Why choose a Morgan Stanley financial advisor

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from Chris Malmgren, The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley.

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You’ve worked hard to build a substantial nest egg and you need to make sure it will be managed right. Perhaps you’re thinking about helping your daughter with a down payment on a home—without jeopardizing your lifestyle in retirement. You’re ready to choose a Financial Advisor, and want to do your own due diligence so you can find one you have confidence in. We hear you.

You don’t need to be sold or told. You want a professional that listens.

We understand the importance of listening. Your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor starts by asking what your dreams and concerns are regarding your present and financial future. We are natural collaborators who see you, hear you, and get you — a knowledgeable professional that provides you with the advice and resources to help you achieve your goals. 

You’re ready for financial advice. But do you have enough wealth for a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor?

If you have $500,000 in investable assets, in or out of a retirement fund, you are in the perfect position to work with Morgan Stanley. We value your business, because you are the priority, and your success is our success. Like the best investment strategies, your Financial Advisor is committed to long-term relationships and results.

Planning, saving, investing. Let us help make a ‘big’ difference.

Think of us as “big yet boutique.” We combine the vast resources of a global financial services Firm with individualized services for a hands-on, tailored approach. Whether it’s planning for your future, architecting your retirement savings drawdown strategy, investing with impact for positive change, or legacy planning, we can do more for you than you’d imagine. It’s why our Financial Advisors have earned some of the industry’s top awards, year after year.* 

Your best interest is our only interest.

Financial Advisors have a fiduciary duty to work in the client’s best interests. Something we take very seriously at Morgan Stanley. Want to consult on life events and family dynamics? We will collaborate on options that address your challenges—from navigating market, tax, and financial complexities to preparing for the unexpected. 

What are the fees, and are they worth the care you’ll receive?

We are transparent. Our Financial Advisor fees are often a percentage of assets under management. They could also include other fees related to financial planning, investment management, or other ways you choose to do business with us. We will be up front with you about our compensation.

The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley

You want a Financial Advisor to spend time with you, not make time for you.

Our relationship is at your convenience, not ours. The team meets you in person, by video, or phone, on your schedule. Our mobile apps, website, and digital vault make it easy to check in, transact, and organize your financial life.

A 1:1 relationship gets the results you’re looking for.

Concerned about being able to live the lifestyle you have today in retirement while achieving your other goals? You’ll get a personalized plan for you and your family’s future. We’ll identify areas of focus given where you are today—your assets, debts, income, and expenses—and where you want to be tomorrow. We tailor your plan to fit your timeline and update it as life inevitably changes.

Already talking to a few financial advisors and don’t feel satisfied?

Our clients sing a different tune. In fact, 97% of our clients say they are satisfied with the firm, and 98% are satisfied with how their Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor handles questions and requests.* And, nine in 10 Morgan Stanley clients surveyed say they felt prepared financially for the COVID-19 crisis.*

What’s next? You interview us.

If you have an important job to fill, you first interview your top candidates. It works the same way when it comes to choosing one of our Financial Advisors. Here’s what to expect:

1. Start by selecting, then interviewing, several Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors. Ask about their planning services, investment capabilities and process, performance against client goals, average client tenure, team structure and costs in dollars. 
2. Once you’ve decided on a Financial Advisor, you’ll meet to get to know each other better and discuss your goals, priorities, and needs. Your Financial Advisor will ask you to share specific financial information as a follow-up.  
3. You’ll meet again to build your financial plan based on the goals and needs you discussed and your financial situation. 
4. Your Financial Advisor and their team will be available throughout the year to answer any questions you may have at any time. You’ll meet regularly to ensure you stay on track and evolve your plan as needed. 

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*Morgan Stanley Client Council Survey, Q2 2021.

**The awards/ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.  The awards/ratings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance.  Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee in exchange for the awards/ratings.

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Disclosures

Article by Morgan Stanley and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. 

Chris Malmgren is a Financial Advisor in Leawood, Kansas at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). She can be reached by email at chris.malmgren@morganstanley.com or by telephone at 913-402-5243. Her team website is The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group | Leawood, KS | Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It 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”) recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

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 and other legal matters.

Morgan 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.

Chris Malmgren may only transact business, follow-up with individualized responses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states where she is registered or excluded or exempted from registration, The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group | Leawood, KS | Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

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