My Story

Zach has been leading successful families on strategies in an effort to create, maintain, and distribute financial wealth since 2005. Taking one client at a time, Zach understands the aspirations, anxieties, and outlooks that are unique to every client he serves.

For many of his relationships, his advice spans several generations; helping clients plan for an aging parent losing independence, adult children buying their first home, expanding a business, grandchildren’s education and helping prepare the next generation to be stewards of the family’s wealth. Zach believes that all financial matters are interconnected. For that reason, he takes the time to understand all his clients’ financial resources. Zach was an early adopter of goals-based benchmarking where financial reviews look at the progress towards specific, quantifiable goals and he overlays that with traditional measures of investment progress. In addition, Zach has taken the time to help ensure his clients fully understand the potential volatility in their strategy. This added forward looking risk monitoring can help add confidence and consistency during the inevitable periods of market volatility. Empowering clients is at the forefront of his mission.

Outside of creating a world class client experience and implementing cutting edge wealth strategies, Zach is passionate about his family, fitness, and personal growth. Most treasured to Zach are his two school aged children, Preston and Charlotte.

Zach has learned from his clients over the years, just as his clients have learning from him. The value of giving to our community is one of those lessons. In addition to volunteering, he served as President of The Mustang Fund for his Preston and Charlotte’s elementary school. He also served as President of GOBEYOND, a local charity that provides Christmas Gifts to children in local shelters. For his personal hobbies, Zach believes that being mentally and physically strong is vital for him to provide sound consistent advice. Some of his most favorite hobbies are lifting weights, yoga, hiking and sailing.
Services Include
Securities Agent: TN, OR, NC, GA, WY, NY, DC, CT, AL, CO, OH, KY, FL, CA, ME, TX, MT, MS, WA, SC, NJ, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 544927
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Zach Polun's Process

Zach's financial planning process is ongoing and iterative. It’s core is founded on the Financial Planning Board of Standards financial planning process.
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    1. Understand
    Zach goes beyond a simple balance sheet, and understand his client’s view on money, the type of lifestyle they want to live, what they want to avoid.
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    2. Analyze
    Prepare a customized forward looking forecast and identify ways to improve those forecasts.
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    3. Propose
    Even the most successful families have limited resources to allocate. No one can do everything, but anything is achievable. Providing easy to understand solutions has been a centerpiece for Zach’s advice.
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    4. Implement
    Action is key, but a recommendation that is not enthusiastically implement is not a good recommendation. Zach has a wide breadth of tools available to him, and he prides himself with finding a solution that leads to success and is comfortable for his clients to move forward with.
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    5. Monitor
    Market declines, and skipped planned savings are part of the journey. Having your plan monitored by Zach and his team ensures they provide timely advice.

Alternative Investments

As an Alternative Investments Director, Zach has a deep understanding of ways to diversify portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. He has taken a keen interest in this area in light of the historic low interest rates and the potential for bonds and stocks to not offer the diversification they once did when interest rates were higher.
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    Private Credit
    Direct lending may provide investors with higher returns and lower volatility versus traditional fixed income investments, and may offer an attractive option for investors who are able to bear the associated illiquidity and other risks.
    Opportunities in Private Credit
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    A Tug of War: Public Versus Private
    There has been a significant change in the investment landscape over the past two decades. The publicly traded company pie is shrinking dramatically as businesses stay private longer. The PDF below debriefs why this trend is happening, and how multiple layers of due diligence add to the appeal of coinvesting as opposed to venture strategies.
    View the analysis
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    Multi-Manager Hedge Funds
    Multi-PM platforms are investment organizations that employ many specialized hedge fund managers and strategies, collectively operating as one entity, where individual units have discrete P&L responsibilities. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of this type of investment below.
    Multi-Manager Hedge Funds
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    Exchange Funds
    Highly concentrated stock positions can put you at increased risk from market volatility or result in significant capital gains when you sell. We can help qualified investors with solutions that enable you to diversify in a tax-smart way.
    Exchange Funds Video

Services Offered To You

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    Retirement Stress Tests
    One of the biggest risk for a retiree is sequence of return risk. It is not overall volatility, inflation, or taxes. To ensure a client can withstand a drastic decline, he simulates a significant decline in the first two years of retirement.
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    Liability Analysis and Lending Solutions
    Lending is an important piece of a wealth management plan. Though many of his clients have the assets to be debt free, using a plan to optimize large purchases is a key part to managing a strategy.
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    Estate Planning Strategies
    A successful wealth management plan will lead to having more money than can be spent in a lifetime. Taxes, unique needs of beneficiaries, and simplicity all go into Zach’s effectiveness in addressing his client’s estates.
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    Total Tax 365
    Smart investors know that it’s not how much you make that matters, it’s how much you keep. Taxes are a predictable way to add dollars to each client’s net-worth.
    Total Tax 365
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    Portfolio Return and Risk Analysis
    Volatility is a part of investing, but knowing how much risk your exposed to can lead to good investor behavior. Using sophisticated, forward look tools, Zach provides straightforward reports to his clients to ensure they understand the potential risks in their portfolio and return potential.
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    Investment Portfolio Analysis
    It is challenging to make money as an investor if you don’t know what you own. Zach has helped families understand what they own in their portfolio using cutting edge tools. In implementing his investment strategy, Zach has been effective is helping his client select transparent investments for simplicity and to maximize his client’s returns.
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    Portfolio Risk Platform
    You know that volatility is a part of investing. Zach’s hope in working together is that you will know your risk exposure, and will feel comfortable with a disciplined investment approach at all times. Your strategy will have detailed risk-assessments, hypothetical stress tests, and state-of-the-art analytics to assess over 3,000 risk factors. Please see this video for an overview of what goes on behind the scenes and the reports that Zach will review with you.  
    View Here

Resources

Morgan Stanley is at the forefront of technology in the industry. As a part of my services, these resources are readily available for clients.
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    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.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Online Security Center
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Total Wealth View
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    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 may enroll in eDelivery.
    eDelivery
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Digital Vault
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    On The Markets
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    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.
    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report

Location

5565 Glenridge Conn
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30342
US
Direct:
(404) 459-3887(404) 459-3887

Meet My Team

About Liz Carpio

Liz Carpio is a Portfolio and Financial Planning Associate that began her career with Morgan Stanley in 2003. She brings over 30 years of industry experience to our team, has comprehensive knowledge of the firm’s platform of products and provides clients with operational, administrative, and financial services.

Liz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business of Administration and is Series 7, 9, 10, 24, 63 and 65 licensed.

Originally from New York City, Liz has called Atlanta her home since 1991. She enjoys reading, fun times with friends and quality time with her two adult children.

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 Maranda Barbour

NMLS# 1182370

Maranda Barbour is a Loan Portfolio Manager serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Southeast Region.

Maranda began her career in financial services in 1999, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2010. Prior to being promoted to her current position, she served as an Associate Private Banker in Atlanta, Georgia. Before she joined the firm, Maranda was a Premier Client Manager for Bank of America.

Maranda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Winthrop University. She and her family live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Outside of the office, Maranda dedicates her time to youth mentoring programs and numerous community organizations, including Girl Scouts of America and the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also enjoys walking, traveling, and hiking.
NMLS#: 1182370
Wealth Management
From My Desk

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup


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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Zachary Polun today.
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.

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.

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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4Alternative 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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5Investors 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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6Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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.

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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:
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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)