About Us

Thomas is a Financial Advisor, who has been helping families and businesses owners achieve their financial goals since 2002. His areas of experience include retirement income, insurance and estate planning strategies, and retirement plan implementation. Thomas is committed to providing personalized financial planning services that are tailored to help meet each client's unique needs and objectives.

In addition to his work with families and businesses, Thomas has earned his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in January 2008 and his Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ designation in March 2012. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Communications.

Thomas's dedication to his clients' financial success is what sets him apart. He is committed to staying up-to-date with industry changes and regulations to help ensure that his clients receive an exceptional level of service and insight. In his free time, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, hunting, and working around the farm.
Services Include
Securities Agent: TX, OH, MN, WI, VT, VA, TN, SC, PR, NY, NJ, MO, MI, MD, MA, IL, IA, GA, FL, CT, CO, CA, IN, AZ, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1321573
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Modern Engagement

My strategy leverages modern wealth tools and cutting-edge technology. By providing you with the tools you need, I can help you come one step closer to achieving your financial goals.
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
    Alternative Investments
    Alternative Investments
    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income—while maintaining a goals-based approach for asset allocation.
    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments
    Security Center
    Security Center
    Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
    Visit our Security Center
    eDelivery
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
    Icon Image
    Reserved Living & Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a complimentary loyalty program, with over 50 offers and discounts from premier brands, designed to enhance your lifestyle beyond traditional wealth management services. The program provides access to exclusive partner offers, insights from Morgan Stanley thought leaders and inspiring philanthropic stories.
    Visit Here
    Icon Image
    Preferred Savings
    Take advantage of our Preferred Savings Program for Qualifying Cash offer with flexible options and more ways to save. There are two ways you may participate, either 1) bring new cash deposits from external sources or 2) use proceeds from the sale, income or distribution from securities in your eligible Morgan Stanley brokerage accounts.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    CD Rates
    Get More Value For Your Cash With This Competitive New Money CD Offer From Morgan Stanley. Your funds will continue to receive a premium rate once the CD matures, making this offer an attractive option for your cash management strategy.
    Learn More

My Process

Regardless of your financial goals - whether you aim to increase your wealth, safeguard it, or transfer it to others, I am here to assist you in devising a customized plan that suits your unique requirements.
Below is the process I take when meeting a new prospective client.
    Icon Image
    1. Introduction
    I value getting to know my clients on a personal level. Our first call is to introduce ourselves and understand your unique background. After presenting the value I’ll add, we can schedule a follow up meeting to get to understand your entire financial background
    Icon Image
    2. Discovery
    We continue the dialogue we started, learning about the values that shape your decisions and identifying any unique circumstances around your wealth. We review the documents you prepared and begin to define your priorities and timelines.
    Icon Image
    3. Analysis and Plan Development
    Here, I utilize industry-leading financial planning tools to develop a personalized and detailed financial plan with specific recommendations to help you grow and preserve your wealth. This serves as the foundation for building your initial plan, as well as future wealth management decisions.
    Icon Image
    4. Plan Presentation
    In this step, I will present your financial plan that includes an investment portfolio that aligns your investments with your goals, timeframe, and risk level. I also discuss other wealth management solutions that may include risk management techniques.
    Icon Image
    5. Implementation
    Upon your approval of my recommendations, I begin to implement the strategies outlines in the plan. Once assets have been transferred to Morgan Stanley and are aligned with your investment strategy, I walk you through the details of your new statement and introduce all of the tools and recourses available to you.
    Icon Image
    6. Continued Service and Care
    Committed to premium service, I focus on developing a relationship that provides special value to you and your family. As I begin to implement each strategy, I also want to continue to provide top tier attention to stay on top of those financial objectives and maintain a strong relationship with you.

My Suite of Services

    Icon Image
    Cash Management
    We can help your family with cash management, budget issues, advice on large purchases, or even help your child understand investments.
    Icon Image
    Portfolio Management
    I will work closely with you to understand your needs while actively maintaining the focus and discipline necessary to guide your portfolio in the most challenging market cycles.
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    I especially enjoy assisting you as you approach retirement. I will make sure your financial choices reflect your goals and help you shift from wealth accumulation to income management and wealth transfer strategies.
    Icon Image
    Education Planning
    Assisting my clients in planning for higher education is one of the many objectives I take pride in. Witnessing these aspirations come to fruition inspires me to go above and beyond for my clients.
    Icon Image
    Life Insurance
    Creating a comprehensive wealth plan entails more than just pursuing returns. It also entails identifying and managing potential risks, providing a safety net for unforeseen circumstances. Allow me to assist you in preparing for and shielding against life's unpredictable twists and turns.

Monthly Outlooks & Updates

My aim is to make intricate financial concepts accessible to my clients by presenting them in a clear and concise manner, allowing them to gain a deeper comprehension of the intricacies involved in preparing for their financial futures. I firmly believe in providing my clients with a wealth of resources to stay up-to-date on the latest market trends, analyses, and forecasts. The resources listed below offer comprehensive insights into current market events and finance-related issues impacting the business landscape.
    Icon Image
    Wealth Education for the Next Generation
    Catch up on the an exciting journey into the world of finance and wealth education. At Morgan Stanley, we believe that knowledge is the key to unlocking future success, and we're excited to share our thought leadership and experience with you! Hosted by Caroline Gundeck, Head of UHNW Client and Field Engagement and Charline Burgess, Senior Wealth Education Specialist, you will learn about financial concepts, investing, and money management in a fun and interactive way.
    Watch Replays
    Icon Image
    What Should I Do With My Money? Podcast
    Managing our money is one of the most important aspects of our lives, and yet, many people don’t have someone they can depend on for help when they need it.
    On this award-winning podcast, we match real people, asking real questions about their money, with experienced Financial Advisors. From prenups to passing a legacy to their children, from affording a dream home to literally wanting to save the planet, our guests discuss what matters the most to them and you get answers to some of the questions you might have yourself.
    Listen Here
    Icon Image
    The GIC Weekly
    The Global Investment Committee (GIC) is a group of seasoned investment professionals who meet regularly to discuss the global economy and markets. The committee determines the investment outlook that guides our advice to clients.
    Read Here
    Icon Image
    US Policy Pulse
    Monthly publication that assesses the market relevance of recent domestic policy events.
    Read Here
    Icon Image
    2025 Tax Table
    Federal tax income tables updated to adjust for the new year.
    Click Here
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Ideas
    The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
    Click Here
    Icon Image
    Can Empty Offices Solve the U.S. Housing Shortage?
    A dearth of residential housing and oversupply of vacant office space has raised interest in the idea of real-estate conversion. However, converting underused office space into residential space faces many economic and logistical hurdles. The complexity of building and zoning regulations in different cities may add extra limitations for would-be investors.
    Read Here
    Icon Image
    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.
    Read Here

Location

35055 W 12 Mile Rd.
Ste 101
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
US
Direct:
(248) 848-8750(248) 848-8750
Toll-Free:
(800) 521-2297(800) 521-2297
Fax:
(248) 848-8716(248) 848-8716

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 Joseph V. Portera

Joseph Portera is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan.

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.

Joseph began his career in financial services in 2002 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Commercial Lender and Market Director at JPMorgan Chase.

Joseph is a graduate of the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and Keller Graduate School of Business where he received a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance & Accounting.

Joseph and his family currently reside in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Outside of the office, he enjoys martial arts, skiing, tennis, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1260889
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities
How investors can tap their portfolios in tax-savvy ways.

Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities

Realizing profits seems like the best part of investing, but taxes can add up. Our new analytics tool can help investors tap their portfolios in tax-savvy ways.

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

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�
Article Image

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Thomas C Welch 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.

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



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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



5Morgan 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



6When 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



7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



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

Back to top



9Investors 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.

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 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)