With recent market swings leaving many investors feeling uneasy, financial guidance has never been more valuable. Laura Marie Raulinaitis, Financial Advisor, Senior Vice President and Co-Founder of The Lake Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley, shares how her team is helping clients maintain perspective, stay focused and be confident – no matter what markets are doing.
Laura, the markets have certainly kept investors on their toes lately. How are you and your team helping clients navigate this recent period of volatility?
At the Lake Avenue Group, we’ve always believed that confidence during uncertain times doesn’t come from trying to predict the next headline – it comes from having a thoughtful, comprehensive plan in place. For us, it’s about helping clients stay focused on what they can control. Volatility is a normal part of investing, and one of our roles is to help clients tune out the noise and make sure their long-term strategy stays intact.
What makes The Lake Avenue Group’s approach to wealth management different?
We are a full-service, seven-member team working out of our Westlake Village office, and we take a holistic approach. We don’t just manage investments – we look at the full picture: cash flow, tax strategies, estate and retirement planning, lending solutions and even family dynamics. Over the years, we’ve helped clients prepare for market swings not just by diversifying their portfolios but by integrating all aspects of their financial lives into one coordinated strategy.
Can you give me an example of what you mean by “integrated” planning?
Sure. For example, when we’re working with a family, we’re not just asking about their investments. We want to know: Are you saving and investing with purpose? What are your short, medium, and long-term goals? Are you comfortable with your level of risk? Are you prepared for life transitions like retirement, putting children through college or even caring for aging parents? We also discuss charitable giving and legacy planning. These aren’t just financial questions – they’re life questions. That’s why we work so closely with each client to create a strategy that feels personal and meaningful.
With so many moving parts in people’s financial lives, how do you keep clients from feeling overwhelmed?
That’s exactly why we built The Lake Avenue Group the way we did. We’re a team, not just a collection of advisors. Each person brings a unique skill set to the table. We have two professionals focused on long-term planning, advisors in asset management, lending and cash flow strategies, and a deep bench of knowledge when it comes to multi-generational planning. My background as a former athlete taught me the value of teamwork, and I designed our group to make sure clients have access to the best resources without feeling like they have to go it alone. Our clients often tell us that knowing they have a whole team working for them gives them confidence – especially during volatile markets.
What personally drew you to this career?
I actually grew up working at a small family-owned sporting camp in rural Maine. It’s where I first learned about the stock market from a vacationing guest and realized I could combine my love of working with people with the world of finance. That experience also gave me an appreciation for small-business owners and the unique challenges they face. Those early lessons in hard work, resilience and community still shape how I lead our team and we serve clients today.
What would you say is the most important thing for investors to remember right now?
Remember that volatility is not new – and it isn’t permanent. We’ve helped clients weather many storms over the years, and what makes the biggest difference is preparation and perspective. If you have a plan that is tailored to your life and you have a team that you trust, you can focus on what really matters – living your best life. That’s why we like to say, “Life’s better at the Lake.” We want every client to know they’re supported.
For those who may want to learn more, how can they connect with your team?
The markets will always have ups and downs – that’s the nature of investing. But with the right plan in place and the right team behind you, you don’t have to weather the storms alone. If you’d like to learn how we can help you navigate today’s uncertainty and plan for tomorrow’s opportunities, we invite you to connect with us at 805.494.0236.
Life is truly better at the Lake.
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