Confluence of Three Rivers

A confluence is the place of meeting, or flowing together, of two or more streams. At The Three Rivers Group, we view a confluence as the meeting place of three important interactions: You, your financial advisors and the financial strength of Morgan Stanley. It is also where experience, strategy and service flow together to create and implement a customized, comprehensive wealth management plan that is designed to achieve the financial goals of you and your family.

To that end, we believe in the following tenets that serve as the foundation of our practice:

Financial Strategies for Life
We focus on helping you articulate your needs and aspirations as we work with you to review all aspects of your financial life. We then build a comprehensive plan that is carefully designed to navigate today’s fast-paced markets, helping to ensure your assets are available when needed.

We recognize that your financial challenges and objectives may change over time. We are here each step of the way, updating your plan to reflect those changes so you may remain confident in your financial decisions.

Knowledge & Service
With our collective financial services experience, we have extensive knowledge in investment management and know how to translate your objectives into strategies and solutions that are designed specifically for you.

Our approach includes customized investment consulting, a thorough understanding of asset allocation and risk management and an ability to refine your strategy as needs and the financial markets change.
We strive to understand you and are committed to helping you reach each objective.

Financial Strength
We combine the vast resources of a major global firm with the personalized service you’d expect from a small investment boutique. Yet, you will never feel overwhelmed by technical jargon or complicated processes. In fact, our style is quite welcoming and approachable. We make it easy for you to ask questions to fully understand the details of our wealth management recommendations.

Enduring Relationships
We are dedicated to building deep and long-lasting client relationships, based on trust and integrity. We do this by working with a select group of individuals and families. This enables us to dedicate the time, attention and superior service they each deserve. Through every market cycle, we guide them through each challenge by maintaining this close relationship, and providing the guidance, experience, solutions and strategies to help keep them on course to attain their long-term financial goals.

A Team Approach
We believe you are entitled to the best advice possible. As a result, we collaborate with specialists within Morgan Stanley to provide you with a full team approach to managing your wealth. To gain the precise knowledge needed to effectively manage all aspects of your wealth, we will also work in tandem with your accountant and estate planning attorney. We believe that working as a team helps to provide you with access to the most appropriate solutions and helps to ensure you benefit from the highest levels of service.

Complete Financial Management
We are committed to providing you with a “one-stop shop” for all of your financial needs. Our process begins with thorough financial planning to understand your goals, dreams and concerns, which in turn drives the solutions needed for your total personal balance sheet. Whether you need assistance with asset management, lending solutions, asset protection strategies, or college and retirement funding, we hope to be your first phone call for any financial decision.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Planning for the Life You Want to Live...Today and Tomorrow

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Our wealth advisory consultative process will help you design a pathway for the future and give you the confidence to pursue your dreams. The steps we guide you through are each equally important, but it is the process itself that is most important as it will help guide you and give you the confidence to step forward and adapt your plan as necessary.
1. DISCOVERY
A conversation to know where you are today and to understand your vision for the future.
2. ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATION
An evaluation of the probability of meeting each of your goals with the resources you have available. Developing customized investment strategies that help you achieve your objectives.
3. IMPLEMENTATION
Assisting and serving you as you put the plan into action.
4. MONITOR & REVIEW
Responding to changes as they arise, and measuring progress and results.
LifeView Financial Goal Analysis
Leveraging our LifeView Goal Analysis tool, we can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Over time, we will adapt it to changing circumstances, helping you achieve your goals and protect what is meaningful to you.

Solutions and Strategies Tailored to Your Needs

With The Three Rivers Group at your side, the challenges of reaching your most important goals can be more rewarding. We are ready to help you achieve your goals by working with you and your other trusted advisors, and by combining our financial insights with the global resources of Morgan Stanley. We offer a comprehensive suite of strategies and solutions for individuals, families and small business owners.
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    Setting a Confident Course
    Thorough, thoughtful financial planning — planning that analyzes where you are as well as where you want to go — is the most important step in establishing a path to your goals. We will explore and help define your objectives and needs, and then structure a financial plan that is uniquely your own.

    •Retirement & education planning
    •Investment strategies to match your goals
    •Stock option analysis
    •Saving and income strategies
    •Insurance analysis

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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    Strengthening Your Business
    The links between business ownership and personal wealth are many and complex. Whether your objective is to grow your business, realize its value through a succession strategy or sale, or maintain family ownership through the next generation, we will examine your alternatives and develop the best strategy to implement.

    •Cash management solutions
    •Retirement and benefit assessment
    •Risk management
    •Succession planning
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    Building a Unique Legacy
    Estate planning brings together all of the dimensions of your life. We are committed to understand the connections between your personal life, your business activities and your legacy goals, to develop a strategy that supports your wishes appropriately.

    •Wealth transfer and trust strategies
    •Charitable giving strategies
    •Coordination with outside legal and tax advisors

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third‐party corporate trustee.

Monthly Outlooks & Updates

Our team strives to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. We are a firm believer of giving my clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
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    Global Investment Committee: On The Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out the latest edition below.
    Learn More
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    Thoughts on the Market with Andrew Sheets
    Each week, Chief Cross-Asset Strategist Andrew Sheets, or a member of his team, shares podcasts offering perspective on the forces shaping the markets as well as insights on investment opportunities and risk across global asset classes. Click the link below to listen to the latest edition.
    Learn More
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    The GIC Weekly
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance, and fixed income.
    Learn More

MATERIALS TO HELP OUR CLIENTS

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth View
    Portfolio Risk Platform (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio’s exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
    eDelivery
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
    Private Markets - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Private Markets
    Many of today’s companies stay private longer, with more of their valuation being created before they become publicly traded. Morgan Stanley Private Markets connects a broad network of potential private investors in an accessible ecosystem, allowing eligible clients to buy and sell securities of private companies.
    Morgan Stanley Private Markets

Location

7733 Forsyth Blvd
Ste 2100
Clayton, MO 63105
US
Direct:
(314) 854-5607(314) 854-5607
Toll-Free:
(800) 325-0630(800) 325-0630

Meet The Three Rivers Group

About Gregory R Howell

Customer experience is a priority and a hallmark foundation to business. With a thoughtful and easy-to-follow process, families have been working with Greg to establish, build, and preserve their wealth for over 20 years. This process allows Greg to put his client’s best interest first and prepare financial plans that strive to help his clients to retire comfortably. Greg is passionate about not only helping individuals reach their individual financial goals but also explaining complicated ideas and strategies in a way that is understandable.

Greg began his career as a Financial Advisor at A.G. Edwards in 1999. He made a change to Morgan Stanley (and its predecessor firm) in 2007 and has enjoyed working with one of the premier firms in the financial industry. His clients appreciate his knowledge and attention to detail and client-centric approach. His ability to anticipate needs of the clients and take an interest in them beyond business is what sets him apart.

Greg received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Millikin University in 1989 and started his career in the banking industry in St. Louis. Playing college basketball provided a competitive mentality and a goal-oriented philosophy that he translates to his portfolio construction and service model. He and his wife, Laurie, have 4 children and reside in Des Peres. He is an avid sports fan, coaching high school basketball and baseball, and enjoys reading, serving his church, golfing and spending time making memories with his family.
Securities Agent: OK, MD, MI, IL, VA, CA, MA, MN, AZ, AR, WY, NJ, TX, NC, MO, PA, NY, TN, SC, IA, KS, FL, IN, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1407617

About Laurie Howell

Laurie is a Financial Advisor with The Three Rivers Group at Morgan Stanley, a highly skilled advisory team located in Clayton, MO. Her approach includes the development of a tailored wealth management plan and a commitment to ongoing education and outstanding service. Laurie focuses on helping individuals, families and business owners achieve their goals, which often include planning for a successful retirement, education planning and minimizing taxes through asset management strategies.

After spending 10 years working as an advisor and training other financial advisors for a regional firm, Laurie spent time raising her four kids and helping run a small business, putting her business savvy and customer service focus to work. Now, 10 years later, she has returned to the investment industry with Morgan Stanley, bringing her experience in financial planning to help clients reach their unique financial goals.

Laurie takes pride in her ability to put complex investment strategies into action and effectively communicate these strategies using an easy-to-understand process. Above all, she focuses on creating a longstanding and trusting relationship, helping clients simplify their lives so they may pursue their dreams and enjoy the wealth they have accumulated.

Laurie holds a B.A. degree in Finance from Bradley University. She and her husband, Greg, have four children and one grandson. Outside of the office, Laurie enjoys serving at her church, working with at risk teens and volunteering at local homeless shelters.
Securities Agent: IN, MI, NJ, TN, WY, VA, TX, SC, PA, NY, NC, MO, MN, MD, MA, KS, IL, IA, FL, CO, CA, AZ, AR, OK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2506842

About Robin Vierling

Robin is a Client Service Associate at the Three Rivers Group. A results-driven professional, she is committed to cultivating deep relationships with clients so she can help them solve their financial challenges. Robin is often the first line of contact on a broad array of client services. She is committed to providing each client with caring and personalized attention.

Robin leads several important client servicing activities for the team. Her responsibilities include opening new accounts, money transfers and assisting clients with technical support for Morgan Stanley Online and other digital services. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with clients and receives great satisfaction knowing she is helping them simplify their finances and achieve their long-term financial goals.

In her free time, Robin enjoys spending time with friends, family and going on walks with her 2 dogs. She also enjoys volunteering with the town's local church and is an active gardener, who enjoys growing the Missouri native flowers and vegetables.

About Angela Stewart

Angela is dedicated professional with an interest in both personal and client growth. She enjoys staying active through regular workouts and running. One of her greatest joys is spending time with her husband and daughter, especially watching her daughter play volleyball. Committed to balancing family, fitness and career Angela thrives on helping others while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

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 Greg Cole

Greg Cole is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Missouri.

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.

Greg began his career in financial services in 1999, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Regional Banking Consultant at Wells Fargo Advisors. Greg has also served as an Area Manager with JP Morgan Chase and was a Senior Mortgage Consultant in the Smith Barney division at CitiMortgage.

Greg is a graduate of Rockhurst University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He and his family currently reside in O’Fallon, Missouri. Outside of the office, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
NMLS#: 801927

About Sarah Ott

Sarah Ott, CFP® is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth
Management offices in the St. Louis area. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients'
and prospects' financial planning needs.

Sarah began her career in Financial Services in 2014 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to
her current position, she was a Financial Advisor and Director of Financial Planning Operations at
Thrivent Financial.

Sarah graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys traveling with
her family, trying new restaurants, volunteering at her church, and attending concerts and sporting
events.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at
http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
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 Three Rivers Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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

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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.

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7Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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8Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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

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10When 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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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)