My Story and Services

Dean has over 32 years of wealth management experience with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms. He is a Senior Vice President and a Financial Advisor focused on serving the financial needs of individuals, endowments and foundations with long-term investment strategies. He also focuses on retirement income planning.

His education factors extensively into his acumen as a financial advisor. Dean has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, and a Master in Business Administration degree from Xavier University. He has also completed post-graduate work at Claremont Graduate School in Claremont, CA.

When he's not at work, Dean volunteers on several local community organizations, including The Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Pasadena City College’s Business Administration Advisory Committee and is a member of the Rotary Club of Pasadena. He is also an avid runner. Dean resides in Pasadena with his wife Karen.
Services Include
Securities Agent: KY, PA, KS, DC, NY, MN, MI, IL, OH, ID, CA, AR, VA, NV, NM, MO, TN, SD, NJ, FL, AZ, WA, UT, TX, OR, NC, WY, LA, CO, NH, GA, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278870
CA Insurance License #: 0B22278
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

SETTING YOUR FOUNDATION WITH A FINANCIAL PLAN

Dean's 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, making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan. The following resources below will introduce you to a few of the tools that Dean uses. Please click to learn more about topics impacting your wealth.

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    LifeView – Intelligent Planning

    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Dean can use with his clients to create a realistic, integrated strategy that incorporates the various aspects of an individual's financial life, including investments and cash management needs.

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    Goals Planning System

    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.

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    Spending and Budgeting Tool

    One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley's Spending and Budgeting Tool. This tool helps advisors monitor 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 behaviors when necessary.

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    Retirement Planning

    It's important to determine how much money you may need to save for a comfortable retirement. Here are five common myths about retirement planning.

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    Strategy – Intelligent Withdrawals

    Building wealth is a means to an end. Taxes can eat up a significant portion of your assets upon withdrawal. This is why it is vital to look at your entire portfolio and coordinate liquidation to help reduce the impact of taxes and potentially improve investment results.

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LEADING A FULFILLING RETIREMENT

The retirement planning landscape is shaped by evolving economic conditions, regulatory updates, and the diverse financial needs of individuals. When preparing for a client's retirement, Dean delves into a variety of topics, including effective retirement savings plans, investment strategies tailored to different life stages, and risk management techniques to safeguard your future.

Dean also examines the impact of current market trends and demographic shifts on retirement planning, offering insights into how these factors may influence your financial decisions. Dean's goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices that align with your long-term objectives.

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    Making the Most of Your Retirement Savings

    Carefully managing distributions from your portfolio during retirement can help you save on taxes, leaving you more money to spend and enjoy.

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    Are You Prepared for Retired Life?

    Your retirement has the potential to be the most fulfilling period of your life–but you need to have a plan for your time as well as your finances.

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    How Insurance Can Help with Retirement Planning

    Insurance isn't just for supporting dependents if something happens to you. It can also be part of a long-term retirement strategy.

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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.

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    Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement

    Smart tax planning can help you save more for retirement and keep more of what you've already saved. Consider these tax-efficient retirement planning strategies.

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    Six Money Moves to Make in the Decade Before Retirement

    As retirement approaches, you'll want to have a clear understanding of what your financial needs are and if there's room for improvement.

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Cash Management and Lending

Morgan Stanley helps you make the most of your cash while keeping your goals in focus. From managing liquidity to exploring lending solutions, we offer flexible strategies designed to support your evolving financial needs – whatever they may be.

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    Cash Management and Lending Solutions

    At Morgan Stanley, we offer unique cash management and lending solutions to complement your investments and help simplify your finances.

    Explore the Full Suite of Offerings
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    Beyond Basic Borrowing

    Most people borrow during the course of their lives. But it's important to be as strategic about borrowing as you are with the other areas of your financial life.

    Strategic Borrowing
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    Morgan Stanley CashPlus Brokerage Account

    Designed as a modern alternative to banking with the capabilities to help you access, move, and manage cash when you need it while enjoying exclusive benefits.

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    Helping a Loved One Buy a Home

    High home prices and mortgage rates are putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for many would-be buyers. Learn how you can help a loved one break into a tough market.

    Ways to Help With a Home Purchase
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    Preferred Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

    Once you open a Morgan Stanley Brokerage Account, you can potentially grow your wealth with our competitive fixed rate Preferred Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offerings.

    Lock in a Competitive Rate
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    Preferred Savings Program

    Once you open a Morgan Stanley Brokerage Account, you can make the most of your idle cash with our competitive Preferred Savings Program.

    Help Keep Your Cash Working for You

MODERN WEALTH TOOLS & RESOURCES

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has been carefully designed to help enhance each and every aspect of your financial portfolio and life. Learn more about some of the Modern Wealth Management Tools that we offer to our valued clients.

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    Morgan Stanley Online

    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 eAuthorizations.

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    Spending and Budgeting Tool

    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool.

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    Total Wealth View

    View all your external financial accounts directly in Morgan Stanley Online or the mobile app. By linking your accounts, you'll benefit from more informed wealth planning, secure data access and convenient connectivity.

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    Cyber Security Resources

    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.

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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast

    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist as he and his colleagues discuss their viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.

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    GIC On the Markets

    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.

    Read the Latest Report
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    GIC Weekly

    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.

    Read the Latest Report
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    2026 Federal Tax Tables

    This document outlines the 2026 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.

    View 2026 Federal Tax Rates

Location

55 South Lake Ave
Ste 700
Pasadena, CA 91101
US
Direct:
(626) 304-2450(626) 304-2450
Toll-Free:
(800) 362-6992(800) 362-6992
Fax:
(626) 449-7121(626) 449-7121

Meet My Team

About Kathleen Burns

Kathleen began her wealth advisory and portfolio management career in 1983 and with more than three decades of experience brings trust, experience and a clear vision to your investment journey. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 after 11 years at UBS Financial Services. Dedicated to providing wealth planning strategies at the highest level, Kathleen earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certification through the College of Financial Planning. Her license includes series 7, 31, 63, and 65 security licenses as well as insurance licenses for life, health, annuities, and long-term care.

Kathleen earned her Bachelor's degree in International Relations and History from The University of Southern California and a Master's degree in International Finance from Boston University.

Outside the office, Kathleen lives in Valencia with her husband Bob and their son, Devon. They enjoy traveling around the world, eclectic music choices and watching their beloved Trojans. Kathleen and Bob have two rescue Abyssinian cats, Frankie and Elliot. Kathleen is also an active Board member for the USC Board of Governors and the USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council. Currently, Kathleen is volunteering with Town & Gown of USC as well as the USC Newman Guild. She is also a past Board member of the Glendale Memorial Health Foundation.
Securities Agent: VA, CA, NV, KS, NM, MI, CO, AR, TX, IL, OR, GA, FL, UT, OH, MA, LA, CT, TN, NY, ID, HI, WA, NH, MO, KY, AZ, RI, PA, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures

About Marc Rodriguez

Marc Rodriguez is a financial advisor and financial planning specialist with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He is passionate about helping clients navigate the complex world of wealth management through an analytical approach.

Marc’s prior career experiences has allowed him to incorporate both sides of clients' balance sheets. He understands the crucial role of incorporating liabilities within the financial planning process. His unique approach of beginning with a Financial Plan is important to the success of the overall investment strategy. He has found that many clients have done a good job of building wealth, but at times, some of their investment strategies overlap or are insufficient. As a financial advisor, Marc helps families understand how to manage the different aspects of their wealth and provides tailored solutions specific to each client's financial picture.

Marc started his career in banking in 2005 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. He is licensed with his Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and California life insurance license. He is also fluent in Spanish, which allows him to effectively communicate with a diverse group of clients.

Marc’s professional accomplishments couple with and stem from him being a family man. He has been married to his wife, Kristina, for eight years, and they have three children, Hannah, Dominic, and Vivienne. Marc enjoys coaching his kids' sports teams, specifically baseball and soccer, and finds joy in seeing the smile on kids' faces when they achieve what they once thought was impossible. Seeing his family and clients succeed is why Marc does what he does. In his spare time, he trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu two to three days a week.
Securities Agent: CO, OH, NM, GA, VA, MO, MN, HI, AR, UT, MI, RI, ID, FL, TX, OR, KS, NC, MA, IL, NY, LA, CA, WA, TN, NV, NH, AZ, KY, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Ready to start a conversation? Contact Dean Billman 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. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Morgan 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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8Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.

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9Morgan 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)