Our Story

Integrity
We abide by a higher fiduciary standard and put our client's interest first in all of our decisions.

Transparency
We are committed to giving our clients 100% transparency into investment decisions, market strategies and fees.

Independent
We conduct our own independent research with access to a multitude of resources from Morgan Stanley and across The Street.

Client-Centric
We provide our clients with a superior level of service and attention as well as ongoing oversight and financial education.
Quotes
  • "There is no one more important to us than our clients, who entrust us with any portion of their wealth." - Alan Whitman
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

IN THE PRESS

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    Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
    2004-2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors

    Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2004-2023). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Dec of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
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    Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors
    2012-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)

    Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2012-2023.) Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
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    Barron's Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams
    2023-2024 Barron's Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams

    ​Source: Barron's.com (Awarded 2023-2024) Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in December of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
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    Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
    2016-2024 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2016-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of the year the award was issued.
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    2018-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2018-2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of the year the award was issued.
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    2023-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.
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    Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams: High Net Worth
    2022-2023 Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams: High Net Worth

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.
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    Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
    Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors

    Source: ft.com (Awarded 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) Data compiled by the Financial Times based 12-month time period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.

Questions We Can Help You Answer

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    INVESTING
    • What should I be invested in?
    • Is this a good time to be invested in stocks and/or bonds
    • How do I protect my portfolio
    • There are so many products out there – how do I know which one is the best for me
    • What are the fees for these products
    • Why not put my money in an ETF or Index Fund
    • How do you measure risk and how much risk should I take
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    RETIREMENT
    • Can I afford retirement?
    • Do I need to work longer or potentially save more
    • What should I do with the money in my company’s retirement plan
    • How should I take my pension
    • What should I do about health insurance
    • How should I invest during retirement
    • When do I have to take money out of my IRA
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    BANKING AND LENDING
    • Do I have enough money to buy a house
    • How much should I borrow
    • Is owning a property right for me
    • Will this affect my liquidity and tax situation
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    ESTATE PLANNING
    • Should I establish a trust or an estate plan?
    • How do I protect the financial future of my children
    • What happens if I die without a Will or Trust
    • What’s the best way to leave money to charity

Location

55 South Lake Ave
Ste 700
Pasadena, CA 91101
US
Direct:
(626) 405-9313(626) 405-9313

Meet The Whitman Group

About Alan Whitman

With over 53 years of investment management experience, Alan takes great pride in helping individuals, families and foundations enhance and preserve their wealth by providing his clients with clear, easy to understand explanations of financial options that put them, and their future’s security, first. He believes that everyone should have access to intuitional quality investment advice that empowers them to co-create a customized and personalized portfolio focused on investment decisions and market strategies that match their own unique interests and individual goals. Today, many of Alan’s clients are the children, and even grandchildren, of those he advised earlier in his career.

Alan is among the few financial advisors who have been consistently named to the Barron’s magazine Top 100 Financial Advisors* in the United States list since its inception in 2004. Alan has also been named to the Forbes “America’s Top 100 Wealth Advisors” list each year since its inception in 2016. While having appeared on ABC and CBS television, he has also been interviewed on several radio stations such as KFWB, KNX and KFI. Additionally, Alan has been featured and frequently quoted by:

-Barron’s Magazine
-The Wall Street Journal
-The Pasadena Star News
-Los Angeles Times
-The L.A. Business Journal
Alan serves as a member of the Council of Philatelists of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum; past Chairman and current Board Member of the USC Methodist Hospital Foundation of Southern California; Board Member of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation; Board Member of the Midgley Foundation; Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Nebraska Foundation and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Autry Museum of the American West. He has also served as President and member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Alan served in the Army after completing his college degree.

Recognitions:
2004-2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2004-2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Dec of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2016-2023 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2016-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of the year the award was issued.
Securities Agent: TX, AZ, WY, WA, TN, RI, OR, OK, ME, KS, GA, CO, MT, IN, IL, PA, MS, AR, VA, FL, NE, CT, UT, SD, SC, NV, MN, OH, MO, ID, DE, AK, WI, NY, NC, MI, MD, MA, KY, HI, NM, NJ, DC, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1255750
CA Insurance License #: 0A24541

About Erin Brooks

With over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Erin joined the Whitman Group in 2004 as the Group Director and operational lead on portfolio management relationships, overseeing every aspect from inception to servicing to oversight. Renowned for providing exceptional client service, Erin is also the team specialist in insurance and serves as a Notary Public. Her meticulous attention to detail and prior experience as a Financial Advisor make her the perfect advocate for our clients.

Erin lives locally in Pasadena, where she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dog, Enzo.

FINRA Series 7 and 66 licensed. California Insurance License #0D35649
CA Insurance License #: 0D35649

About Jason Lee

Jason assists the team by providing investment and trading support. He helps Alan Whitman in executing trades for clients in multiple asset classes and assists the team by conducting client and investment research. He also works directly with our clients - helping with their investment portfolios, facilitating transactions and coordinating all administrative aspects of their financial affairs. His vast investment product knowledge combined with his desire to gain a true understanding of each client’s circumstance and goals make him adept at cultivating meaningful relationships and providing invaluable support to our clients. To further add to his resume, Jason is the team's authority on anything technologically, digital or systems related.

Jason has over 12 years of experience in the industry and joined the Whitman Group in 2016. Prior to joining the Whitman Group, Jason was a Financial Advisor here in Pasadena with a focus on commodities, currencies and options trading. He is currently Series 7, 66 and 3 licensed and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Outside of work, Jason is an avid traveler with a penchant for discovering the craziest and most unique culinary experiences around the world. A true foodie, he delights in exploring diverse cuisines. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast and loyal Lakers fan, he brings the same passion to the court as he does to his professional career. He is also a techie at heart, he enjoys experimenting with new gadgets and technology, always eager to stay on the cutting edge.

FINRA Series 7, 66 and 3 Licensed

California Insurance License #: 0146766

NMLS #: 1369338
CA Insurance License #: 0146766

About Virginia Tello

Virginia Tello embarked on her career in the financial industry in 2000, as a service associate in Morgan Stanley's Downtown Los Angeles office. In 2002, she transitioned to the Torrance branch, continuing as a service associate before moving into a client service role, where she supported various Financial Advisors. Finally, in 2007 - after gaining a plethora of experience- Virginia joined our team, here in Pasadena.

Throughout her career, Virginia has earned several licenses, including the FINRA Series 7 and 66. Through her vast experience, Virginia understands the importance of ensuring clients feel valued and supported. She strives to provide a positive experience and foster strong relationships with every client. In her primary role on the team, Virginia provides essential administrative support and assists clients with any issues they may encounter in their financial lives.

Outside of the office, Virginia enjoys visiting Disneyland and volunteering with her church. She also loves traveling with her two daughters and friends.

About Cindy Martinez

Cindy is a skilled Wealth Management Associate with a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping clients navigate their financial needs. She excels in supporting clients through meticulous data management, client communications, and administrative tasks. Her proactive approach ensures smooth operations and high client satisfaction. A seasoned Wealth Management Associate with 17 years of experience. She was previously a trader of the Options, Futures and Forex desks assessing leverage risk. She has obtained her Series 3, 4, 7, 30, 63 and 65 licenses.

Outside of the office, Cindy enjoys spending time with her daughter adventuring Disney parks, and is an avid USMNT, and Dodger baseball enthusiast.

About Steve Winchell

Steve Winchell began his career in the financial industry with a dedication to providing exceptional client service. He joined the Whitman Group at Morgan Stanley as a Client Service Associate, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Steve's career is marked by his commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client and providing tailored solutions. His role involves offering comprehensive support, addressing any issues clients may face and ensuring their financial journey is smooth and successful. Steve's approachable nature and strong problem-solving skills make him a valuable asset to our team.

Outside the office, Steve enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities. He is actively involved in his community, often participating in local events and volunteer work. Steve's dedication to both his professional and personal life reflects his well-rounded character and commitment to excellence in all he does.

With a focus on building strong relationships and providing top-notch client service, Steve Winchell continues to contribute significantly to the success of the Whitman Group.
CA Insurance License #: 4247073

About Julie Nhan

Julie Nhan is a dedicated Senior Registered Client Service Associate at the Whitman Group, where she expertly manages processing and administration tasks. Her responsibilities include setting up new accounts and handling money movements, ensuring these functions operate smoothly to provide clients with efficient, accurate and timely service.

Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, Julie amassed two decades of client service experience at Wells Fargo, where she in a role similar to her current position. She began her career in the financial services industry at American Express in its financial advisor program. Julie holds her Series 7, 66, and California Life and Health insurance licenses, allowing her to directly handle a wide range of services for the team’s clients.

Outside the office, Julie enjoys traveling and exploring diverse cuisines and is actively involved with the Junior League of Pasadena.

Julie believes in making the administrative elements of the client experience seamless. "When clients make a request that requires any type of processing, I try to fulfill it without any delays or difficulties. From the clients’ perspective, I want it to appear as if it happens automatically," she says.
CA Insurance License #: 0D51990

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 Peter Barash

Peter Barash is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Peter began his career in financial services in 1984, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2010 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Private Banking Specialist at U.S. Bank.

Peter is a graduate of Columbia University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Comparative Literature. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. He lives in Glendale, California with his family. Outside of the office, Peter enjoys, hiking, playing bass guitar and reading.
NMLS#: 799189
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.

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 Whitman Group today.
1Morgan 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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2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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3When 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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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 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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6The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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7When 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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8When 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.

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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)