Jonathan Cole, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley

02/10/2026

We are thrilled to be a part of the 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and their trust and confidence have been instrumental in achieving this recognition. It's an honor to be recognized among this group of outstanding professionals who consistently work to raise the standards in our industry.

[Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/24–3/31/25. https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/wealth-management/forbes-top-wealth-advisors-lists-2026?gv6=7fda1055-4dce-40bf-9bbc-5a053f7d583b ]

11/21/2024

I'm proud to share that I was named to the 2024 Association of African American Financial Advisors Fifty Under 50 list at this year's AAAA V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference!

I appreciate my clients, team, family, and this amazing organization for helping me achieve this award. Thank you!



© 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce (M/F/Disability/Vet). CRC 3881867 09/24. Equal Employment Opportunity
CRC 3907677 11/24

11/11/2024

Today, on , we honor the bravery and dedication of those who are actively serving and have served our country in the past. Thank you for protecting us and our freedom! We are forever grateful for your service.

"Never was so much owed by so many to so few." - Winston Churchill

11/01/2024

With the upcoming election, I wanted to share some helpful information regarding the relationship between elections and financial markets. While election years can be fraught with uncertainty as developments surrounding the candidates, their platforms, and their predicted effects on the economy and markets dominate the news, I'm here to let you know that empirical research suggests you should not let this stream of political information influence your portfolio.

It's understandable to have concerns about the election, though as far as your portfolio and the markets are concerned, history suggests it will be a nonissue.

Elections matter, but not so much to your investment. In terms of impacting the markets, the chart below shows that it doesn't really matter who wins the election, if you were invested in the S&P 500 since 1949, it's likely you made money.

Here's the link to the report that contains the chart below: https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/Insights/2024/10/1/election-client-resource-kit---september-2024

10/25/2024

Golden years without retirement security are less shiny.

This National Retirement Security Week is all about raising awareness and taking concrete steps towards a secure retirement. Start saving early, speak with a retirement expert, and spread the word to your friends and coworkers.

Whether you automate your savings, boost contributions as you age, or diversify your retirement vehicles for optimal growth, make sure to be on track for a comfortable retirement.

10/23/2024

Need advice on your financial advisor?

Understanding the decisions your advisor makes on your behalf is key to building a strong relationship and strengthening your financial plan. When you're educated about your portfolio, you'll feel more confident in times of market volatility and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Transparency in decision-making is crucial for a personalized investment strategy that meets your individual needs. By communicating openly with your advisor and understanding the reasoning behind each financial decision, you'll be working to help increase your level of confidence in your financial plan.

Open communication is essential for creating a collaborative environment where you feel informed, valued, and empowered. Be sure to ask questions, provide feedback, and stay engaged in your financial journey to build a lasting relationship with your advisor.

Your financial future is too important to leave to chance—empower yourself with knowledge and transparency today.

forbes.com

10/17/2024

There's no wrong time for financial planning.

With that said, October is Financial Planning Month, the perfect time to get your budgets in order before the holiday season hits. From exploring investment opportunities to tracking your savings, this month is all about setting yourself up for a secure future.

Financial planning not only helps in the long run but has instant benefits for the present as well. It's never too late to start planning for retirement or to create a simple, effective financial plan.

Scrolling isn't saving, so let's use this month to invest in ourselves and our financial well-being.

nationaltoday.com

10/15/2024

Lose a customer or gain a client?

Trick question. After making a sale, you have the chance to turn a customer into a client.

When it comes to the customer journey, post-purchase behavior is where the magic happens. By providing top-notch onboarding, personal attention, and resources for success, you can turn customers into loyal advocates. Showcase testimonials, create FAQ content, and make customer support easily accessible to drive client engagement and retention. Solicit feedback to improve the buying process and keep clients coming back for more.

The customer journey doesn't end with a sale - it's just the beginning of building lasting relationships.

10/12/2024

Savings aren't just about delayed gratification.

It's National Savings Day, a day dedicated to promoting financial preparedness and education. It serves as a reminder for all of us to prioritize saving for our future and investing in our financial literacy.

It is never too late to start educating ourselves on how to manage our money effectively. By understanding the importance of saving and investing wisely, we can secure a stable financial future for ourselves and our loved ones.

Whether it's creating an emergency fund, setting up a retirement plan, or simply budgeting better, every step towards financial preparedness is a step in the right direction.

Use this day as a catalyst to improve financial knowledge and habits. By equipping ourselves with the necessary skills and information, we can make informed decisions that will benefit us in the long run. Saving is not just about putting money aside; it's about building a strong foundation for our future financial security.

10/09/2024

Change is hard, but necessary for growth.

This article really struck a chord with me as it emphasizes the importance of looking within ourselves first during times of transformation. It's true that we can't effectively lead others through change if we're not willing to do the inner work ourselves.

Reflecting on our own actions, emotions, and beliefs is crucial in navigating change successfully. It's a tough process, but one that ultimately leads to greater self-awareness and resilience. As leaders, it's important to remember that our own personal growth directly impacts our ability to lead others through change with empathy and purpose.

Pause. Reflect on how we're showing up in the midst of change. By doing so, we can become stronger, more authentic leaders who inspire and empower those around us.

hbr.org

10/07/2024

Hurricane Helene has left devastation in its wake.

This crisis has raised concerns about our preparedness in the face of natural disasters, and to me it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having a solid financial safety net in place.

From building an emergency fund to reviewing insurance coverage, taking proactive steps in advance can help alleviate stress during times of crisis. As we witness the aftermath of natural disasters, it's crucial to prioritize financial preparedness to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In the meantime, for those who weren't directly impacted by Hurricane Helene, consider helping anyway you can.