals.

Starting out as an Insurance Agent selling Life Insurance, Annuities, and Mutual Funds at Prudential, Dennis transitioned into his career as a financial advisor in 1986 after moving to Merrill Lynch. His partnership with Mark began there and has lasted through moves to Prudential for a second time, Smith Barney, and ultimately Morgan Stanley, where the business is currently run. These experiences working with different people in different areas of finance have resulted in Dennis having a wide breadth of knowledge to draw upon when discussing a client’s current financial situation and how they achieve their goals for the future.

In his down time, Dennis is an avid golfer who enjoys playing at the Binghamton Country Club, as well as donating his time to the Propionic Acidemia Foundation. Dennis lives in the greater Binghamton area with his wife Sandy, and enjoys spending time with his two sons, Kyle and Corey, and three grandchildren.
Securities Agent: SC, MI, VT, MD, DC, MA, CA, NM, MO, IL, NJ, NV, IN, CT, WI, TN, PA, NH, ID, GA, AZ, VA, RI, DE, TX, OH, NC, MN, FL, WY, NY, ME, LA, CO, AR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1381947
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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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 Southern Tier Group today.
1When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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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3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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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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5When 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.

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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)