Sara O. Farner, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley

06/09/2026

Midyear 2026 Investment Outlook: Markets are navigating macro uncertainty, but the dominant equity story remains earnings durability, supported by operating leverage and accelerating AI adoption and capex.

We stay constructive on developed market equities, with a preference for the US.

morganstanley.com

05/18/2026

My 18-year-old is officially in his freshman year, and I'm still trying to figure out how we got here so fast.

He started classes in January and will wrap up his freshman year by the end of the summer. In between homework and exams, he's also learning to fly a plane. Yes, a real one.

It's wild watching him go from snack-obsessed toddler to pre-flight checklist in what feels like a blink. Education doesn't always look one way, and planning tools like a 529 can support more paths than many people realize.

Proud, amazed, and slightly emotional, but mostly just impressed he's doing something this big at 18.

05/12/2026

AI is everywhere in markets right now, and the real story is scaling it responsibly.

Every AI model runs on physical infrastructure: data centers, semi-conductors, chips, and power. As that footprint grows, sustainability becomes an investment lens, not a side topic.

In this audiocast, it's frame it through 3 R's:

🔆Responsibility: efficient operations, clean energy, safe use of AI, and the accuracy of AI outputs
🔆Risk: governance, regulation, real-world constraints like power and permitting, and the social challenge it's creating by reshaping the workforce
🔆Return: companies that commit to innovation and sustainability now, including the "picks and shovels" behind AI, could be better positioned over the long run

https://livesocial.seismic.com/awWWbu

05/01/2026

We talk a lot about building wealth, but preserving it often comes down to spotting the hidden risks.

Morgan Stanley highlights how a simple risk assessment can uncover coverage gaps that leave affluent families with unwanted financial exposure.

morganstanley.com

04/29/2026

Tariffs may have faded from the headlines, but they are not fading from the economy.

In the latest Thoughts on the Market episode, Seth Carpenter and Myank Phadke break down why tariff levels could stay elevated, why reshoring gains look limited in the data, and what that can mean for costs and prices across industries. Listen here:

morganstanley.com

04/23/2026

There's a lot of talk about AI replacing jobs, but the reality looks more gradual.

This Morgan Stanley article compares today's shift to past tech cycles and finds the impact on jobs has been modest so far, with more change happening within roles than outright displacement.

Interesting perspective on how this may play out over time.

morganstanley.com

04/21/2026

Got a bigger tax refund this year? It might be worth a second look before treating it like a bonus.

The average refund is around $3,462, up about 11% from last year, but still below earlier forecasts.

As you start thinking about how to use it, remember a refund just means you overpaid the IRS during the year. It's your money, just delayed.

Before it quietly disappears into weekend plans or impulse buys, it might be a good moment to ask where it actually does the most work for you.

cbsnews.com

04/14/2026

Equity comp has its own language, and if you don't use it every day, it's easy to feel like you're playing catch up.

This glossary from Morgan Stanley walks through the terms you'll actually see, from RSUs to vesting schedules, in a way that makes them easier to connect real decisions rather than just definitions.

Worth a quick read if you've ever paused mid-document and thought, "wait… what does that mean again?" https://livesocial.seismic.com/ae8g-I

04/07/2026

Retirement is personal, and so is spending.

Morgan Stanley frames it through a "retirement spending smile": higher spending in the early active years, a dip in mid retirement, then a rise later as healthcare needs grow.

That pattern changes how you plan. The most durable approach connects three things: your lifestyle expectations, your investment strategy, and your withdrawal plan.

morganstanley.com

04/02/2026

As the seasons change and spring arrives, many of us take the opportunity to clean out closets, organize the garage, or refresh our homes. It can also be a great time to give your finances the same kind of attention.

A simple financial "spring cleaning" can help bring clarity and organization to the year ahead. A few places to start:

• Review your financial goals and make sure they still reflect what matters most today
• Revisit your budget and spending habits after the first few months of the year
• Consolidate old accounts or paperwork that may no longer be necessary
• Check beneficiaries and important documents to ensure everything is current
• Take a fresh look at your overall financial plan

Financial planning isn't just something to revisit during major life events. Periodic check-ins can help keep everything aligned and make it easier to navigate changes along the way.

Spring is a natural reminder that a little refresh can go a long way.

morganstanley.com