Phone:
(847) 842-2474(847) 842-2474
The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(866) 621-5714(866) 621-5714
Toll-Free:
(866) 621-5714(866) 621-5714
Our Mission Statement
Committed to thoroughly understanding your financial needs, so we can help you evaluate near-term concerns and plan for your long-term goals.
The Tofilon Group
It is our privilege to walk this wealth building journey with you through the generations. Our commitment is to thoroughly understand your financial needs, help you evaluate near-term concerns and plan for your long-term goals. We will also act as a sounding board for investment ideas and assist you in developing and executing a strategy that is precisely your own. Our advice reflects our professional knowledge, extensive experience, and uncompromised integrity.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
The Tofilon Group Method
Our wealth management approach focuses on you, your family and your career – where you are today and where you want to go. Working together, we develop the strategies to help get you there, navigating life’s challenges and helping you make more informed decisions about your wealth.
Working With Us, You Can Expect:
1. Structured Contact and Communication
2. Response To Your Needs On a Timely Basis
3. Do It Right The First Time
4. Develop and Maintain Your Financial Plan
5. Anticipate Your Needs Before They Become Critical
2. Response To Your Needs On a Timely Basis
3. Do It Right The First Time
4. Develop and Maintain Your Financial Plan
5. Anticipate Your Needs Before They Become Critical
Our Commitment Is To Help You:
1. Preserve your wealth
2. Manage your cash flow
3. Minimize your taxes
4. Navigate health care costs
5. Develop a plan for lasting legacy
6. Make it simple
2. Manage your cash flow
3. Minimize your taxes
4. Navigate health care costs
5. Develop a plan for lasting legacy
6. Make it simple
OUR SUITE OF DIGITAL TOOLS
Digital technology is centered on how people communicate, consume, transact, travel and learn. Our comprehensive suite of digital tools is designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life.
Morgan Stanley Online
Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with one click using eAuthorizations.
Spending + Budgeting
Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool. We make it easy for you and your financial advisor to oversee trends in your financial life.
Total Wealth View
Seamlessly link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App. 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.
eDelivery
Morgan Stanley Online has a variety of features that can enhance your digital experience and provide a deeper level of security. One of those tools, eDelivery, allows you to securely save, print, send or receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
MARKET AND RESEARCH
We strive 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. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
GIC Weekly Report
The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance, and fixed income.
On The Markets Report
Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy, and more.
Thoughts On The Market Podcast
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Artificial Intelligence
Investors are searching for information to help them cut through the clutter. Learn more here about artificial intelligence, and see how Morgan Stanley experts focus on insights and ideas that explain key headlines, current data and emerging trends.
WE HELP ANSWER CRITICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR WEALTH
As your life and career evolve, so do your goals. We help answer your critical financial questions and adapt your strategy to meet your changing needs. Here are just some of the questions we help our clients answers every day.
Will I be able to retire on my current timetable?
Where will my retirement income come from? Will my 401(k) plan be enough?
Can we afford a vacation home?
Can my family manage my assets without me?
How much should I save for the cost of education?
Can I help my child with a start-up business idea?
What is the best approach for talking to our children about our family wealth?
How do I help my children and their families prepare for their financial futures?
Location
760 W Main St
Suite 200
Barrington, IL 60010
US
Direct:
(866) 621-5714(866) 621-5714
Toll-Free:
(866) 621-5714(866) 621-5714
Meet The Tofilon Group
Phone:
(847) 842-2473(847) 842-2473
Phone:
(847) 842-2471(847) 842-2471
Audrey Pickering
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(847) 842-2478(847) 842-2478
Kelly Karecki, CFP®
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(847) 842-2004(847) 842-2004
About John Tofilon
John began his career in the financial services industry more than 47 years ago. Early in his career, he developed deep expertise in the fixed income markets while working at a boutique bond firm in Chicago. That experience shaped his long-standing focus on helping high-net-worth individuals align their financial resources with the people, priorities, and goals that matter most to them.
In 2007, John founded The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley and, together with Kent Atkinson, built a comprehensive wealth advisory practice. As the group’s lead Financial Advisor and Managing Director, John works closely with clients to help them make informed decisions across all areas of their financial lives.
John is also a frequent seminar speaker and is known for helping make complex financial topics more understandable and actionable. His approach emphasizes clarity, thoughtful planning, and long-term perspective.
Outside the office, John has served as a budget counselor for his church, and in 2002 he co-authored the Good Sense Budget Course. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 50 years and are devoted to their three adult children and their spouses, as well as their nine grandchildren.
In 2007, John founded The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley and, together with Kent Atkinson, built a comprehensive wealth advisory practice. As the group’s lead Financial Advisor and Managing Director, John works closely with clients to help them make informed decisions across all areas of their financial lives.
John is also a frequent seminar speaker and is known for helping make complex financial topics more understandable and actionable. His approach emphasizes clarity, thoughtful planning, and long-term perspective.
Outside the office, John has served as a budget counselor for his church, and in 2002 he co-authored the Good Sense Budget Course. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 50 years and are devoted to their three adult children and their spouses, as well as their nine grandchildren.
Securities Agent: KY, NV, OR, MS, VA, WV, SD, WY, WI, WA, VT, UT, TX, TN, SC, RI, PA, OK, OH, NY, NM, NJ, NH, NE, ND, NC, MT, ME, MO, MN, MI, MD, MA, LA, KS, IN, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1279425
NMLS#: 1279425
About Kent Atkinson
Kent began his financial services career in 1986 at a bond specialty firm in Chicago. After spending a decade working with institutional investors, he joined John Tofilon to apply his fixed income knowledge and market experience to help high-net-worth individual investors.
When The Tofilon Group joined Morgan Stanley in 2007, Kent helped build and develop the group’s wealth advisory practice. Today, he brings decades of market experience, fixed income expertise, and a deep commitment to helping clients pursue their financial goals with confidence.
Kent works closely with individuals and families to understand their priorities, evaluate opportunities, and develop strategies designed to support their long-term financial well-being. His thoughtful approach and extensive experience make him a valued resource for clients navigating changing markets and important life decisions.
Outside the office, Kent and his wife, Pam, have been married for 40 years and have served as leaders in their local church for the past 31 years. They have three children with spouses, as well as fourteen grandchildren.
When The Tofilon Group joined Morgan Stanley in 2007, Kent helped build and develop the group’s wealth advisory practice. Today, he brings decades of market experience, fixed income expertise, and a deep commitment to helping clients pursue their financial goals with confidence.
Kent works closely with individuals and families to understand their priorities, evaluate opportunities, and develop strategies designed to support their long-term financial well-being. His thoughtful approach and extensive experience make him a valued resource for clients navigating changing markets and important life decisions.
Outside the office, Kent and his wife, Pam, have been married for 40 years and have served as leaders in their local church for the past 31 years. They have three children with spouses, as well as fourteen grandchildren.
Securities Agent: WA, TX, RI, NC, OH, NJ, MA, WY, WV, WI, VT, VA, UT, TN, SD, SC, PA, OR, OK, NY, NV, NM, NH, NE, ND, MT, MS, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, LA, KY, KS, IL, ID, IA, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, IN, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1310757
NMLS#: 1310757
About David Tofilon
David began his financial services career in 2000 on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, where he gained firsthand experience in market dynamics, trade execution, fixed income markets, and risk management. He later became a trader in the 30-year bond options pit, developing the discipline, analytical perspective, and composure that continue to shape his approach today.
David joined The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley in 2010. As Senior Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor, he applies a research-driven approach to portfolio construction, focusing on income generation, capital preservation, and risk management. He works with clients to develop investment strategies aligned with their goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance.
David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Wheaton College, where he was a member of the football team. Outside the office, he and his wife, Vanessa, have four children: Nate, Reagan, Cami, and Zach. Since 2014, David has also served as a Board Member for the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club.
David joined The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley in 2010. As Senior Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor, he applies a research-driven approach to portfolio construction, focusing on income generation, capital preservation, and risk management. He works with clients to develop investment strategies aligned with their goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance.
David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Wheaton College, where he was a member of the football team. Outside the office, he and his wife, Vanessa, have four children: Nate, Reagan, Cami, and Zach. Since 2014, David has also served as a Board Member for the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club.
Securities Agent: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1265297
NMLS#: 1265297
About Audrey Pickering
Audrey has been a member of The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley since August 2010 and serves as a Wealth Management Associate. In her role, she oversees many of the team’s operational functions, supports financial planning efforts, and helps deliver a seamless client experience through account servicing, reporting, and day-to-day client support.
Audrey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. Her attention to detail, operational knowledge, and commitment to client service make her an integral part of the team’s ability to support clients and their families.
Outside the office, Audrey enjoys traveling with her husband, Max, and their dogs, Pepper and Kylo. During the summer, they often spend time outdoors attending concerts, hiking, visiting national parks, or relaxing at the lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Audrey also coaches high school softball at her alma mater each spring.
Audrey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. Her attention to detail, operational knowledge, and commitment to client service make her an integral part of the team’s ability to support clients and their families.
Outside the office, Audrey enjoys traveling with her husband, Max, and their dogs, Pepper and Kylo. During the summer, they often spend time outdoors attending concerts, hiking, visiting national parks, or relaxing at the lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Audrey also coaches high school softball at her alma mater each spring.
About Kelly Karecki
Kelly is a Wealth Management Associate with The Tofilon Group at Morgan Stanley. She joined the team in 2016 and brings broad experience in the financial services industry. In her role, Kelly supports client relationships and contributes to the team’s financial planning process, including meeting preparation, data gathering, plan updates, and implementation follow-through.
Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Linguistics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from National Louis University. She obtained her CFP® certification in 2026. Her background in education, communication, and client service helps her translate complex information into a clear and organized experience for clients.
Outside the office, Kelly and her husband, Chad, enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family. Their favorite activities include wakeboarding, snowboarding, camping, and tailgating. They have two sons, Leo and Bode.
Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Linguistics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from National Louis University. She obtained her CFP® certification in 2026. Her background in education, communication, and client service helps her translate complex information into a clear and organized experience for clients.
Outside the office, Kelly and her husband, Chad, enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family. Their favorite activities include wakeboarding, snowboarding, camping, and tailgating. They have two sons, Leo and Bode.
Contact John Tofilon
Contact Kent Atkinson
Contact David Tofilon
Wealth Management
From Our Team
Municipal Bond Monthly
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
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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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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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Tofilon 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.
1Municipal 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
3Morgan 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.
4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan 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.
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
1Municipal 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
3Morgan 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.
4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan 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.
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)
