Professional Experience

Bret Cleveland began his career in banking in 1994 with Citigroup and joined WellsFargo Investments as a financial consultant in 1996. In 2009, Bret transitioned to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney* as a First Vice President and Financial Advisor.

Bret works closely with clients to develop and implement integrated financial plans that leverage his own experience and that of Morgan Stanley’s analysts.
Professional Philosophy
  • With 25 years of investing experience in a variety of market environments, Bret’s knowledge allows him to customize and maintain diversified portfolios based on a thorough understanding of the potential effects of existing economic and market conditions.
  • Bret’s investment philosophy is to assess the risks and opportunities that fit each client’s distinct investment personality and goals. His methodology revolves around listening carefully to his clients to establish a clear understanding of their wants and needs. He applies a holistic approach toward portfolio building, looking at a client’s life picture to determine the most effective way of reaching his/her stated goals.
Services Include
Securities Agent: GA, MA, HI, CO, AZ, ID, NY, FL, IA, SC, CA, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1296112
CA Insurance License #: #0B91382
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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    Services We Provide
    FINANCIAL PLANNING: Goals Analysis, Retirement Income, Debt Analysis, Special Circumstances

    INVESTMENT PLANNING: Security Recommendations, Economics, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing

    WEALTH PLANNING: Wills & Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Family Governance, Charitable Planning

    EXECUTIVE PLANNING: Incentive Compensation, Stock Options, Concentrated Positions, Stock Monetization

    BUSINESS OWNER PLANNING: Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning
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    Our Tailored Process
    1. Discovery Process - We listen, learn, and identify what is important to you and your legacy

    2. Develop Strategies - We determine risk and gather data to analyze current investments and create a financial plan

    3. Onboarding Meeting - We present and discuss the plan

    4. Deployment of Solutions - Focus on asset movement and assign responsibilities

    5. Orientation Meeting - Meet and understand the team and "who to contact"

    6. Wealth Team Integration - Develop and understand your network, liquidity needs, and secondary plans

    7. Strategy/Tactical Meetings - Monitor, discuss, and adjust future transitions

The CFP® Professional - Bret Cleveland

Individuals certified by the CFP® Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate commitment and professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These four cornerstones set the foundation for the CFP® professional’s ability in helping clients achieve their goals. My diverse skillsets can help can help clients navigate the complicated financial factors in their life. See below for more information about the CFP designation and how we can help:
Education
The CFP® professional must develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing 2 to 3 years of comprehensive coursework at an institution of higher learning approved by the CFP® Board. Once obtaining the CFP® trademark, their education does not stop, as continued education is part of the recertification process.
Examination
The CFP® professional must pass the 7 hour comprehensive Certification Exam, which tests abilities to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
Experience
All CFP® professionals are required to complete several years of experience related to financial planning services prior to earning the right to use the CFP® trademarks.
Ethics
The CFP® professional is obligated to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence as outline in the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics. The Rules of Conduct require the CFP® professional to put the client’s interest first at all times.

Annuities & Insurance

A sound wealth plan involves more than just seeking returns. It also involves mitigating and managing risks, helping clients when the unexpected occurs. Insurance and annuities are often used to help clients plan for and guard against life’s hidden curves—helping protect their assets and their family’s well-being.

As an Insurance Planning Director, Bret Cleveland works with our clients on liability management strategies and how they can be incorporated into their comprehensive wealth plan.
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    How to Plan for Hidden Risks
    Hidden risks abound. For affluent families, this can mean unwanted financial exposure. A simple risk assessment can go a long way to closing these gaps.
    View Here
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    Planning for the Rising Costs of Health Care
    Health care costs are rising—especially for retirees, and some may need long-term care. Learn the moves you can make to help prepare yourself.
    View Here
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    You're Ready for Retirement. Is Your Portfolio?
    The market can influence your decision on when to retire. Learn how to help protect your nest egg, including the potential role of annuities in retirement.
    View Here
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    Insured Solutions: Protection for the Unexpected
    At Morgan Stanley, we offer a robust suite of insurance and annuities solutions backed by its licensed insurance agency affiliates that can aid in safeguarding you and your loved ones.
    View Our Insured Solutions Hub

Location

101 W Broadway
Ste 1800
San Diego, CA 92101
US
Direct:
(619) 238-3449(619) 238-3449
Toll-Free:
(800) 473-1331(800) 473-1331
Fax:
(619) 235-9313(619) 235-9313

Meet My Team

About Jorge Gonzalez

Jorge has worked in the financial industry since 2012, starting his career with Wells Fargo Bank as a relationship manager Jorge developed his skillset to grow and maintain client relationships. Working closely with a team of Financial Advisors over the years has ensured that all of the client needs are met effectively and promptly. In addition, Jorge attended San Diego State University where he earned a BA in Public Administration which allowed him to gain financial knowledge that he incorporates daily throughout his career.

Jorge is series 7 and 63 licensed. His credentials are an invaluable asset to the team adding to its ability to service client needs immediately and personally. He is an invaluable asset, adding to the teams ability to provide clients with a superior level of service.

Outside of work Jorge enjoys spending time with family and friends. He enjoys traveling to new places and also golfing with friends on the weekends.

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 Michael Mackowiak

Michael Mackowiak 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.

Michael began his career in financial services in 2008, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Premier Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

He lives in Chula Vista, California with his family. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys watching soccer and baseball, traveling, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1069297

About Sam Fatigato

Sam Fatigato is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Orange County area of Southern California. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Sam began his career in 2012 as a Financial Advisor and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he was a sales manager for a major insurance company that was responsible for the distribution of retirement income and savings solutions to Financial Advisors and their respective clients.

Sam graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with an emphasis in Consumer Economics and Finance and holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Sam lives in Laguna Niguel, CA with his wife Kathryn and their dog Cooper. Outside of work, Sam is an avid sports fan and a former hockey player. He enjoys being active, traveling to the mountains with family, and hiking.
CA Insurance License #: 0139677
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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 
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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 Bret A Cleveland today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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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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5Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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6Morgan 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.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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

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9When 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.

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10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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11Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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)