

Valerie B Dugan, CFP®

My Mission Statement
My Story and Services
For more than 30 years, my practice has been built on the foundation of personal relationships, and the ultimate goal of seeking to do what is best for each client. My experience and knowledge of the financial markets along with the vast resources of Morgan Stanley are focused on my ultimate goal, which is to provide a personalized, comprehensive wealth management strategy for each client. My team and I seek to deliver world-class service and diligently work to uncover strategies to coordinate and connect the many aspects of a client's financial life. Our recommendations are driven by access to highly acclaimed investment research, refined analytic tools and focus on a thorough understanding of each client's unique situation. We will help clients navigate the financial markets and stay on course to help them achieve their goals and objectives. I have served many clients for more than 30 years, including high-net-worth families, business owners, senior corporate executives, physicians, and pre- and post- retirees.
2017-2025: Forbes Magazine's "Top Women Wealth Advisors"
2018-2025: Forbes Magazine's "Best in State" Wealth Advisors
2012-2024: CT Magazine's 5 Star Wealth Manager
2017-2021: Working Mother Magazine's "Top Wealth Advisor Moms"
- 2017-2025 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
- 2018-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. 2017-2024 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2017-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
- 2017-2021 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2017-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
- 2012-2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods: 2012 Award - 03/16/2011 - 09/10/2011 2013 Award - 03/16/2012 - 09/10/2012 2014 Award - 03/16/2013 - 09/10/2013 2015 Award - 03/16/2015 - 09/10/2015 2016 Award - 03/25/2016 - 09/28/2016 2017 Award - 02/15/2017 - 09/11/2017 2018 Award - 02/15/2018 - 09/21/2018 2019 Award - 02/18/2019 - 09/27/2019 2020 Award - 02/17/2020 - 09/18/2020 2021 Award - 02/15/2021 - 09/10/2021 2022 Award - 02/28/2022 - 09/02/2022 2023 Award - 2/1/2023 - 5/23/22 - 1/6/23 2024 Award - 04/10/2023 - 10/31/2023
- Disclaimer: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
- Retirement PlanningFootnote1
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Financial PlanningFootnote2
- 529 PlansFootnote3
- AnnuitiesFootnote4
- Corporate BondsFootnote5
- Endowments and FoundationsFootnote6
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote7
- Exchange Traded FundsFootnote8
- Executive Financial ServicesFootnote9
- Fixed IncomeFootnote10
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote11
- Life InsuranceFootnote12
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote13
- Municipal BondsFootnote14
- Qualified Retirement PlansFootnote15
- Structured ProductsFootnote16
NMLS#: 178986
CA Insurance License #: 0M91455
In The News
Working with you
Location
Meet My Team
About Michael Long
Between 2017-2019, Michael became a husband and a father, while also celebrating his father’s retirement after a successful 40 year career in the Insurance Industry. A culmination of these special life events changed Michael’s understanding and importance of having a financial plan. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Michael worked as an Insurance Producer where his experience and success in building relationships are ideal for understanding complex client needs and helping deliver solutions for both short and long term goals. The core of Michael’s beliefs are relationships that are based on effective communication and trust as to be able to provide full service modern wealth management with a first class standard of service.
About Donald (Trey) Dugan
Trey is a Financial Advisor with The Dugan Group; a team dedicated to delivering each client with a Comprehensive Wealth Management Plan to help them navigate the financial markets.
Trey focuses on financial planning, structured products, and maximizing cash management solutions for clients of The Dugan Group. Trey attends to high-net-worth families, business owners, senior corporate executives, physicians, and pre- and post- retirees, delivering a personalized “Ritz Carlton” experience. Trey is located at the Morgan Stanley 399 Park Avenue office in Manhattan, NY.
Trey is a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business receiving a degree in Finance with a concentration in Global Business. During this time, he focused on various financial concepts such as Value Investing, Fixed Income Analysis, Alternative Investments and Equity Analysis. Prior to starting at Morgan Stanley, Trey passed his Securities Industry Essentials Exam and since joining the firm, has acquired both his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses as well as his Financial Planning Specialist Designation. Trey currently resides in Manhattan. He enjoys traveling, history and keeps up with all aspects of sports.
NMLS ID: 2269990
Disclaimer:
An investment in Structured Investments is subject to significant risks and may not be appropriate for all investors. These risks can include, but are not limited, to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality; substantial loss of principal; limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s); limited liquidity; credit risk of the issuer; and, conflicts of interest.
Securities Agent: CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, CA, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2269990
About Christina Esposito
Christina joined Morgan Stanley in January 1998 and began working with Valerie Dugan in March 2003. She currently holds her FINRA Series 7, 63, 65 certifications and health and life insurance licenses.
Christina lives in West Hartford CT with her 3 daughters.
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
1When 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Investors 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.
4Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
6Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
7Morgan 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.
8An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
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.
10Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
11Morgan 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
12Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
13Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
14Municipal 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.
15When 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.
16Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.
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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.
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Awards Disclosures