Plan for your future

Welcome

Before joining Morgan Stanley, I was an investment product manager for a large investment company overseeing the firm’s stock and bond fund product suites and before starting in financial services I was an officer in the United States Navy.

I joined Morgan Stanley to partner with one of the premier wealth management firms in the world because it was important to me to be able to deliver best-in-class thinking and five star solutions and services to my clients. I became a financial advisor because I wanted to take the best practices I had learned and the experience I gained from working in the world of institutional money management and bring those best practices and experience to individuals and families to assist them in reaching their financial goals.

My role is to deliver the resources and intellectual capital of Morgan Stanley to my clients in a personalized way. I work hard to fully understanding my clients’ needs, their goals, any financial challenges they may be facing and what they want for their lives. Then I deliver the full firm to my clients, in the way that works for them, to meet their financial needs.

My clients gain access to all the available resources at Morgan Stanley from financial and retirement planning to portfolio management, from cash management and lending to family and business planning. Through our wealth management process, we can create a customized financial plan and investment strategy for you that we can adapt over time as your life evolves, markets and tax laws shift or your priorities change. This personalized wealth strategy can help you see where you are today; chart where you want to go and show you the steps necessary to get you there.

I come alongside you financially, with all the resources available at Morgan Stanley, to assist you to live the life you want.

Explore how our process can help you to achieve your personal life goals.
Services Include
Securities Agent: OR, ID, CA, AZ, WI, NC, UT, WA, NY, VA, AK, SC, PA, MN, CO, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1855508
CA Insurance License #: CA Insurance Lic # 0D83344
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Here to Help You Succeed

With life filled with so many unknowns, most people experience concern over their financial affairs at one time or another. We assist you to find solutions for your most daunting financial challenges. The first step is for us to have a conversation about your needs, your lifestyle and family and your goals for the future. Though we can’t guarantee certain investment results, we can promise to:

• Understand your situation
• Educate you about your financial options
• Respect your assets and wishes
• Work hard to solve your financial challenges
• And stay in touch with you

As the financial world becomes more complex and investment choices multiply, careful planning becomes ever more important to helping you achieve your financial goals. As a Financial Advisor, my role is to work with you to help you develop a strategy that lays out a clear path to your goals—a strategy that I develop in collaboration with you, and one that you can follow with confidence in the face of the market’s ups and downs.

Together, we will explore a broad range of topics that are likely to influence your financial future—from your family situation to your career aspirations, from likely education expenses to the retirement you ultimately envision. What I learn will become the foundation for a financial and investment strategy based on who you are and where you want to go. Only then will I talk with you about the details of investing: how much risk makes sense, your asset allocation, and which investments may be appropriate for your portfolio.

It all starts with a conversation. We invite you to begin a dialogue with us to see how we can assist you to live and maintain the life you want.

    Helping You Succeed

    With over 12 years of investment and wealth management experience, I joined Morgan Stanley because I wanted to bring my experience of working in the world of institutional money management to individuals and families assisting them to achieve financial success.

    Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, I held various roles, but most recently I was an investment product manager for a multi-billion dollar institutional investment management firm with responsibility for the firm’s equity and fixed income product suites. In this role, I worked with portfolio management, research and marketing to competitively position the firm’s products in the marketplace.

    I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) with a degree in Social Science. While at Cal, I played on the varsity soccer team. After earning my degree, I began Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School and upon graduation was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy. After eight years, I rose to the rank of Lieutenant and after my naval service I attended Pepperdine University and earned my MBA. I have also earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential which gives me specialized knowledge to assist business owners to build more valuable companies, stronger financial plans, and align their personal goals.

      What can we do for you?

      We help you identify solutions for all your financial needs.
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        Comprehensive Financial Planning
        - Customized Financial Plans
        - Probability Analysis
        - Monitoring Progress
        - Special Circumstances
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        Investment Planning
        - Tax Efficient Investing
        - Asset Allocation
        - Investment Selection
        - Impact Investing
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        Family Wealth Planning
        - Legacy Planning, Gifting and Uses of Trusts
        - Family Governance and Dynamics
        - Charitable Giving
        - Education Planning
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        Private Banking
        - Cash Management Solutions
        - Lending
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        Retirement Planning
        - Retirement Income
        - Social Security and Pension Analysis
        - Healthcare Cost Analysis
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        Asset Protection Strategies
        - Life Insurance
        - Long-Term Care Insurance
        - Security Matters - Identity Theft
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        Executive Planning
        - Benefits and Incentive Compensation Analysis
        - Stock Options
        - Concentrated Position Analysis
        - Executive Stock Monetization
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        Business Owner Planning
        - Retirement and Benefits Analysis
        - Risk Management
        - Succession or Exit Planning

      Location

      101 S Capitol Blvd
      Suite 401
      Boise, ID 83702
      US
      Direct:
      (208) 338-2785(208) 338-2785
      Toll-Free:
      (800) 733-5231(800) 733-5231

      The Power of Partnerships

      By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

      About Russ Gallen

      Russ Gallen is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

      Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

      Russ began his career in financial services in 2001, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch.

      Russ is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife, Chelsea. Outside of the office, Russ enjoys golf, tennis and traveling.
      NMLS#: 684961
      Wealth Management
      From My Desk

      Brandon Baxter N amed to Pacesetter's


      Wealth Management
      Global Investment Office

      Portfolio Insights

      Retirement

      Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
      • 401(k) Rollovers
      • IRA Plans
      • Retirement income strategies
      • Retirement plan participants
      • Annuities
      A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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      A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

      Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

      Investing

      Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
      • Asset Management
      • Wealth Planning
      • Traditional Investments
      • Alternative Investments
      • Impact Investing
      2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
      Article Image

      2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

      Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

      Family

      Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
      • Estate Planning Strategies
      • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
      • Long Term Care Insurance
      • Special Needs Planning
      • Trust Services
      529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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      529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

      Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

      Business Planning

      Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
      • Succession Planning
      • Business Planning
      • Qualified Retirement Plans
      Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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      Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

      Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

      Philanthropy

      Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
      • Endowments
      • Foundations
      • Donor Advised Funds
      • Impact Investing
      Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
      Article Image

      Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

      There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
      Ready to start a conversation? Contact Brandon Baxter today.
      1When 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. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

      For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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      2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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      3Morgan 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 www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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      4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and 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 matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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      5Morgan 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

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      6When 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. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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      7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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      8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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      9The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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      10Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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      Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

      The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

      Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
      https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

      The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material 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.

      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. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

      Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

      The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

      *References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

      Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

      The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

      Awards Disclosures
      CRC 6491812 (04/2024)