Wealth Management

Thomas M. Hall, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the internal Morgan Stanley designations of Financial Planning Specialist, Insurance Planning Director, and Senior Portfolio Manager. With a disciplined process anchored by financial planning, retirement planning, cash management, tax management, and insurance,

Thomas M. Hall, CFP® is well positioned to help meet the Wealth Management needs of University Deans and Professors, Business Owners and Executives, and “Millionaires Next Door.”

Thomas M. Hall, CFP® takes a straightforward approach to Wealth Management: Job Number One is to help clients and their families build wealth and preserve legacies.

A native of Massachusetts, Thomas M. Hall, CFP® has lived in Spain, California, New Mexico, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania. He holds a B.A. from Hobart College and an M.A. from San Francisco State University.

In his spare time, Thomas M. Hall, CFP® can be found on the golf course, puttering around the yard, or riding dirt bikes and sport-touring motorcycles. He serves on the Vestry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (State College). He and his wife Barbara are supporters of Magee Women's Hospital, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Breakthrough Bike Challenge, and the St. Andrew’s Parishioners’ Ministry Fund (which quietly and confidentially helps meet the medical, transportation, and housing needs of Centre County residents in financial stress).
Services Include
Securities Agent: FL, MI, MA, PA, CO, MD, TX, IL, VA, NY, WA, OR, NC, CA, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 534145
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”
~Yogi Berra
What is Plan-Based Financial Advice?
Your plan may be a straightforward financial plan or it may be a complex estate plan that addresses multigenerational wealth. Either way, your financial plan drives our conversations and our decision making, specifically with respect to investments, insurance, and lending strategies.

Your financial plan will be created with Morgan Stanley’s proprietary financial planning tool, GPS (Goals Planning System). Your financial plan is a living document, reviewed and updated often.
What are After-Tax Financial Strategies?
We are keenly aware of how tax drags on your investment returns and your overall wealth. We keep three concepts in mind:

• Taxes, managed correctly, can be an “investment fee” to reduce
• Asset Location can be just as important as Asset Allocation
• Uncle Sam very kindly offers lots of ways to reduce your tax

Our Practice Profile

Business Executives
Many business executives hold a hodgepodge of assets and liabilities: real estate, life insurance, retirement, deferred comp, company stock, ESOP balances. We excel at drafting a personal balance sheet and creating a roadmap for a work-optional retirement, lifetime income, estate planning, gifting, and enjoying whatever comes next.
Business Owners
For the owner(s) of a multigenerational business, the greatest source of wealth – and risk – is the business. We work alongside your tax and legal advisors to help build a plan that balances risk with reward. In the event the business goes sideways, you will know that you and your loved ones are protected.
Millionaires Next Door
This term comes from the popular 1996 book by Stanley and Danko who documented a simple truism: regardless of income, education, or expertise, most folks with accumulated wealth spend less than they earn. A great way to accumulate wealth is to follow a plan that optimizes Assets and Liabilities and focusses on the personal income statement, the cash-flow statement, and the balance sheet.
University Deans and Professors
our career is founded on the creation and dissemination of knowledge. We are experienced in how and whether to eliminate debt; how to manage and reduce tax on consulting income; how to navigate university-owned life insurance; and how to maximize your TIAA-CREF, PSERS or SERS pensions and 457.state pensions, and Windfall Elimination Provisions. We help our professors make informed financial decisions so that they can retire when and how they choose.

Valuable Tools and Resources

We believe financial education leads to deeper insights into our investment strategy and discipline—and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information to help you manage your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets. We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We have included links to these materials, where available, and we hope you will return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
    Icon Image
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    Short, thoughtful takes on recent events in the markets, every weekday from a variety of perspectives within Morgan Stanley.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    Spending and Budgeting Tool
    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool.
    Learn More About Spending and Budgeting
    Icon Image
    The Alts Report
    Hear from industry innovators across Morgan Stanley Wealth Management leadership and fund manager partners as they discuss the trends and opportunities shaping the alternative investments landscape.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    eDelivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) may enroll in eDelivery.
    Learn More About eDelivery
    Icon Image
    2026 Tax Tables
    The relevant tax tables for the 2026 tax year are provided below for your reference.
    Click Here to Access the Tables
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows for easy sharing and convenient access to life’s most important documents from wills and deeds to financial statements and tax fillings. Easily manage your encrypted financial records all in one place.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the Latest Report

Retirement Resources

Your retirement plan is a systematic, tax-efficient way to save for retirement. Retirement plans are "table stakes" for employee attraction, satisfaction, and retention. To help you make the most of your plan, we've included additional helpful retirement resources below.
    Icon Image
    Plan Fees and Expenses
    Not all fees are created equal and some fees aren’t as transparent as they should be. Plan sponsors and plan participants need to know the true cost of their retirement plan in order to decide if the fees are appropriate for the level of service and advice provided.
    Learn More About Retirement Here
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley at Work
    Morgan Stanley at Work provides workplace financial solutions that can build employee financial confidence and help companies attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end offering spans Equity, Financial Wellness and Retirement solutions. We also provide employees with Financial Empowerment, so they have knowledge, tools and support to make the most of their benefits.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    How to Plan Instead of Panic in Volatile Markets
    How do you weather volatile markets? A study of nearly 120,000 investors reveals the value of having a sound financial plan to help keep you on track.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Investing in the "Age of Aging"
    The world is getting older. From tech-enabled “aging in place” services to multigenerational wealth transfer, discover the sectors poised to benefit from the rise of senior consumers.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Understanding Your Retirement Plan Options When You Leave a Job
    You have several choices for what to do with your qualified retirement plan when you leave a job. Deciding among them is an important step in managing your retirement savings over time.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    6 Money Moves to Make in the Decade Before Retirement
    As retirement approaches, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of what your financial needs are and if there’s room for improvement.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Are Your Prepared for Retired Life?
    Your retirement has the potential to be the most fulfilling period of your life–but you need to have a plan for your time as well as your finances.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    The State of Your Parents' Estate
    Talking with a parent about estate planning is never easy. Here are several conversation starters that can help adult children and their parents’ plan.
    Learn More

Location

720 S Atherton St
1st Floor
St. College, PA 16801
US
Direct:
(814) 861-1702(814) 861-1702
Toll-Free:
(800) 222-5457(800) 222-5457
Fax:
(814) 861-1750(814) 861-1750

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 Tony Gist

Tony Gist is a Private Banker and Vice President serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Pennsylvania.

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.

Tony began his career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, he held various roles within the Retail Bank industry including Licensed Banker and Branch Manager.
Tony is a graduate of Fairmont State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice, while also playing football for the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons. He and his family currently reside in York, Pennsylvania.

Outside of the office, he spends time with family whenever possible. He enjoys playing golf, skiing, fishing, watching sports, especially football, and listening to talented musicians across various genres.
NMLS#: 786299
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan 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

Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Ready to start a conversation? Contact Thomas M. Hall today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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

Back to top



2When 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.

Back to top



3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



6Municipal 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.

Back to top



7Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

Back to top



8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



10Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 4763067 (9/2025)