Transition Group Story

Life is a journey on a winding road, where many of the twists and turns can significantly affect your finances.  These shifting circumstances bring new opportunities.  As your life changes, so will your goals, needs and priorities.  At the Transition Group, we focus on helping our clients navigate any of the changes that life will present, freeing them up to live the best life they can afford.  Our practice is guided by three main tenants:

Transition - Giving our clients confidence and guidance through life’s financial changes.

Access - Access to the best products, research, tools and information available.

Trust - Building a personal relationship based on a foundation of trust.  We care about you and your money more then anyone who doesn't share your last name.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

At the Transition Group, we work as risk managers, helping our clients by managing their investment and retirement assets, while also guiding them through all of the changes that life throws at them.  We focus on minimizing the negative impact of down markets while helping to maintain a reasonable long-term rate of return.  Following our three main tenants of Transition – Access – Trust, we manage the long-term finances of our client’s household, allowing them to focus on living the best life they can afford.

Using the core principals of risk management and goals oriented allocation, we help consolidate accounts and organize investment assets including: business retirement plans, 401(k)/403(b) rollovers, cash flow analysis, college planning, inheritance issues, retirement income planning, charitable gifting and helping people transition from work to retirement.

Community Involvement

Every member of The Transition Group believes strongly in charity and giving back to the community.  Over the years we have been involved with numerous charities through serving on advisory boards, as well as donating time, effort and money.  Some of the charities we have worked with include: The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Delta Sigma Phi fraternal organization, Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Barrington Chamber of Commerce, SIFMA, Barrington Area Council on Aging, St. Anne Parish in Barrington and Our Lady of the Wayside in Arlington Heights.  In an effort to promote financial literacy, Tim also teaches 100 & 200 level finance and business math courses at Harper College in Palatine.

MODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES

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
    Icon Image
    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards clients with over one million dollars in assets and liabilities invested at the firm. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
    Learn more about MS Reserved
    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
    Icon Image
    2025 Tax Tables
    if you are interested in seeing the updated tax tables and other details for 2025, see all additional information here.
    Click Here for 2025 Tax Tables
    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
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More

NAVIGATING MAJOR LIFE EVENTS

Most major life events have financial implications. We are here to help you through them and make the right financial decisions for you and your family.
    Icon Image
    End of Year Checklist
    We've created an End of Year checklist to help ensure you're all set for the rest of this year. We've also included some valuable resources to help you plan ahead and set yourself up for a strong 2025.
    View Checklist
    Icon Image
    What Should I Do With My Money
    Check out the latest episode of Morgan Stanley's award-winning podcast: What Should I Do With My Money. In this episode, listen as Genesis speaks with a Financial Advisor about strategic planning and setting achievable goals.
    Listen to Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    Marriage
    Few events are more exciting than when you decide to align your life with the person you love. We help you plan for these milestones and guide these conversations.
    Icon Image
    Divorce
    Divorcing a spouse can be a difficult ordeal, with repercussions that affect your emotional and financial well-being. We can help you can prepare for these difficult situations and help you to feel more in control and better equipped to make informed decisions about your financial future.
    Icon Image
    Widowhood
    Dealing with death is never easy. Aside from coping with the loss of a loved one, legal matters also require immediate attention. That is why we help you plan ahead to ensure that your wishes and your will are followed.
    Icon Image
    Retirement
    Saving for retirement is a lifelong process that relies on defined financial planning strategies. We help guide you through this process each step of the way toward achieving their retirement goals.
    Icon Image
    Elder Care
    Aging can be challenging whether you are looking to develop a plan for yourself, or trying to figure out the best way to support your loved ones. Elder care may be a complicated, emotional process that is why we help keep you develop a clear plan that prioritizes the desires and preferences of the aging individual.
    Icon Image
    Business
    From executive-level employment situations to other business ventures—from startups to established enterprises we can help you navigate the complexities of business ownership and investment and associated activities such as selling, divesting or planning for succession.
    Icon Image
    Birth
    Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone from parents and grandparents to aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other extended family members. Therefore, we help you and other family members plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child may introduce into your lives.
    Icon Image
    Education
    Education is a major investment and expense that often requires years of careful, advanced planning. help you approach a variety of educational expenses, such as tuition, extension programs and advanced professional training, with appropriate funding strategies for each unique situations.

Location

760 W Main St
Suite 200
Barrington, IL 60010
US
Direct:
(847) 382-3727(847) 382-3727
Toll-Free:
(800) 221-2561(800) 221-2561

Meet The Transition Group

About Lois Wollney

Lois Wollney is a dedicated financial advisor with a rich background in the financial services industry. She began her journey at Iowa State University, where she earned her degree in finance. After graduation, Lois started her career as a sales assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in client relations and financial operations. Her drive and commitment quickly propelled her to the role of Branch Operations Manager, where she honed her skills in managing complex financial processes and ensuring operational efficiency.

With a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals, Lois transitioned to the role of Financial Advisor. She holds the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, demonstrating her skilled focus and commitment to the highest standards of financial planning. Lois Wollney is known for her personalized approach to financial advising, taking the time to understand each client's unique situation and crafting tailored strategies to help them succeed. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication make her a trusted resource for clients seeking to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
Securities Agent: HI, OR, GA, ME, ID, OH, IL, SC, MA, WI, MO, MD, DE, CO, MI, IN, CA, FL, DC, AZ, NY, MN, VA, TX, TN; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1413972

About Timothy Sattley

Tim is a Vice President/Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Barrington, Illinois. Originally licensed in 2001, Tim has been with Morgan Stanley since 2010, and previously worked as a financial advisor for JP Morgan/Chase. He has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois since 2008, teaching undergraduate level courses in both finance and mathematics. Prior to his financial career, Tim worked as an executive in the telecom industry for 9 years and is a 13 year veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard. Tim earned his Bachelors of Business (BB) from Western Illinois University and holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences from the Community College of the Air Force. His other activities include; former president of American Marketing Association, member of Rotary International and an alumni corporate board member for Delta Sigma Phi fraternity for both the Loyola University, Chicago and Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois chapters.
Securities Agent: IN, IL, GA, CO, DE, CA, HI, NY, FL, SC, WI, MD, TX, NC, MI, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1285117

About Joseph Batelli

As a Financial Advisor at Transition Group, Joe’s top priority is to help clients navigate all aspects of their financial lives – from putting children through college and preparing for retirement to caring for aging parents and protecting their family after they are gone. He believes successful people all share a common bond: They encounter important life events that require timely guidance to help them make the right financial decisions for themselves, their careers, and their families. Joe wants to be there each step of the way.

Originally from Hanover Park, Joe graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Joe was an agent with Northwestern Mutual, a Financial Representative at Foresters Financial and a Relationship Banker at JPMorgan Chase Bank. He joined The Transition Group in 2022 and has been a valuable member of the team ever since.

Today, Joe focuses primarily on financial planning, portfolio risk analysis and insurance planning. He also provides technical support to clients on the various platforms Morgan Stanley offers. Joe maintains his FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 licenses and also has his life and health insurance licenses.

Joe currently resides in Carpentersville and enjoys golfing whenever he has the opportunity.
Securities Agent: PA, NY, WA, SD, NH, FL, DE, VT, IN, IL, ID, CT, CA, VA, MO, NC, KY, MA, TX, SC, MI, MD, IA, MT, WI, GA, AZ, CO, NE, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1796149

About Douglas Wollney

My desire to help people realize the importance of investing and putting together a financial plan stems from being the nephew of a financial advisor, and witnessing firsthand what the advantage of working with a professional can mean for financial success.

After spending 3 years at Edward Jones, I made my way over to the Transition Group at Morgan Stanley. The transition gave me the opportunity to join an established team and work with a Firm offering global resources and financial tools to their advisors.

At the Transition Group we know that life is a journey on a winding road, where many of the twists and turns can significantly affect your finances. These shifting circumstances bring new opportunities. As your life changes, so will your goals, needs and priorities. We focus on helping our clients navigate any of the changes that life will present, freeing them up to live the best life they can afford. Our practice is guided by three main tenants:

Transition - Helping provide our clients confidence and guidance through life’s financial changes.
Access - Access to products, research, tools and information available.
Confidence - Building a personal relationship based on a foundation of dedication. We care about you and your money more than anyone who doesn't share your last name.
Securities Agent: MO, AZ, VA, CO, SC, MI, IN, OH, IL, CA, WI, NY, GA, TX, MD, FL, OK, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2588726

About Leslie Cabrera

Leslie Cabrera is a Client Service Associate who began her financial Services career with Benjamin F. Edwards in 2019. Leslie has a passion for helping people and a dedication to delivering a quality client experience by building relationships with clients one by one. Knowledgeable and responsive, she provides timely, accurate and meaningful answers to our client’s questions and makes sure their needs are always her greatest priority. Leslie is from Woodstock, Illinois and enjoys trying new food and golfing in her free time.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

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

4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

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

Investing

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

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

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

Family

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

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
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Transition Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

Back to top



2When 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



3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

Back to top



4Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



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.

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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

Back to top



7Morgan 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



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)