Michael Julian, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley

09/05/2026

It's National 401(k) Day

One of the most common retirement savings tools deserves a little more attention today.

Here are a few 401(k) numbers worth knowing for 2026:
✅ The employee contribution limit is $24,500
📈 Those age 50 and older may be eligible for an additional $8,000 catch up contribution
⭐ Ages 60 through 63 may be eligible to contribute an additional $11,250 instead, if their plan allows
🏢 With employer contributions included, the total annual limit can reach $72,000

There is a lot more to your 401(k) than simply contributing each paycheck. Understanding your plan, contribution options, and employer benefits can make a meaningful difference over time.

https://livesocial.seismic.com/aRlqBk

09/02/2026

Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated.

A few simple habits, like using strong passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication, and thinking twice before clicking unexpected links, can go a long way in helping protect your personal information.

Check out these practical tips:

morganstanley.com

08/20/2026

Your retirement plan has a lot of moving parts, and Social Security is one of the big ones. Here's a short article to get familiar with the factors that may help you decide when to start taking benefits.

https://livesocial.seismic.com/a8IJeE

08/14/2026

Happy National Financial Awareness Day 📊

Money touches almost every major life decision, but it's easy to put financial planning on the back burner when life gets busy.

You don't have to have everything figured out to make progress. Sometimes it's as simple as checking in on your goals, asking a few questions, or taking the next small step.

As careers take off, incomes grow, and new milestones like buying a home, changing jobs, or starting a family come into focus, having a financial strategy can help you make those decisions with greater confidence.

The best time to become intentional with your finances isn't when you've reached every milestone. It's building toward them.

08/04/2026

Streaming keeps growing, but the real competition is shifting from winning subscribers to keeping them.

Morgan Stanley Research looks at how content quality, platform loyalty and live sports are shaping the next phase of industry.

morganstanley.com

07/29/2026

First-time home buyers are facing a tougher path in today's market, from affordability pressures to limited inventory and higher barriers to entry.

Tune into Thoughts on the Market for insights on what's shaping the outlook.

morganstanley.com

07/22/2026

Save this for later: building a retirement portfolio doesn't have to be complicated.

This guide walks through the basics so you can start with a plan and keep moving forward.

💠 Enroll in your workplace retirement plan as soon as you're eligible so your savings has more time to grow.
💠 Set a savings target and take advantage of any employer match, while keeping vesting rules in mind.
💠 Choose an investing approach that works for you, like a target-date fund, building your own mix, or using a managed account if available. https://livesocial.seismic.com/aXGhpe

07/08/2026

Small summer goals can make a big difference. Here are a few simple, realistic ideas to support your health this season, from hydration and movement to sleep and stress care. https://livesocial.seismic.com/a4_1I2

06/17/2026

Pets are family, but the "petriarchy" is getting pricey.

In this Thoughts on the Market podcast episode, find out what's changing in the U.S. pet world after the post-pandemic boom.

Here it is in 3 P's:

🐕 Prices: The pet industry is cooling from its supercharged stretch (nearly 9% annual growth from 2019 to 2025) to something more normal, around ~4% growth.
🐈‍⬛ Priorities: People are deal-hunting, comparing prices, and sometimes swapping to cheaper options, but most still plan to keep spending the same or more on pet food in the next six months.
🐶 Pet care: More of the spend is shifting to services, especially vet care and healthcare stuff like prescriptions and diagnostics.

Also, a fun detail: cats are having a moment, and online pet shopping has basically leveled off at about one-third of spending.

What's your biggest "how did I spend that much?" pet category lately: treats, toys, grooming, or the vet?

morganstanley.com

05/13/2026

Longevity is reshaping economies and industries in ways that go well beyond healthcare, and Morgan Stanley argues it should also reshape how we approach financial planning, especially as longer lifespans turn "retirement" into a multi-stage journey that may require more flexibility around work, spending, housing, and care.

If you are building a plan for the decades ahead, the key question is not just how long your money needs to last, but how your goals and lifestyle may evolve across a longer life.

morganstanley.com