What Should I Do With My Money?

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 AGENCY

CRC 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-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 AGENCY

CRC  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)

This episode’s guests Amanda and Gavin are working professionals with their first baby on the way. The couple know how to stick to a budget, but that’s where their financial smarts come to a screeching halt.

A new baby brings joy and excitement but also uncertainty and change. But Amanda and Gavin aren’t sure how to plan for new expenses like childcare costs. Can they manage three people and working from home in their two-bedroom apartment? Can they afford to buy a house or will it leave them stretched too thin?

In this episode of What Should I Do With My Money?, listen in as Eric, a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, offers a framework to plan for the future and helps the couple figure out what to expect – about money – when they’re expecting.

For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/planning-for-a-baby-financially-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 AGENCY

©2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.    

CRC 5012554                     12/2025

Willow was a debt-burdened single mother when she finished grad school. As a consultant, she was able to climb out of debt and build her business and earn a considerable wage. She isn’t a big spender but she grew up in a household with strict budget limitations, so she doesn’t know how to approach wealth.

Willow feels she is playing catch up compared to other people her age when it comes to wealth management. Yet, Willow’s reality of being in her forties and only now being able to think seriously about things like savings and retirement is very common. It can take years of building a career and raising kids before there's money available to start thinking about finances beyond everyday expenses. And the longer the wait, the more urgent the questions become.

In this episode, listen in as Sarah, a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, gives Willow actionable steps towards managing her finances and the reassurance she’s on the right track.

For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page.

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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.

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.

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 AGENCY

CRC 5012492 (1/2026)

After growing up on a tight budget, Louisa was shocked to find that her mother was sitting on an estate worth millions in cash, property and investments. Now Louisa is left with all kinds of questions about what to do with it.

This complete financial surprise means Louisa needs a crash course on mortgages, ethical investments, distant properties, trusts, wills – all things she’s never had to deal with before. And Louisa realizes that she wants her children to be more in the know than she was about the family’s money. 

In this episode, listen in as Louisa gets eye-opening and reassuring guidance from Seth, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page.

Disclaimer:

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

CRC 5012300 (12/2025)

Managing our money can be ... a lot. It's one of the most important aspects of our lives, and yet, many of us just muddle through, without any help, hoping that we haven’t made a mistake. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. At Morgan Stanley, we help people manage their money at all stages of their lives, whether a young person just starting out or an executive planning their retirement. And while each person's situation is unique, many of their concerns are common. 

On this podcast, we match real people, asking real questions about their money, with experienced Financial Advisors. You’ll hear answers to important questions like: Is now the right time to buy a house? What to do if your business fails? How should I be saving to cover the cost of college? How much do I really need to retire and am I on track? 

Having an experienced Financial Advisor on your side can go a long way. Someone who you can trust, who gets you, who has tackled these same issues before and who has the expertise to develop a plan that fits your goals. 

Join us as our guests share their stories around life's major moments. And hear the difference a conversation can make. Hosted by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Jamie Roô. 

For more information visit morganstanley.com/mymoney.  

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[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. 

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 

CRC#5012409 (1/2026)