About Us

You have worked hard to take care of yourself and your family, and your persistence has paid off. At The Trudden Group at Morgan Stanley, we care most about helping you put your wealth to work to achieve the lifestyle and legacy you envision. With our focus on comprehensive wealth management, we go beyond investment advice to address your full financial picture, from cash management and retirement planning to wealth transfer, liability management and business succession.
Services Include
  • Wealth PlanningFootnote1
  • Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote2
  • Asset Management
  • Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote3
  • Trust AccountsFootnote4
  • LGBT+ Planning ServicesFootnote5
  • Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
  • Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote6
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Clients

We have the privilege of working with a diversified number of highly successful clients that range from executives, entrepreneurs , and business owners. Whether you are looking to grow your assets, save for retirement, or make sure you are ready for key life moments, the Trudden Group will help you plan for the expected and the unexpected. We take the time to understand, learn, and discover our clients complete financial picture. We never come with a solution first approach and believe honesty and integrity are essential in creating a successful relationship.
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Businesses and Corporations
At the Trudden Group, we work closely with businesses, corporations and executives in order to help manage stock options, provide retirement strategies, and help to create portfolio diversification. In addition we administers several different retirement plans, including 401 (k), IRA's, and plans designed for corporate executives.
LGBT
At the Trudden Group, we know helping and assisting a diverse clientele is one of our greatest strengths. One way we demonstrate this commitment is through our LGBT community. We strive to build a team with the experience and the background to be a leader in this industry in providing excellent financial plan strategies to all. We have a strong base of LGBT clients and we have a fast growing amount of new clients with different backgrounds.
Advisory
We provide highly specialized advice to our clients. Our team is experienced and extremely knowledgeable in investment selection. We implement tax aware tactical strategies for both short and long term strategies. We provide active management that is tailored to each individual client. We are specific in the sectors we invest in and constantly monitor for changes in the market.

Making You Our Focus

Our planning-based approach to wealth management centers around you – your concerns, values, aspirations and vision for the future. Rather than tracking performance against a benchmark, we measure success by making sure your goals are being met.

Whether you are seeking to fund a child’s education, transition a business, retire or something else, we make your goals our focus. Your life plan is the framework for all the advice and counsel we provide, so the wealth management strategy we develop together reflects your unique needs and long-term objectives and helps limit the amount of risk exposure to only what is necessary.
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Tax Efficiency
In addition to aligning our recommendations with your time frame and market appetite, one of our biggest concerns is tax efficiency, knowing that what you keep is as important as gross return. Having a tax efficient portfolio is an integral part of any sophisticated financial plan.
Simplifying Your Financial Life
Successful families like yours have complex needs that required integrated wealth management strategies. Backed by the resources and intelligence of Morgan Stanley, we deliver the personalized care of a boutique firm, fully supported by capabilities of an industry powerhouse, so you get the services and solutions you demand and deserve.
We Are Here For You
Put simply, we have the skills, knowledge and experience to get things done and simplify your financial life, while always putting your interests first. In times of stress, financial or otherwise, we are here for you, our valued clients. Please call us anytime.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We are driven by our goal to help clients fulfill their own personal financial vision. At the same time, we have a vision of who we want to be and what we hope to accomplish for our clients and our community.
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Association of Professional Investment Consultants (APIC)
APIC offers community. It brings us together. We connect with folks we wouldn't otherwise find. Much less share a dinner – and a new approach to client care and growth.
St. Jude Organization
We are extremely lucky to be able to give back to the St. Jude Organization. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Teaching Crew at Local High Schools
Brendan is passionate about crew. He was part of the varsity team in college and wants to share his knowledge with the younger generation. Brendan volunteers his time at local high schools and teaches students crew.
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    LifeView Financial Goal Analysis and Financial Plan
    LifeView begins with a thorough understanding of you, your needs, your lifestyle and family. This provides our clients with comprehensive investing and planning solutions for their individual goals.
    Click here to learn more
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    Estate Planning
    Estate planning is the process of making arrangements to pass down wealth and assets after a person’s death. Proper estate planning gives careful consideration to the estate owner’s future plans, preferences and goals. The tax implications of the plan should also be thoroughly documented.
    Click here to learn more
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    Donor Advised Funds
    While you may think of charitable donations as writing a check or transferring assets to a nonprofit, there’s another option. If you’re planning to give to charity before the end of the year but need more time to decide where to direct those assets, a donor advised fund (DAF) may be a good option. Administered by a 501(c)(3) public charity, a Donor Advised Fund manages charitable donations on your behalf while giving you important and immediate benefits.
    Click here to learn more
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of. They include:

    - eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    - eDelivery, which reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.
    - Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
    Click here to learn more
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    Tax Planning
    Understand your guide to tax-efficient planning. Learn about tax rates, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.
    Click here to learn more
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    Reserved Living and Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
    Click here to learn more

Location

1200 Franklin Avenue 2nd
Fl
Garden City, NY 11530
US
Direct:
(516) 227-2897(516) 227-2897
Toll-Free:
(800) 645-8600(800) 645-8600

Meet The Trudden Group

About Brendan E Trudden

For as long as he can remember, Brendan wanted to be a Financial Advisor. His father was a Financial Advisor at a Morgan Stanley predecessor firm and Brendan developed a fascination for markets at an early age. Later, he came to understand that those markets were a means to a more important end – helping people achieve their fondest aspirations for themselves and their families.

After graduating from St. Mary’s College of California with a degree in Economics, Brendan joined his father’s practice in 2001 and set out to make his dreams a reality. He soon came to two realizations. First, his clients could benefit from full-time professional investment management conducted by carefully researched third party managers. Second, he saw the deleterious effect of taxes on even superior investment returns. That was when he decided to combine his two observations when working with clients. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) earned through the Investments and Wealth Institute and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Brendan collaborates with Morgan Stanley’s Consulting Group and his Trudden Group analyst colleague, Steve Birnbaum, to research investment managers for not only performance, but style adherence and organizational strength and stability. When constructing portfolios for his clients, he also takes a tax-conscious approach that seeks to maximize after-tax returns through a variety of strategies described in a white paper he authored entitled “Taxes Are the Enemy of Portfolio Returns. (Click here to access).

Over the years, Brendan has refined his strategy by seeking best practices of senior industry colleagues. He sits on the Board of Directors of The Association of Professional Investment Consultants (APIC), an organization committed to providing investment professionals with a forum for exchanging insights and ideas on investment management consulting. In addition, Brendan currently serves as APIC’s Annual Conference Chair.

A Garden City native, Brendan loves his hometown and is active in the community. A varsity crew rower in college, he has coached crew at several area high schools. He and his wife Allison (also from Garden City) continue to reside where they grew up and enjoy boating, skiing and raising their twin daughters.
Securities Agent: CO, ID, VA, VT, TX, PA, IL, FL, SC, OH, NY, NJ, NC, OR, MA, GA, WI, PR, CA, MD, AZ, DE, CT, WA, MN, LA, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282367

About KerryAnne Casano

Kerry brings a robust background in financial planning and digital resources to every client she serves. Since joining The Trudden Group in 2020, she has helped numerous clients create financial plans that encompass virtually every aspect of their financial lives. In addition, she has provided even technology-challenged clients with the coaching necessary to navigate Morgan Stanley’s online client capabilities.

Kerry graduated from Marist College with a degree in fashion merchandising and worked for several years in that field. Her last position was Digital Business Manager at Bloomingdale’s and the exposure to technology launched her on a new career path. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2017 and worked closely with Financial Advisors in the firm’s Western Long Island Complex to help them get the most out of the firm’s internal online systems. Eventually, she was promoted to Financial Advisor Associate and developed comprehensive financial plans for the clients of those Financial Advisors, using Morgan Stanley’s sophisticated planning platform. Today, she plays a critical role in The Trudden Group’s planning efforts. She also continues to coach clients on the intricacies of the firm’s client website and other online resources.

Kerry grew up in Garden City and continues to reside there with her husband Justin and their three children, Gus, Teddy and Beatrice.
Securities Agent: VT, NH, TX, OR, OH, NC, HI, FL, PA, MA, PR, LA, CO, CA, NY, NJ, CT, GA, WA, VA, AZ, SC, MN, MD, DE, ID; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2056735

About Steve Birnbaum

Steve performs the critical analytical work for the clients of the Trudden Group. In his role as Consulting Group Analyst, he focuses on performance analysis of client portfolios, investment manager analysis and selection, and portfolio allocation. In addition, Steve collaborates with his Trudden Group colleagues in the development of comprehensive wealth management strategies for clients and their families.

Steve devotes a significant amount of time researching topics and trends within the financial services industry that may affect our clients. A detail-oriented, creative thinker with strong analytical skills, he actively evaluates new technologies and financial planning tools to further enhance the high level of service that Trudden Group clients have come to expect.

Steve earned his Master’s degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin–Madison after graduating Cum Laude from SUNY Albany with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He joined a Morgan Stanley predecessor firm as a Financial Consultant in 1995 and joined the Trudden Group as Consulting Group Analyst in 2005.

Steve grew up on Long Island and continues to live there with his wife, Patti. When not analyzing portfolios and researching investment managers, Steve enjoys hiking with Patti and reading.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement


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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Trudden Group today.
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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.
Morgan 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.

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2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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3Morgan 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.

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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 and other legal matters.

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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.

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6Morgan 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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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)