Duane Gurbach, CFP®
Financial Advisor,
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management
Direct:
(713) 968-3094(713) 968-3094
My Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide superior financial services through educating clients with open and clear communication, objective advice, hard work and concern for the client's overall financial well-being. We ensure comprehensive wealth planning strategies for your life and legacy.
My Story and Services
Duane Gurbach, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Certified Financial Planner™. Duane and his team pride themselves on exceptional client service and developing customized wealth management strategies. We utilize a goals-based wealth management approach that is highly data driven to help meet the many needs of clients ranging from retirement planning, tax efficient investing, asset management, concentrated stock positions, Social Security and Medicare strategies, strategic borrowing, wealth transfer and many more.
Our commitment to excellence is paramount through our process, strategies, and customer service. Clients can expect service of the highest standards.
Duane joined the Morgan Stanley team after graduating in 2011 from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BS) focusing on Finance. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ in August 2017 after completing his certification through the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Education at Rice University.
Duane is located in the Houston Galleria area and is married to his wife Rachel. They have two girls Hadley and Reagan.
The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
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. 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.
Diversification and Asset Allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
Our commitment to excellence is paramount through our process, strategies, and customer service. Clients can expect service of the highest standards.
Duane joined the Morgan Stanley team after graduating in 2011 from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BS) focusing on Finance. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ in August 2017 after completing his certification through the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Education at Rice University.
Duane is located in the Houston Galleria area and is married to his wife Rachel. They have two girls Hadley and Reagan.
The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
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. 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.
Diversification and Asset Allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
Services Include
Securities Agent: CO, CA, AR, VA, NY, MS, MO, GA, CT, TX, NC, DC, UT, OR, OK, TN, NJ, MN, LA, IN, DE, WA, AZ, AK, WY, IL, HI, FL, SD, SC, NE, MI, ID, WV, PR, NV, MA, KS, NM, ND, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1383198
NMLS#: 1383198
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
As your dedicated wealth management advisor, my role is to tailor a personalized financial strategy which fits your needs. In my experience working with clients, I have developed a step-by-step approach to service.
Discovery Process
I take the time to fully understand you and your family - whether you're planning for retirement, purchasing a new home, or living out your golden years - I consider all of your challenges, goals, and aspirations when building your financial picture.
Forming Your Strategy
Using your life goals as my compass, I create a risk-balanced strategy which maps a clear path to helping to achieve your success.
Implementing Your Plan
I apply extensive research and analysis, and also utilize Morgan Stanley's full suite of resources, to help ensure swift decisive action in all market scenarios.
Measuring Your Success
I check in with you to deliver metrics around your portfolio, and ultimately measure trajectory towards your goals. My ultimate mission is your success and well-being.
Morgan Stanley's Digital Offerings
I believe that digital technology plays a crucial role in how my clients communicate, consume, transact and travel. My comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies I have to offer my clients.
Morgan Stanley Online
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of. They include:
- eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
- eDelivery, which reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.
- Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
Learn More About MSO- eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
- eDelivery, which reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.
- Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
Total Wealth View
We've launched a new tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.
The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
Completing your financial picture with Total Wealth View gives our clients the benefit of more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
Learn More About Total Wealth ViewThe ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
Completing your financial picture with Total Wealth View gives our clients the benefit of more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by 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.
Learn How We Mitigate Risk For Clients
Goals Planning System
My Goals Planning System is built on Morgan Stanley's intellectual capital and capabilities, to provide my clients with comprehensive investing and planning solutions for their individual goals.
Contact me today to start the conversation.
Learn More About GPSContact me today to start the conversation.
Digital Vault
Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows clients and their families to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Learn More About Digital VaultThe Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows clients and their families to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Data Security
At Morgan Stanley, our highest priority is keeping your information protected. Morgan Stanley dedicates significant resources to protecting your assets and personal information.
- Strong encryption protocols designed to protect your data.
- Continuous monitoring to help detect and prevent fraud.
- Routine testing of our systems and security protocols.
- Independent review by outside security firms.
Learn More About Our Online Security Measures- Strong encryption protocols designed to protect your data.
- Continuous monitoring to help detect and prevent fraud.
- Routine testing of our systems and security protocols.
- Independent review by outside security firms.
Certified Financial Planner
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 their clients achieve their goals. Duane's diverse skillsets can help clients navigate the financial factors in their life. See below for more information about the CFP® designation and how Duane can help you:
Education
The CFP® Professional must develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing 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.
Experience
All CFP® professionals are required to complete several years of experience related to financial services prior to earning the right to the CFP® trademark.
Examination
The CFP® professional must pass the 7 hour comprehensive Certification Exam, which tests abilities to apply the financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, and insurance.
Ethics
The CFP® professional is obligated to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence as outlined 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.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Regardless of what stage your life is in- moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between- as your Financial Advisor, we can help you reach your financial goals.
Using a suite of tools that include goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.
We can create your personal roadmap to help you achieve and protect your goals- a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources, and provides a baseline for future discussions.
Using a suite of tools that include goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.
We can create your personal roadmap to help you achieve and protect your goals- a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources, and provides a baseline for future discussions.
2025 Tax Tables
This helpful resource outlines the 2025 tax rate schedule, education and health savings accounts limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
Access the 2025 Federal Tax Tables
Insurance
We take a comprehensive dive into your financial profile to determine what type(s) of insurance best fits your needs and evaluate if your current insurance policies are best suited for you.
Estate Planning Strategies
Regardless of financial circumstances, it is crucial to have a backup plan for your money. We regularly review your finances with you to help ensure that your goals are met in the most efficient and cost-effective fashion possible.
Retirement
Leading up and through retirement, we help you identify the most appropriate ways to obtain the income you need and help ensure that you are on track to achieve your financial goals.
Location
1330 Post Oak Blvd
Suite 900
Houston, TX 77056
US
Direct:
(713) 968-3094(713) 968-3094
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
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
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
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 Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Duane Gurbach today.
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 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3When 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.
4Alternative 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.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Morgan 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
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
1Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3When 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.
4Alternative 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.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Morgan 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
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)
