Our Story and Services

The team provides cutting edge guidance and unique customized plans to high-net-worth individuals and families to enable them to achieve their personal and financial goals. The group brings together a wealth management team with over 60 years of combined financial services experience. Steven and Michael showcase their unparalleled work ethic and commitment to their clients everyday while exhibiting an affinity for following the markets and current events. They advise individuals in the wealth accumulation phase and wealth preservation phase of their lives in the New York Metropolitan area and across the country. The team's insight on a wide range of topics cultivated through years in the industry provide clients with a level of knowledge and guidance rarely available to an individual investors.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Investor Resources

Here we have some insightful articles that give a deeper look into our services.
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    Estate Planning
    Regardless of your current financial situation, it is critical to have a backup plan for your money. We will regularly review your finances with you and coordinate with your estate attorney to help ensure that your wishes are met in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.
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    Insurance
    We will take a very close look at your financial profile to find out what type(s) of insurance best fit your needs and determine if your current insurance policies are right for you and your goals.
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    Alternative Investments
    With more than 40 years’ experience and over $140 billion in client assets currently invested in  alternatives, Morgan Stanley’s comprehensive strategies, diverse talent and global resources enable us to provide qualified investors with distinctive investment opportunities.
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    Navigating Retirement
    Leading up to and through retirement, we will help you identify the most appropriate ways to obtain the income you need and help ensure that you are on track to achieve your financial goals.
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Valuable Tools and Resources

Here are some digital tools and services that can help you with asset management and protection.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About TWV
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    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
    Learn More About LifeView
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    Portfolio Risk Platform - Powered by Aladdin
    Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
    Learn More About Aladdin
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily manage and share your important documents, such as wills, deeds and estate plans, as well as financial statements and tax filings. All files are scanned for viruses and malware and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
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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 and timely insights to support them at home and beyond.
    View Offers from Reserved Living & Giving
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    Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Learn More Here
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    Cybersecurity Checklist
    Whether it’s strengthening your passwords or treating emails from unknown senders with more caution, you can take a number of steps to reduce the threat of identity theft, online scams, malware, fraud and more.
    Read Here

RESEARCH

Here at Morgan Stanley, we provide our clients with resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The links below offer insight into the modern market and economic landscape.
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    Short, thoughtful and regular takes on recent events in the markets from a variety of perspectives and voices within Morgan Stanley.
    Listen Here
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    GIC Weekly Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read Here
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    Wealth Management Audiocast
    Check out our recent market update audiocasts, including the latest from Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer: Lisa Shalett.
    Listen Here
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    On the Markets Monthly Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report Here

Upcoming Firm Events

We hope you will join us for this upcoming event.

AI Revolution: The Breakthrough, the Buzz and a Blueprint for the Future

We invite you to watch the replay from our thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) with James Dyett, OpenAI's Head of Enterprise & Strategic Sales, Keith Weiss, Morgan Stanley's Head of U.S. Software Research Jeff McMillan, Morgan Stanley's Head of Firmwide Artificial Intelligence, recorded on Monday, March 24.

CRC4303146 03/2025
Online

Additional Replays

Location

2000 Westchester Ave
1nc
Purchase, NY 10577
US
Direct:
(914) 225-0700(914) 225-0700

Meet The Westchester Highridge Group

About Michael St. Hilaire

Michael excels in his position as Vice President, Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of The Westchester Highridge Group. With a career of over 28 years and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, he has established himself as a trusted and knowledgeable professional in the industry.

As a Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager, he has an aptitude and love for helping clients build and protect their wealth. He believes that even the most sophisticated investors benefit from the guidance and expertise of a portfolio manager. While his clients tend to have a good understanding of markets and investing already, they rely on him to coach them through investment decisions and educate them about unique opportunities. To him, clients’ income level and industry are far less important than their eagerness to learn and steward their wealth wisely. Whether he’s helping families in their primary earning years build a strong foundation or retired individuals distribute their wealth strategically, he always aims to offer an informed path forward.

Outside of the office, Michael enjoys hiking and running in his local Westchester community. Regardless of the setting, he remains passionate about delivering outstanding results in all aspects of his life.
Securities Agent: DE, PA, OR, MI, GA, NJ, NE, CO, AK, NV, NC, WI, TN, CT, NY, NH, CA, AZ, MA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1814718

About Steven Taub

Steven Taub is a seasoned and accomplished Financial Advisor, boasting over 30 years of experience in the securities industry. With his wealth management expertise and a proven track record, he has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the global markets, guiding clients towards achieving their financial goals.

Steven's approach is rooted in trust and open communication, creating a goals-driven environment where clients feel confident in his guidance. His extensive network of satisfied clients is a testament to his dedication to their financial success. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Westchester High Ridge Group at Morgan Stanley, Steven has established a reputation for delivering exceptional results and providing comprehensive financial solutions.

Before joining Morgan Stanley, Steven served as a financial advisor at Citi for 16 years, where he built a strong reputation for his strategic insights and unwavering commitment to client success. His deep understanding of complex financial products allows him to tailor solutions that align with the unique needs of each client.

Beyond his successful professional career, Steven is a devoted father and husband. He also enjoys listening to music and engaging in various sports such as tennis, and boxing.

With his extensive experience, expertise in wealth management, and dedication to client success, Steven Taub stands out as a trusted advisor in the finance industry. His commitment to open communication, tailored solutions, and unwavering support makes him a valuable asset to The Westchester Highridge Group and a reliable partner for clients seeking to secure their financial future.
Securities Agent: CT, WI, OR, FL, DE, TN, NC, MI, MA, CO, NE, NH, CA, AZ, NY, NJ, PA, GA, AK, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1814725

About Varun Soondar

Varun Soondar is The Westchester Highridge Group’s Senior Registered Associate. He specializes in client onboarding. He also assists with portfolio management and alternative investments.

Varun worked for JP Morgan for 7 years before coming to Morgan Stanley at the beginning of 2023. Varun graduated from SUNY Purchase back in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. He completed an MBA at Iona University in 2021. He has the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 Industry Licenses.

During his free time, he enjoys collecting vinyls, swimming, and boxing.

About Astonia Carey

Astonia Carey is a dedicated Client Service Associate for the Westchester Highridge Group, known for her proactive approach and exceptional problem-solving skills when it comes to assisting clients. With a background at Citigroup, she brings a unique perspective to her role at Morgan Stanley.

Astonia's educational journey includes achieving both a Bachelor's and a Master's of Science in Business Management from Concordia College in New York.

Astonia is of Kittitian nationality, coming from the Caribbean. She finds joy in exploring new places through travel. Additionally, her passion for sports shines through in her hobbies, with soccer and golf being among her favorites.

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Marianne Murphy

Marianne Murphy is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New York and Connecticut.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Marianne began her career in financial services in 2015, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018 as an Associate Private Banker in NY PWM. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Commercial Credit Underwriting Officer at BNB Bank.

Marianne is a graduate of the Saint Francis College, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband. Outside of the office, Marianne enjoys playing Softball for the Brooklyn Pickles and is always catching the latest released movies. She dedicates time to causes close to her, the Alzheimer’s Association, JDRF & Covenant House.
NMLS#: 1732135

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Westchester Highridge 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.

1Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.

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5When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)