What Should I Do With My Money?

Jacob, a savvy DIY investor, seeks advice from Kathleen, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. They discuss managing company stock, planning for a million-dollar payday, buying a home in a hot market, and transitioning to passive income. The episode highlights the importance of seeking financial guidance and creating dynamic financial plans.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, Maxwell has a deep desire for financial stability and security. He's concerned about the risk of having too much of his wealth tied up in his employer's stock, which is more than $1 million. He needs help to diversify his investments in a tax-efficient way so he can build a legacy of generational wealth.In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money?, listen in as Maxwell gets advice on investing for future generations from Evan, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.Visit our episode website for a deeper dive on topics covered in this episode like 529 Plans, tax-efficient investing and diversifying a concentrated position, or to find a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to fit your needs. Also find important disclosures here. More insights to help you go further: 529 Plans: A Powerful Took to Save for EducationHow Direct Indexing Can Offer Investors Potential Tax Savings and FlexibilityTax-Loss Harvesting Can Work Year-Round for Investors—Here’s How4 Tax-Smart Ways to Diversify Your PortfolioRational Investing in an Age of UncertaintyNext Generation Gifting ConsiderationsThe conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The 529 Plan Program Disclosure contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses, and potential tax consequences. Investors can obtain a 529 Plan Program Disclosure from their Financial Advisor and should read it carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether tax or other benefits are only available for investments in your home state 529-college savings plan.Direct Indexing may adversely impact account performance. There is no guarantee that Direct indexing will produce the desired tax results. Morgan Stanley offers investment program services through a variety of investment programs, which are opened pursuant to written client agreements. Each program offers investment managers, funds and features that are not available in other programs; conversely, some investment managers, funds or investment strategies may be available in more than one program.Morgan Stanley's investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on a client's specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for the client. Please see the applicable program disclosure document for more information, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor.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.Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.When 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.© 2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC.CRC# 5059095 (01/2026)

Natalie and David are just weeks away from their wedding but still have some questions around how to merge finances after marriage. Coming from different backgrounds, they have their own unique fears around financial instability and setting goals together. Should they consider signing a prenup before walking down the aisle to help safeguard their future? In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money?, listen in as Natalie and David get advice on merging their marital finances from Stacey, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.Visit our episode website for a deeper dive on topics covered in this episode like managing finances as a couple and a prenuptial agreement, or to find a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to fit your needs. Also find important disclosures here.The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast.Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC, when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan.To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our understanding, your brokerage and investment advisory relationships brochure available@morganstanley.com slash my money. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan.You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith, Barney, LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith, Barney, LLC. 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. This material has been prepared for educational 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 recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies and encourage 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. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of environmental, social, and governance ESG aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations.Because ESG criteria excludes some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. 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.© 2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 5058956  (01/2026)

What would you like to hear in our upcoming season? Do you have any financial questions you’ve always wanted to ask? Our Financial Advisors at Morgan Stanley are ready to help. Send your thoughts to mymoney@morganstanley.com.DISCLOSURES:Signal Award Winners are selected by members of the Signal Jurors from the best work entered through the Call for Entries. Evaluated against a number of criteria, the work undergoes a rigorous process to win a Signal Award. Signal Jurors independently inspect each entry submitted during the Call for Entries, rating each one based on its respective judging criteria. Every entry is evaluated by multiple experts. The top entries are then included on category-specific shortlists and further evaluated. Jurors may not vote in any category in which they have a conflict of interest. The Signal Judging Academy is made up of esteemed podcasting professionals who have been making waves in the industry.The Signal Academy selects finalists for each category and then the general public can cast a vote during the open voting period for their pick for the Listener’s Choice award in each category.Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“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. Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan. To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at morganstanley.com/mymoney. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan. You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, 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.This material has been prepared for educational 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 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.The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance – “ESG” – aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.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© 2023 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC. CRC 6109579 (11/2023)  

Victoria was first introduced to investing at a young age. Her mother would take her along to meetings with her broker. Victoria’s grandmother would give her stocks and bonds for Christmas. Smart investing is something that was passed down among the women in their family. But Victoria’s father had a harder time with money and she saw how this led to some difficult situations in the last few years of his life.Since then, Victoria has tried to make smart decisions in order to make sure she isn't a burden to her family.Add to that a recent divorce and Victoria is looking for some reassurance that she’s on the right track. She hopes she can afford to be financially independent and live comfortably as she approaches retirement.In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money, Stephen, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, works with Victoria to set herself up for success for this next chapter of her life.For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/financial-planning-after-divorce.What Should I Do With My Money? is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan. To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at morganstanley.com/mymoney. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan. You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, 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.This material has been prepared for educational 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 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 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 AGENCYCRC 5317562 (04/2026)

Christine is approaching 30, with half a million dollars in potential value from the equity awards given to her by her company, a good income and the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. While spending most of her money on travel, food and life experiences is fulfilling, Christine is feeling pressure to plan more for the future.Her family and friends are pushing for her to buy a house, but she isn’t sure she’s ready to be tied down with that much responsibility. Talking about money and financial planning with her parents wasn't part of Christine’s upbringing, so she’s searching for guidance on how to plan for right now, and for the future. Should she trust advice she hears from social media influencers?That’s where Jason, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, comes in. Listen in as he helps Christine figure out if she can continue to have adventures and still plan for her future.For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/long-term-investment-plans-what-should-i-do-with-my-money-podcast.The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan. To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at morganstanley.com/mymoney. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan. You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, 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.This material has been prepared for educational 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 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 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 AGENCYCRC 5317495  (04/2026)

Dennis is in his 60s and freshly divorced, with two kids yet to enter college.His devastating experience with investing in the 90’s left Dennis afraid to get back in the market. But as he nears retirement, Dennis wonders how he can do so comfortably while paying for his two children’s education. Of particular concern: Will he have to sell his beloved family apartment in New York City to cover future financial needs? Or will the cash proceeds from the sale of the house he shared with his former wife buy him some time?Listen in as Cathy, a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, walks Dennis through his options and helps him learn to trust again.For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/long-term-financial-planning-what-should-i-do-with-my-money-podcastThe conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan. To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at morganstanley.com/mymoney. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan. You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, 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.This material has been prepared for educational 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 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 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 AGENCYCRC  5317429 (04/2026)

Brad is a New Yorker in his 40s who dropped everything to pursue a passion project. But the business failed, leaving him loaded with debt. Now he has to figure out how to get back on track after losing most of his—and his wife’s—savings.With an empty investment account, and living in an expensive city, Brad​​ has to decide what should come first: paying off past debts or investing for the future.In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money, Sallie, a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, works with Brad to figure out how to get back to the level of comfort and financial freedom he’s looking for.For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/closing-small-business-what-should-i-do-with-my-money-podcast.[DISCLOSURES]The conversation in this podcast is solely intended as a case study between a client/prospective client with a Financial Advisor and is not intended to serve as individualized investment or financial advice. No portion should be construed as a recommendation to employ any of the guidance contained within this podcast. Each investor has their own unique facts and circumstances and must determine what is appropriate for their own situation. Participants in this podcast are not compensated and are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley.Here's some important information about your relationship with your financial advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a financial planning tool. When your financial advisor prepares a financial plan, they will be acting in an investment advisory capacity with respect to the delivery of your financial plan. To understand the difference between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your financial advisor or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at morganstanley.com/mymoney. You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to your implementation of a financial plan. You may implement the financial plan at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it in writing to act as your investment advisor on any particular account. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, 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.This material has been prepared for educational 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 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.The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance – “ESG” – aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.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 ©2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.     CRC: 5317364 (04/2026)

Listen to Amanda and Gavin, expectant working professionals, as they navigate budgeting for their growing family and ponder buying a house. Eric, the financial advisor, helps them plan for new costs, balance savings and homeownership, and make informed decisions on finances and future plans.

Debt-free single mom turned successful consultant, Willow, seeks financial advice in her 40s. Topics include retirement planning, renting vs. buying property, time management for finances, the 4% rule in retirement, and investment strategies.