Why Us?

In a world of confusing headlines and challenging markets, The Kleinertz Group prides itself on simplifying our clients’ financial lives. We combine our individual talents into a cohesive team dedicated to helping you achieve your financial success. We focus on creating retirement planning strategies that range from wealth accumulation to income generation. We start by gaining an in-depth understanding of your particular needs, concerns, and priorities from which we develop a personalized wealth management plan.  Over time, we will continue to adjust your plan, should circumstances change, so you can embrace your financial future with confidence no matter what the environment. We strive to develop long-lasting relationships built upon trust, integrity, and transparency.

Our belief is that every client is entitled to the highest level of personalized service and care. With the global resources available to Morgan Stanley, The Kleinertz Group will place you at the center of the wealth management process. Together, we will work with you to design a financial strategy to help you reach the goals that matter to you most.

Corporate Email: kleinertzgroup@morganstanley.com
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
    Icon Image
    Forbes Best-In-State
    Steve Kleinertz

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2023

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2025

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2026

    Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors & Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.

    Forbes America's Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22-6/30/23

    Forbes America's Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/23-6/30/24

    Forbes America's Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2026) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/24-6/30/25
    Icon Image
    Forbes America's Top Next Gen Advisors
    Steve Kleinertz

    Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2021

    Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2022

    2021- 2022 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021- 2022 ). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.

    Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22
    Icon Image
    Five Star Wealth Advisor Award
    J.P. Brar

    2025 Five Star Wealth Advisor Award

    2024 Five Star Wealth Advisor Award

    Titus Lobo

    2024 Five Star Wealth Advisor Award

    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2024)
    The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional for the time period 07/25/2023 through 01/31/2024

    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2025)
    The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional for the time period 07/31/2024 through 12/31/2024

Media and Research

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.
    Icon Image
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    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.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    What Should I Do With My Money Podcast
    On this award-winning podcast, we match real people, asking real questions about their money, with experienced Financial Advisors. From prenups to passing a legacy to their children, from affording a dream home to literally wanting to save the planet, our guests discuss what matters the most to them and you get answers to some of the questions you might have yourself.

    Hosted by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Jamie Roô.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Learn More

Our Philosophy

The Kleinertz Group begins all conversations from a financial planning perspective. It is important to determine a goal for any investment strategy. Once we have determined a goal we can create and implement an appropriate strategy. As time moves on, this goal will likely change, as changes occur in your life we make sure to adjust your strategy to fit your new goal.
Retirement planning
Retirement planning is a goal almost everyone can share. After working for hard for many years we want to help make sure that you have a smooth transition into retirement. The Kleinertz Group focuses on helping people plan for retirement.

- When should I start planning for retirement?
- What are my retirement goals?
- What type of accounts should I use to save for my retirement?
- How will I create income in retirement?
- How do I protect my nest egg in retirement?
Determine financial goals
The first step of financial planning is determining a goal. Here are some examples of common problems we help people solve -

- When can I afford to retire?
- How can I fund new major purchases? (new home, real estate, new car)
- Can I help my children with college?
- How should I budget for things I enjoy? (Travel, hobbies, fun)
Portfolio review
Once a goal has been established it is important to ensure that your portfolio is invested appropriately for the strategy. The Kleinertz Group offers free consultation and portfolio reviews for anyone who is interested. We regularly review portfolios with our clients to ensure they are up to date with their goals.

- How much risk should I be taking?
- Is my portfolio diversified?
- How will my account react to ups and downs in the market?

WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

    Equity Solutions

    Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

    • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
    • Liquidity Events
    • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

    Learn more
    Retirement

    For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

    • Defined Contribution Consulting
    • Solutions-Oriented Plans
    • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

    Learn more
    Deferred Compensation

    Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

    Services include:

    • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
    • Portfolio Construction
    • Wealth Management Services
    Learn more
    Executive Services

    Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

    • Equity Compensation Services
    • Equity Award Analysis
    • Specialized Solutions
    Learn more
    Saving and Giving

    Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

    • College Savings
    • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
    • Charitable Giving
    Learn more
    Financial Wellness

    We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

    • Financial Education
    • Digital Tools
    • Financial Guidance

    Learn more

Location

1901 Main Street
Ste 700
Irvine, CA 92614
US
Direct:
(844) 377-8450(844) 377-8450
28202 Cabot Road
Ste 500
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
US
Direct:
(800) 965-2576(800) 965-2576

Meet The Kleinertz Group

About Steve Kleinertz

Steve Kleinertz is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Senior Portfolio Management Director with Morgan Stanley, where he has been servicing clients since 2006. A proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Steve holds a B.S. degree in Consumer Science with a concentration in Personal Finance.

Originally from Milwaukee, Steve moved to Southern California in search of a warmer climate and now calls Huntington Beach home, where he lives with his wife and their three children. Outside of the office, Steve is an active member of the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire. He enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active through competitive sports, and making the most of family time.

Upon receiving his CFP® certification in 2012, Steve has demonstrated a deep commitment to comprehensive financial planning. This certification is the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning and reflects his experience in risk management, investment planning, tax strategy, and retirement and estate planning. As a Senior Portfolio Management Director, Steve helps clients navigate today’s ever-changing financial landscape with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re focused on building wealth, generating income, preparing for retirement, or planning for the next generation, Steve offers personalized strategies tailored to your unique goals.
Securities Agent: WA, KS, IA, WY, OR, NV, NJ, NC, MI, IN, FL, AL, AK, WV, NY, ND, CA, AZ, OH, DC, CT, CO, VA, OK, HI, SC, IL, GA, PA, NM, MO, MD, ID, AR, TX, SD, MN, ME, DE, WI, UT, TN, NH, NE, MA, PR, MT, MS, LA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1288121
CA Insurance License #: 0F96546

About Titus Lobo

Titus is a First Vice President and lead Senior Portfolio Manager with The Kleinertz Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

Titus’ practice is dedicated towards simplifying the complexity wealth brings. He works with executives and approaches equity compensation in a proactive and informed manner to help design portfolios that resonate with his clients’ specific financial objectives. His planning method focuses on answering some of the pressing questions around equity compensation, analyzing stock options and managing liquidity.

Titus is a Financial Planning Specialist and a workplace advisor designee.

Titus volunteers his time through the various initiatives offered through Morgan Stanley. At Morgan Stanley, giving back is an integral part of the firm’s culture where employees help strengthen the impact they can make not only within their local communities but also with nonprofits around the globe.

Titus lives in Orange County, California and during his free time enjoys outdoor activities while spending time with his family.
Securities Agent: PR, IL, RI, MS, MN, IN, IA, CA, AR, WY, TX, OH, ME, MA, ID, SD, NM, ND, CO, WV, SC, PA, NE, TN, OR, NH, KS, DE, WA, VA, GA, NV, HI, AL, UT, OK, CT, AK, WI, NY, NC, MO, MI, LA, FL, DC, AZ, NJ, MT, MD, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1703199
CA Insurance License #: 0M52848

About J.P. Brar

J.P. is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Partner with the Kleinertz Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

J.P.’s primary focus is bringing clarity & confidence to clients’ lives. He is a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and institutions. His areas of experience include advising clients on IRA distribution & retirement planning strategies, tax-efficient investment management & planning around concentrated or highly appreciated equity positions. His planning method also incorporates alternative investments.

At Morgan Stanley, J.P. has received designations as a Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist, and Workplace Advisor for Equity Compensation.

In his personal life, J.P. supports a variety of causes. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (“NMSS”) is among those most important to him. As a donor & volunteer, he seeks to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of MS to advance a cure, prevention & treatment.

He resides in Orange County with his 11-year-old rescue dog, Blue (a very handsome Black Labrador Retriever mix). Outside of the office, J.P. enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with family & friends.
Securities Agent: KS, HI, MN, ME, CA, TN, MT, FL, CO, GA, AZ, AL, OH, NV, NM, ID, WA, SC, CT, WY, DE, TX, NC, MI, VA, PA, NY, MD, IL, AK, UT, NJ, MO, MA, IN, NH, WI, NE, ND, WV, PR, OK, AR, MS, KY, SD, DC, RI, OR, LA, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1993715
CA Insurance License #: 0M28029

About Daniel Acevedo

Daniel started at Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Advisor Associate where he worked with many different Morgan Stanley Advisors throughout Orange County, and he focused on financial planning. During this role he worked with many different families to create holistic financial plans to help meet their life goals. As your Financial Advisor, he knows the importance of truly knowing his clients in order to keep them on course toward their most important life goals.

As your Financial Advisor, he can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together, he can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.

Daniel graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Finance and Real Estate major. At the University of San Diego, Daniel was the founder and president of the USD Investment Club. Daniel currently resides in Laguna Niguel, CA and enjoys fishing, snowboarding, cooking, and trying out new restaurants. Daniel's favorite thing is to meet new people and discovering new experiences.
Securities Agent: AL, UT, OK, NC, MT, MI, DC, NY, ME, GA, WY, MS, MN, MD, MA, IN, AZ, TX, TN, OH, LA, IL, IA, HI, VA, PA, AR, FL, DE, CA, WI, WA, SC, OR, NJ, MO, CT, AK, KS, NV, NM, ID, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2474428
CA Insurance License #: 4301938

About Timothy Escobar

Securities Agent: KS, AZ, PA, MS, FL, DC, SC, OR, ND, MA, CO, AL, UT, TX, SD, NH, NE, CT, CA, WY, WI, VA, OH, NY, MT, MO, OK, MD, LA, HI, NC, DE, AR, NJ, MI, KY, IL, ID, PR, TN, NM, AK, WV, WA, ME, GA, NV, MN, IN, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1391717
CA Insurance License #: 0b23318

About Douglas Eaton

Securities Agent: DE, SD, PA, DC, ND, NC, ID, AZ, WI, TN, SC, MS, CO, UT, OR, NJ, LA, IN, FL, CT, AL, AK, OK, NV, MO, MN, MI, MD, AR, PR, WV, MT, ME, IL, CA, TX, OH, NY, IA, GA, WA, NH, NE, MA, KY, KS, WY, NM, HI, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1272896

About Marni L. Menden

Marni holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach, and has been active in the financial services industry since 2000.

She holds her FINRA Series 7, 66, and 9 licenses, as well as her California Life and Health Insurance licenses.

As a Senior Registered Sales Associate with the Kleinertz Group, Marni is recognized for her precision, discretion, and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience. She plays a key role in supporting both clients and advisors, ensuring a seamless, and highly responsive service environment. Her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach helps foster lasting relationships built on trust and professionalism.

Outside of the office, Marni enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends. She also cherishes time with her toy Maltipoo, Priscilla.

About Maria Reid

Maria is a Southern California native and earned her BS in Business Administration, majoring in Computer Information Systems, from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. After a brief career in the technology field, Maria attended the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. After practicing family law (divorce, child custody, domestic violence) for more than ten years, she decided to pursue a career change and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018.

Maria lives in Lake Forest with her wife, Alison, and their two dogs, Maddie and Molly. In her free time, she loves to travel and experience new cultures and adventures. When not traveling, you’ll likely find Maria doing an escape room with friends or making homemade pizza.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

This is a video content

Equity Compensation

Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

  • Vesting events
  • Option expirations
  • Restricted stock units
  • Tax implications

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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
Article Image

Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors

Prolonged conflict with Iran could lead to higher oil prices, hotter inflation and greater market uncertainty.

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
Article Image

The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Kleinertz Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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

Back to top



2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



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

Back to top



4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

Back to top



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 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



6When 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



7An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Back to top



8Morgan 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



9Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

Back to top



10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



11Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

Back to top



12Morgan 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.

Back to top



13When 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



14When 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



15Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)