The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley

For the members of The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley, managing wealth involves far more than simply managing an investment portfolio.  It begins with developing a holistic, comprehensive understanding of our clients and the financial obstacles they face.  It means helping them understand and respond effectively to the financial challenges they may encounter.  And, of course it means helping them invest their assets in a way that reflects the realities of their life and the uniqueness of their long term goals.As Financial Advisors, we are committed to building relationships based on mutual trust in which we can work closely with our clients and their families to help them define their objectives, explore alternatives, and choose the financial and investment strategies that are most appropriate for them.  As our relationships have evolved over time, clients have come to regard us as a valuable resource who can help them make more informed decisions on any financial issue.Our most important priority is to help clients achieve their financial objectives by providing strategic guidance designed to build and protect their wealth.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Why should you choose The Woodward Group?

- The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley creates personal, long-lasting relationships with their clients. What does our typical client look like? They are business owners, entertainers, athletes, and young professionals building their generational wealth.

- We have acute knowledge that allows for strategic execution for each individual clients’ needs that extends beyond just traditional investment.
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    Jeffrey Stander
    As a GSE Director, Jeff has the experience, continuing education and access to world-class resources needed to understand the complexities and pressures facing high-achieving professionals in the sports and entertainment industries. Jeff’s focus is working with established and emerging talent.
    Watch Jeff's Video
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    Kelly Kwiatkowski
    Kelly’s emphasis is on client service. She is in charge of helping ensure client requests are met in a timely and accurate manner. Kelly is available to assist with all of your service needs, from simple yet important, to the multifaceted tasks our client’s trust us with.
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    Allen Ferguson
    Al is one of the founding members of The Woodward Group. He is also one of the inaugural Directors named to Morgan Stanley's Global Sports and Entertainment (GSE) division. Al has maintained close relationships with professional athletes throughout his career, helping them successfully transition to the next chapter in their lives after sports.
    Watch Al's Video
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    Derek Brody
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    Lee Cabelof

You Become a Client - Now What?

The next step in our process is to introduce you to all we have to offer at Morgan Stanley and with The Woodward Group. Once your accounts begin to transfer over, we set up an onboarding meeting where we cover the following items.

Morgan Stanley Online

We will make sure you are registered on Morgan Stanley Online and have the Mobile App if desired. This allows you to:

• Access your accounts
• See your financial plan
• Track spending
• Stay informed
• Move funds

Insurance Review

We will begin to gather the information needed to help ensure proper risk mitigation and in-line premiums. Please provide any of the applicable policies:

• Life insurance
• Long/short term disability
• Homeowners
• Car
• Special purpose policies
(e.g. property &casualty)

Financial Planning

A financial plan is the map to help ensure we are all headed in the same direction: towards your goals. We will finalize and adopt your financial plan to keep track of your progress. In order to complete your holistic plan, please send the following documents (if not already sent):

• Social Security statements
• External account statements with allocation of assets listed
• A list of assets with approx. value you wish to be included in the plan (e.g. real estate holdings, collectibles, etc.)

Document Review

We will review all documentation shared up to this point and be able to answer any questions you may have at that time.

Disclaimers:
The Morgan Stanley Mobile App is currently available for iPhone® and iPad® from the App StoreSM and AndroidTM on Google PlayTM. Standard messaging and data rates from your provider may apply.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Outlooks & Updates

Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. We are firm believers of giving our clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
    Given recent market volatility, checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense.
    Click Here for More
    Making Sense of Tumultuous Markets
    Wild swings in U.S. stocks have left investors whiplashed and wondering what’s next. Three reasons to take caution ahead.
    Your Guide to Tax-Efficient Planning
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
    Planning For The Rising Cost of Health Care
    According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. spends approximately $3.6 trillion a year on health care, or nearly $11,172 per person. Overall spending rose 4.6% in 2018,1 faster than the pace of inflation or wage growth. As spending rises, patients are also shouldering a larger share of treatment costs—driving up out-of-pocket expenses. The elderly, who require the most care, often bear the brunt of the costs.
    How Fed Policy Impacts Housing
    As the Fed continues to signal coming rate hikes this year, the housing market will face implications across home sales, mortgage rates, and fundamentals.
    Could Investing in Gold Add a New Dimension to Your Portfolio?
    Given low correlations with other asset classes, gold may have a role in a diversified portfolio as a hedge against potential downturns. It can also serve as a good allocation and hedge considering the continual risk of a potential rise in inflation from the record stimulus pumped into the economy. If rates fall, inflation returns, or if we see U.S. dollar weakness, gold could outperform.
    Elements of a Tax-Smart Portfolio
    Tax strategies can have a surprisingly large potential impact on lifetime wealth accumulation. A look at some of the techniques that could help you keep more money growing.
    Executor Of a Will for Parents: A Checklist
    Handling the complex process of executor duties during an emotional time is a challenge even for the strongest person. This checklist may help you with that process

The Woodward Group Gets Involved

Through seminars, webinars, charity events and speaking engagements, The Woodward Group gets involved. We empower our communities, prospects and clients with education so they can make sound financial decisions. Check out a few recent events.
Turkey Bowl for Hungry Kids
Bowling fundraiser to raise food for children.
University of Florida Student Athletes
Seminar for student athletes covering the importance of financial literacy in light of the recent Name, Image and Likeness changes that have altered the landscape of collegiate athletics.
Ohio State Basketball
A presentation on financial literacy.
University of Florida Football
Panel discussion surrounding financial education.
Nashville Business
Derek and Jeff after a concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium sponsored by Universal Music Group.
Financial Literacy for Ohio State Student Athletes
Jeff and Kara participated in a panel discussion getting to the heart of practical financial education. We spoke to current Ohio State student athletes.
Cleaning up Belle Isle
Kelly Kwiatkowski and Kara Wietrzykowski volunteered for a day of cleaning up Belle Isle in Detroit, MI. They kept over 40 pounds of garbage from polluting the Great Lakes.

Location

34901 Woodward Ave
Ste 300
Birmingham, MI 48009
US
Direct:
(248) 258-3213(248) 258-3213
Toll-Free:
(800) 258-1750(800) 258-1750

Meet The Woodward Group

About Allen Ferguson

Al's role with The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley is to oversee the management of all client relationships.  A major part of Al's responsibilities is to ensure that clients understand how their portfolios are constructed to help meet their financial needs.  Al facilitates broader conversations with the client's other advisors such as CPAs, agents, and estate planning attorneys to help make sure that all financial aspects are thoroughly considered and implemented according to the specific instructions of each client.

Al is one of the founding members of The Woodward Group.  He is also one of the inaugural Directors named to Morgan Stanley's Global Sports and Entertainment (GSE) division.  Al has maintained close relationships with professional athletes throughout his career, helping them successfully transition to the next chapter in their lives after sports.

His strong focus on client service means that clients experience a customized collaborative process; one that helps to maintain family relationships for several generations.

Al earned a business degree from Eastern Michigan University, and he spent 22 years as a Trust Advisor and Client Advisor at JP Morgan Chase before helping to form The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley.  He is married with two children and is an avid baseball and hockey fan.
Securities Agent: NC, AZ, CT, CA, FL, TX, NJ, MD, SC, RI, NM, IL, CO, TN, OH, KY, NV, MI, IN, VA, NY, PA, OR, MO, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1279596
CA Insurance License #: 0134808

About Lee Cabelof

As a Senior Portfolio Manager for The Woodward Group at Morgan Stanley, Lee serves as the lead portfolio manager for our clients and their families.  From the start of his investment career in 1988, Lee has been focused on creating and implementing customized investment strategies to help meet each client’s unique circumstances.  Since The Woodward Group was formed in 2000, he has chaired the team's Investment Committee and is responsible for maintaining a disciplined, measurable investment process and philosophy.

Lee’s primary duties include portfolio construction, strategic and tactical asset allocation, security selection, and investment research.  In addition, Lee leverages the vast resources of Morgan Stanley's Capital Markets Group along with proprietary research provided by outside third-parties in order to help maximize the effectiveness of the team's wealth advisory capabilities.
 
Lee graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and has continued his financial education throughout his career.  He has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA@) designation from the Wharton School of Business.  Lee has also earned the Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM@) designation which is a collaboration of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers and Columbia University.

Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining financial market.
Securities Agent: VA, CT, TN, RI, NY, MA, MN, FL, CA, MD, IN, IL, SC, OH, NJ, CO, NV, AZ, PA, MI, LA, TX, OR, NM, NC; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1301125

About Jeffrey Stander

Jeff takes great pride in understanding and servicing the unique needs of professionals within the sports and entertainment fields.  The overriding objective is to help his clients understand the importance of systematically saving for the future while living within their means.  Teaching fiscal responsibility and prudent money management is a cornerstone of Jeff’s relationships.

The ultimate goal is for all of his clients to retire with enough wealth and financial independence that they never have to work beyond their professional careers unless they want to.  Global Sports and Entertainment (GSE) is a dedicated wealth management division of Morgan Stanley that focuses exclusively on helping address the unique needs of top professionals in the sports and entertainment industries.

As a Global Sports and Entertainment Director, Jeff has the experience, continuing education and access to world-class resources needed to understand the complexities and pressures facing high-achieving professionals in the sports and entertainment industries, and to help them make smart choices about how they save, spend, invest, borrow, protect and give.  

Jeff’s focus is working with established and emerging talent within the sports and entertainment fields, helping provide advanced experience and an extensive range of resources needed to help address their unique financial challenges and create comprehensive plans to help reach their long-term goals.

Jeff received his B.A. from Michigan State University and his M.B.A. in Finance (with High Honors) from Wayne State University.
Securities Agent: MI, NM, MN, MA, CT, CO, NY, AZ, SC, OH, TX, NC, CA, TN, NJ, MD, IL, VA, RI, PA, FL, OR, NH, IN, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1261967

About Derek Brody

Derek works primarily with high net worth individual investors and households to provide solutions such as financial planning, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and insurance, lending & cash management. He spent 20 years in the golf industry as a Head Golf Professional prior to becoming a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. You can expect a comprehensive understanding of your financial picture when working with Derek.

Disclaimer:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Securities Agent: VA, SC, PA, MA, NJ, CT, RI, CA, AZ, TN, NY, KY, IL, OR, NC, IN, NM, FL, TX, OH, MI, GA, NV, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1891489

About Kelly Kwiatkowski

Kelly has been a member of the Woodward Group since September 2015. She is a proud graduate of Oakland University and has 25 years of banking and brokerage experience.
Kelly’s role on the team is anchored by client service provided. We want to make sure our clients have access to all of their financial service and planning needs. As well as robust digital tools that include Morgan Stanley Online, Wealth View and Digital Vault. She is dedicated to the clients she has the pleasure to work with. Kelly is available to assist with all of your service needs, from simple yet important, to the multifaceted tasks our clients rely upon us to execute.
Kelly resides in New Baltimore, MI with her boyfriend and a few furry friends. In her spare time, she enjoys weight training, traveling, cooking, shopping and spending time with friends and family.

About Sarah Teng

Sarah joined The Woodward Group in 2024 with two years of previous client service experience. Prior to working at Morgan Stanley, Sarah earned her B.A. in Finance and M.S. in Accounting from Michigan State University.
Sarah assists with day-to-day operations for the team and is responsible for all client related services, including on-boarding, account maintenance, and portfolio performance reporting.
In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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.

Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers

Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Private Banking Solutions
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career
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You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career

Assembling a team of trusted professionals to manage your career—and your money—is essential to help best position you to thrive. Here’s how.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Woodward Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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2Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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5Alternative 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.

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6Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Participating in a new issue/syndicate is subject to availability. IPOs are highly speculative and may not be appropriate for all investors because they lack a stock-trading history and usually involve smaller and newer companies that tend to have limited operating histories, less-experienced management teams, and fewer products or customers. Also, the offering price of an IPO reflects a negotiated estimate as to the value of the company, which may bear little relationship to the trading price of the securities, and it is not uncommon for the closing price of the shares shortly after the IPO to be well above or below the offering price.

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8Morgan 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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9Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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11Morgan 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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12Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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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)