Carlos Cruz
Planning Associate
Darren R. Savikas, CFP®
Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(412) 854-3936(412) 854-3936
Toll-Free:
(800) 487-1879(800) 487-1879
My Mission Statement
Our mission is to help our clients grow, preserve, and transfer their wealth while building enduring relationships founded on mutual respect and confidence. We aim to educate and engage families in the wealth-building process, seeking to ensure financial knowledge and security for generations to come.
My Story and Services
With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Darren has built his career on three principles: putting his clients’ interests first, providing exceptional personal service and delivering a goals-based approach to comprehensive wealth management. He focuses on constructing well-balanced portfolios and cultivating long-term relationships with his clients and their families. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Darren upholds a standard of excellence and is well-equipped to advise clients on every aspect of their financial lives.
Darren began his career in 1999 at Mellon Private Wealth Management. In 2006, he joined with his mother and The Savikas Group at Morgan Stanley. They continued working as a team until Darren’s mother retired in 2013. Darren graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a dual B.A. in Communications and Business.
Darren's dedication to service stems from his upbringing around his family's Dairy Queen business, where the motto "Service with a Smile" shaped his perspective on client care. Today, he applies the same philosophy, combining genuine care with the vast resources and tools available at Morgan Stanley to deliver personalized strategies for his clients.
For Darren the most rewarding aspect of his work is the confidence and faith his clients place in him. He is driven by their success, viewing it as a reflection of the strong relationship they have built over time. His client-first mindset seeks to ensure every decision is made with their best interests at heart, aligning with his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Darren currently lives in the South Hills with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Elena and Evan.
Darren began his career in 1999 at Mellon Private Wealth Management. In 2006, he joined with his mother and The Savikas Group at Morgan Stanley. They continued working as a team until Darren’s mother retired in 2013. Darren graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a dual B.A. in Communications and Business.
Darren's dedication to service stems from his upbringing around his family's Dairy Queen business, where the motto "Service with a Smile" shaped his perspective on client care. Today, he applies the same philosophy, combining genuine care with the vast resources and tools available at Morgan Stanley to deliver personalized strategies for his clients.
For Darren the most rewarding aspect of his work is the confidence and faith his clients place in him. He is driven by their success, viewing it as a reflection of the strong relationship they have built over time. His client-first mindset seeks to ensure every decision is made with their best interests at heart, aligning with his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Darren currently lives in the South Hills with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Elena and Evan.
Securities Agent: HI, CO, OH, TX, GA, NY, MD, VA, NC, MI, ME, MA, FL, WA, AZ, IL, SC, DE, PA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Online Tools And Features Available To You
Morgan Stanley strives to ensure it serves clients on its technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, and smart. As a part of our services, these resources are readily available to all of our clients. Learn more about each tool and feature to see how it could easily help to manage and secure your financial journey.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with eAuthorization.
Morgan Stanley Mobile App
Securely access your Morgan Stanley account from virtually anywhere. Simply download it on your mobile device and use your Morgan Stanley Online username and password to log in. From there you will have the resources of MSO on the go.
LifeView Portal
LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual's financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
Goals Planning System (GPS)
As a Morgan Stanley client with a Goals Planning System (GPS) retirement plan, you can now access and view your plan's status and progress on Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and Morgan Stanley Mobile (MSM).
Total Wealth View
It's hard to see the full picture with only half of the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions on Morgan Stanley Online or by using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, giving you a more complete financial picture.
Portfolio Risk Platform (Aladdin)
Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
A Financial Plan Made For You
The wealth management process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life - your investments and your cash management needs - making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan. Leveraging a sophisticated suite of analytic tools, as well as the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley, can help you take charge of your financial future and achieve your goals. Below, I have provided some links that will introduce you to a few of the tools that are used.
LifeView - Intelligent Planning
LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that we can use with our clients to create a realistic, integrated strategy that incorporates the various aspects of an individual's financial life, including investments and cash management needs. Fill out the questionnaire to get started talking with us about creating a personalized strategy for your long-term goals.
Goals Planning System (GPS)
Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley's own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm's intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is "On Track" to achieving their financial goals.
Aladdin - Intelligent Risk Management
There's a chance your portfolio may be at risk, but how you manage that risk is what matters.
Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides both an overview and a detailed view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
Spending and Budgeting Tool
One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley's Spending and Budgeting tool. These tools help advisors monitor client cash flows across both internal and external accounts. It also tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help clients achieve their goals by adjusting their spending behavior when necessary.
Supporting Communities
I am dedicated to giving back to the communities I serve. From volunteering to financial support, I work with organizations that share my mission to make a difference.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
The mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is to conserve and protect all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach. We accomplish this through the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured sea turtles.
My Process
I am dedicated to building deep and long-lasting client relationships based on mutual respect and integrity. I am committed to providing you with a "one-stop shop" for all of your financial needs. My distinctive three-step process allows me to develop a comprehensive, customized strategy designed to help address your family goals.
Introduction
I begin with a friendly chat to get to know each other. This meeting is all about you sharing your financial dreams and concerns so we can embark on this journey together.
Discovery
In our second step, we will dive into the nitty-gritty of your financial world. this means conducting an in depth planning meeting which focuses on your balance sheet, income statement, and other financial priorities.I will listen closely to you unique story, finances, and goals to create a plan tailored to help meet your needs.
Review
Based on your risk tolerance & goals, we develop the financial plan, asset allocation strategy, and other wealth management priorities paired with a detailed implementation plan and pricing schedule. Together we will make adjustments to your investment accounts in order to help turn your goals into a reality.
Client Service Team
Melissa Cunningham - Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(412) 434-8009(412) 434-8009
Email:melissa.cunningham@morganstanley.com
Melissa is a Registered Associate that has been with Morgan Stanley since 2019. Melissa had the opportunity to start working with Darren in 2019, and has not looked back. She ensures a seamless client experience by facilitating a smooth account opening and transfer process and partners with Darren to address more complex client issues. While Melissa is often the first line of contact for our clients, she also coordinates our operational responsibilities and preparedness.
Melissa currently holds her FINRA Series 7, Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. She began her career in the financial services industry in 2005 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to working at Morgan Stanley, Melissa worked at regional banks in the Pittsburgh area.
Melissa was born and raised in the Fayette County area and currently lives in Connellsville, PA with her husband. In her free time, Melissa enjoys racing cars and attending Penn State football games.
Melissa currently holds her FINRA Series 7, Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. She began her career in the financial services industry in 2005 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to working at Morgan Stanley, Melissa worked at regional banks in the Pittsburgh area.
Melissa was born and raised in the Fayette County area and currently lives in Connellsville, PA with her husband. In her free time, Melissa enjoys racing cars and attending Penn State football games.
Location
2600 Old Washington Road
Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
US
Direct:
(412) 854-3936(412) 854-3936
Toll-Free:
(800) 487-1879(800) 487-1879
Fax:
(412) 392-8461(412) 392-8461
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 Carlos Cruz
Carlos Cruz is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Carlos provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Florida International University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Carlos is originally from Miami, FL and currently resides in New York.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Florida International University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Carlos is originally from Miami, FL and currently resides in New York.
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
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.
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.
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.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
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.
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.
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.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Darren R. Savikas today.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
1Municipal 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.
2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options 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, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
1Municipal 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.
2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options 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, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
