More Than Investments

At the Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley, we are a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to using our combined intellectual capital and vast resources to serve the wide range of needs for those with significant wealth.

Our clients, who range from multiple generations of families, former international diplomats, and executives to retirement plan sponsors, deserve sound wealth management.

Although one area of focus is investment management, we do so much more to help enhance the overall wealth of our clients. We employ sophisticated tax strategies, estate and charitable giving strategies, stock option planning, executive compensation consulting, family wealth planning, and preservation strategies. We apply fully customized approaches to help meet the growth and retention needs, as well as the special circumstances, of our uncommonly successful clients. And while we serve the needs of some very accomplished/successful individuals and families, we also work with those who are still building their wealth.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Approach

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    Step 1: Discovery Process
    Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
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    Step 2: Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
    Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
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    Step 3: Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
    Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
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    Step 4: Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
    After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
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    Step 5: Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
    Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
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    Step 6: Ongoing Assessment
    In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
The Weiss Reitman Wealth Management Group Executive Director and Family Wealth Director, Michael J. Weiss, leverages the versatile resources of Morgan Stanley and professionals to help our clients and their families maximize the value or their human capital by driving family wealth education, making it more likely that all members of the family will have the foundation and support they need to potentially lead meaningful, fulfilled and engaged lives.
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    Our Team’s Family Wealth Capabilities
    The Family Wealth Director (FWD) designation is earned by fewer than 4% of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors as of January 2022. This designation is given to advisors who have undergone distinctive training to complement extensive experience working with ultra-high net worth families.
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    Family Governance and Wealth Education
    The Family Governance and Wealth Education group helps ultra-high net worth families maximize the value of their human capital by addressing sensitive family issues, facilitating communication and managing your family dynamic to achieve a shared sense of common direction in coordination with your outside advisors.
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    Legacy & Estate Planning Strategies
    We provide a fully-integrated, comprehensive analysis of your balance sheet, estate plan and investment strategy through a collaborative process. At your request, we will coordinate with your estate planning and tax advisors as well.
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    Philanthropy Management
    We provide a smart way to give to the causes that you care about through Morgan Stanley GIFT. Our donor advised fund, GIFT, is a 501(c)(3) public charity structured to offer you a simple, thoughtful, and tax-advantageous way to support your favorite charities.

Certifications and Awards

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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2021, 2022, 2023
    Awarded Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2021, 2022, 2023.
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021, 2022, 2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
    Michael J. Weiss Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024, 2025
    Awarded Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024, 2025
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/23–3/31/24.
    Disclosures
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    Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
    CPWA® is an advanced education and certification program for financial advisors who work with high-net-worth clients on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution.
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    Certified Financial Planner®
    The CFP® certification is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of Education, Investment, Tax, Retirement, Estate and Insurance planning. CFP® Professionals must accrue several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass a comprehensive exam before calling themselves a CFP® Professional and are held to strict ethical standards to ensure financial planning recommendations are in the best interest of their clients.
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    Certified Investment Management Analyst®
    The CIMA® certification program covers five core topic areas and requires that candidates meet all eligibility requirements, including experience, education, examination, and ethics. This certification continues to be the highest level of advanced investment education for client-facing advisors. Having this designation enables Julie to make effective moves with your investment strategy to help meet or exceed your goals.
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    Qualified Plan Financial Consultant®
    OPFC® is the professional credential for financial professionals who sell, advise, market or support qualified retirement plans. The QPFC® program provides an understanding of retirement plan concepts, terminology, distinctive features of qualified plans and the role of retirement plan professionals.
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    Certified Portfolio Manager®
    The CPM® title is earned after completing extensive coursework and examination, followed by a five-day seminar at Columbia University which included sessions with internationally recognized professors. The CPM® curriculum involved in-depth study of fundamental analysis, option valuation, foreign currency exchange, credit default swap structure and valuation analysis and asset allocation.
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    Family Wealth Director®
    The Family Wealth Director (FWD) designation is earned by fewer than 4% of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors as of January 2022. This designation is given to advisors who have undergone distinctive training to complement extensive experience working with ultra-high net worth families.
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    Insurance Planning Director
    Recipients of the IPD designation have demonstrated a commitment to, and understanding of, holistic goals-based wealth management planning through the incorporation of insurance solutions into their practice as a foundational component of risk management.
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    Lending Specialist
    Lending Specialists (LS) are selected for their leadership, experience, and commitment to the lending business. Entry into the designation occurs on an annual basis and is by invitation only.

Client Resources

Morgan Stanley's suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources allows advisors to offer more customized and comprehensive advice than anywhere else. These tools' ease of use allows for a more in-depth view of a client's financial life to be taken, resulting in better service and more well-rounded advice.
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    Total Wealth View
    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. Log into Morgan Stanley Online or download the Morgan Stanley Mobile App to link and add external accounts.
    Total Wealth View
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    Premier Cash Plus
    Because you manage your investments with Morgan Stanley, you now have a better way of managing your cash needs with a Premier CashPlus brokerage account.
    Learn More Here
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    Goal Planning System (GPS)
    Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
    Learn More
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    Reserved Living & Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. Members can enjoy special discounts on travel, dining, holiday gifts and more.
    View Offers
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    Aladdin
    The Portfolio Risk Platform (PRP) is a state of the art wealth management platform providing real time analytics that enable financial advisors to identify and better understand risks in their clients’ portfolios.
    Learn More
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    Morgan Stanley Online & MS Mobile
    Morgan Stanley Online digital capabilities and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App provide clients with access to their account information, enriched reporting tools, several cash management solutions and robust market research. The Morgan Stanley Mobile App provides clients with access to their accounts in just a few taps. Enjoy features such as eAuthorizations, eDelivery and Total Wealth View.
    Morgan Stanley Online

Location

90 Grove St
Suite 204
Ridgefield, CT 06877
US
Direct:
(877) 249-2457(877) 249-2457

Meet The Weiss Reitman Wealth Management Group

About Michael J Weiss

Michael is intensely focused on helping clients navigate complex financial situations in order to help to improve their lives. His objective is to become a meaningful part of his client’s lives through the advice, intellectual capital, and the thoughtful approach that he takes.

Michael is a founding member of The Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley.
He has extensive experience serving the needs of those with significant wealth. Michael's focuses include longer term financial planning such as tax strategies, estate planning, and wealth preservation, as well as more immediate planning for stock options and executive compensation.



Michael holds the following designations or certifications:

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation CFP® from the CFP Board of Standards.

The Certified Investment Analyst CIMA® certification, administered by the Investments and Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

The Certified Private Wealth Advisor CPWA® certification, administered by the Investments and Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Certified Portfolio Manager designation from Columbia University and The Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, ACPM ®


Michael has been a volunteer for more than 2 decades at the Jericho Partnership, an inner city ministry working with the underprivileged in Danbury, CT. He also has served on the development board of Danbury Hospital and the Western Connecticut Health Network. Michael is active in his church and has served in leadership roles for the Boy Scouts.

Married for more than 30 years, Michael and his wife Linda have two adult children and live in New Milford, CT. Their son Michael is a member of The Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley, and daughter Jennifer is an international tax and finance specialist in NYC

A fishing enthusiast, Michael has traveled over the world to experience fishing in a variety of different locations. He also enjoys cooking for his family and choosing just the right wine pairing.
Securities Agent: AK, WI, DE, AZ, WV, PA, NH, IN, IL, GA, CO, TX, RI, LA, KY, VT, NC, CT, CA, MD, VA, SC, DC, MO, MI, ME, FL, WA, OH, AR, UT, NV, MA, AL, OR, NY, NJ, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282719

About Mark Reitman

Mark’s focus is on the relationships he has with clients. Watching clients reach their goals, and being able to play a meaningful part of their lives, fuels his passion for this business.

He is a founding member of The Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley, and
has more than two decades of experience focusing on complex wealth management strategies aimed at helping clients meet their unique objectives. Mark applies his extensive knowledge to advising individuals, specializing in Retirement Planning, as well as delivering retirement plan strategies for institutional clients.

Mark graduated from Delaware Valley of College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation from the College for Financial Planning.

Mark is a member of Save the Bay – Rhode Island, is a supporter of Clean Ocean Access – Rhode Island, and is a member The Point Association in his local community. Mark is an avid boater and saltwater fisherman, and also enjoys fitness, gardening, and the beach. He and his wife have two adult children.
Securities Agent: VT, NY, NC, MI, MA, CO, PA, OR, NJ, IN, NV, MT, DE, DC, CT, AZ, WA, GA, UT, MO, AR, AL, TX, WV, VA, SC, RI, OH, MD, NH, ME, IL, AK, LA, KY, FL, CA, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1275696

About Mike Weiss

Michael spent the first 6 years of his career at Lord Abbett, providing investment solutions to financial advisors and gaining a deep understanding of the financial services industry. In 2017 Michael joined the Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley.

Michael says one of the most rewarding and energizing parts of his role now is working with people planning to make the leap into retirement. It can take a long time to learn about all the considerations that go into a person or family’s retirement plan, but watching that plan come together into a confident retirement is a fantastic feeling.

Michael also spends a significant amount of time working with successful younger professionals and entrepreneurs planning wealth accumulation and investment strategies for financial independence down the road. He believes that as our clients' careers and personal wealth grow more sophisticated new investment options become available which create both opportunities and responsibilities.
Michael has been an avid skier his entire life, a passion that has brought him to mountains around the world. More recently, Michael has gotten very into mountain biking and spends many weekends and summer nights pursuing that new passion.

Michael holds a bachelor of science in Economics from Roger Williams University.
Securities Agent: MA, AK, WA, OR, VA, MI, MD, FL, AZ, UT, PA, LA, IL, CO, WV, OH, NH, KY, IN, RI, NJ, GA, DC, CT, TX, NC, DE, AL, VT, NV, MT, ME, CA, SC, AR, WI, NY, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1687379

About Philip J. Adriani Jr.

Phil enjoys being able to provide in-depth financial and portfolio analyses as well as recommendations to improve the financial lives of others.

Phil began his career over 30 years ago at a mutual fund company as a sales representative providing financial solutions to clients based on their circumstances. He successfully rose to the executive offices as a Vice President in their National Sales Department providing education and training to financial advisors on product and solution options and was a sales supervisor. He later served as a Chief Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Business Continuity Officer for two financial services companies in New York City before joining The Weiss Reitman Group at Morgan Stanley in 2010.

As a Consulting Group Analyst, Phil designs asset allocation proposals, prepares tailored reporting for clients, and is responsible for matters of technical policy and standards, and performance measurements. He also prepares individualized analysis and recommendations regarding client situations.

Phil graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of Science in Business and minor in Mathematics. Phil holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM designation (CFP®).

Phil enjoys gardening, hiking, canoeing and fishing. He volunteers his time to the Boy Scouts and sits on a Troop Committee. He is also a Lector at church and volunteers his time at various church activities.

Phil and his wife live in Fairfield County and have been married for 27 years. They have two daughters who are in college.

About Mary McCafferty

Mary began her career in financial services in the Operations Department at Morgan Stanley, later becoming a Client Service Associate. She has always enjoyed client relationships and being able to help others with their needs and questions.
Mary is responsible for account maintenance, administration and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. She assists clients with their online access needs and supports the team, assisting in preparing for team meetings.
Mary was an English and education major in college, graduating from Florida Atlantic University. After graduating she spent 8 years as an English teacher.
When not at work, Mary enjoys family activities, and working in her extensive garden. She has two adult children and lives in Danbury, CT.

About Nicole Marron

Nicole graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Before raising her children, she worked in purchasing for a technology company. Just prior to coming onboard with Morgan Stanley, Nicole worked for a local plumbing business as well as her church.
Nicole is responsible for account maintenance, administration, processing of client documents and provides support to the team. While this is a new role in a new industry for Nicole, interacting with and helping people has always been a part of what she likes most about all the positions she has held.
Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, a good read, gardening and she aspires to becoming more of a traveler. A few destinations on her list include Europe, the Mediterranean region and Iceland.
Both natives of Connecticut, Nicole and her husband have lived in Fairfield County for over 15 years. They have three adult children.
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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.

Financial Wellness

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

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Weiss Reitman Wealth Management 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.

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

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*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)