Growing your family is a very exciting time. Baby fever may have prepared you emotionally, but have you considered if you’re financially prepared? In this episode, our guests Nat and Kel are obsessed with this question. Though they are a financially savvy couple, they wonder what it’ll take to grow their family while saving for other goals. And it’s not just about preparing for a baby, but what comes next. As a content creator, Nat wonders how she can maintain her career momentum while raising a child. For Kel, he worries about upgrading to a larger home in a tough mortgage rate environment. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, Danelle, guides them through each question, helping them navigate the anxieties of impending parenthood. They confront these universal challenges and unpack what it takes to feel prepared, or if the solution lies within their evolving financial plan. For more information about this episode and the topics covered, check out our episode page and explore how you can connect with a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. 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. This material has been prepared for general reference and 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. Please see our show notes for a full disclaimer on the information provided. 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. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters. Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options, investment objectives and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, investment objectives, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences. Investors should read the Program Disclosure Statement carefully before investing. Morgan Stanley 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 consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf. Residential mortgage loans/home equity lines of credit are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. With the exception of the pledged-asset feature, an investment relationship with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not have to be established or maintained to obtain the residential mortgage products offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association. All residential mortgage loans/home equity lines of credit are subject to the underwriting standards and independent approval of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change without notice. Residential mortgage loans/home equity lines of credit may not be available in all states; not available in Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Other restrictions may apply. The information contained herein should not be construed as a commitment to lend. Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC that is primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Unique Identifier #663185. The proceeds from a residential mortgage loan (including draws and advances from a home equity line of credit) are not permitted to be used to purchase, trade, or carry eligible margin stock; repay margin debt that was used to purchase, trade, or carry margin stock; or to make payments on any amounts owed under the note, loan agreement, or loan security agreement; and cannot be deposited into a Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC or other brokerage account. 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: 4875425 (10/2025)