Welcome

Greg specializes in working with technology professionals and managing concentrated stock positions. His goal is to thoroughly understand each of his clients’ financial needs and align the industry leading resources he has at his disposal as a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to help his clients meet and exceed their objectives.

After working as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley for nearly 30 years, Greg understands that financial success looks different to everyone. To ensure each of his clients reach their unique end-goal he has developed a streamlined process - evaluating his clients’ near-term concerns by being a sounding board for investment ideas and assisting in the development and execution of personalized strategies for each client.

With the financial plan as the foundation, wealth management strategies are tailored for each client and are designed to both build and preserve wealth. This process continues with regular updates of the financial plan using a proprietary planning system and evaluations of the portfolio strategy and progress toward the identified goals.

To read more about Greg's background and professional development, check out his Bio in the carousel below!
Services Include
Securities Agent: NM, NH, MI, DC, UT, MT, MO, KY, AZ, TN, SC, NY, NV, MD, CA, VA, MN, MA, GA, FL, AK, TX, OR, NC, DE, PA, OH, NJ, IL, HI, CT, CO, WI, LA, ID, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268436
CA Insurance License #: 0B71405
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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    Education
    - BA - Business Economics, 1991
    - University of California - Santa Barbara
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    Associations
    - Free and Accepted Masons of California
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    Professional
    - 1995 to Present: Morgan Stanley, Senior Vice President
    Financial Advisor

What's New

I hope you enjoy these current resources and upcoming events!
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    Future Financial Planning
    Having a financial plan can help you prepare for the unexpected and stay focused on what truly matters to you and your family, long term. This is a great one stop shop where you can access resources to learn more about reviewing your plan, assisting loved ones or simply to learn more about the benefits of having a plan on file.
    Learn more about planning for your financial future here
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    Investing Surplus Cash During Inflation
    With all the recent volatility in the market, learn different ways to invest your money while minimizing risk.
    Read the full article here
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
    Security Center (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Security Center
    Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
    Visit our Security Center
    Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred American Express Card
    Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred® American Express Card
    A very welcoming offer. Earn a $250 statement credit with the Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred® American Express Card.
    Terms apply. Learn More.
    A $695 Annual Engagement Bonus
    A $695 Annual Engagement Bonus
    For eligible Platinum CashPlus brokerage account clients with The Platinum Card® from American Express, exclusively for Morgan Stanley. Certain Morgan Stanley Debit Cardholders may also qualify. Terms apply.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Total Tax 365 (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More
    Alternative Investments
    Alternative Investments
    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income—while maintaining a goals-based approach for asset allocation.
    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online today

My Process

Together, we'll build a purposeful financial plan that reduces decision fatigue, defines buckets for where to invest and creates a clear roadmap forward.
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    Discover
    > Understand your financial goals and challenges you're facing.
    > Begin conversations with any relevant professionals such as your accountant, if applicable.
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    Advise
    > Develop a personalized financial plan.
    > Design an investment portfolio.
    > Create a Schedule to track and review your progress.
    > Provide investment recommendations.
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    Track Progress
    > Evaluate progress according to your plan.
    > Routinely adjust the plan and investments to remain up to date with your financial goals.
    > Keep you informed on any notable developments.
    > Help you navigate timely decisions and opportunities.
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    Next Steps
    > Schedule a time to connect for a 30-minute conversation.
    > Design and monitor a sustainable plan that reflects your unique values and financial goals.
    Schedule a time to talk

Location

1400 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
US
Direct:
(650) 496-3968(650) 496-3968
Toll-Free:
(877) 306-6240(877) 306-6240
Fax:
(650) 493-6647(650) 493-6647

Meet My Team

About Gregory Gaon

Greg uncovered a passion for investing and financial planning at a young age. As a teenager, he was tasked with reinvesting proceeds from his grandfather's candy business. Working together with his grandfather, the two ended up buying what was familiar - grocery store companies like Albertson's and Safeway. Greg continued to collaborate with his grandfather on investments throughout college until he ultimately interned with his grandfather’s advisor at Smith Barney in Santa Barbara.

After earning his degree in Business Economics from the University of California in Santa Barbara, he officially joined Smith Barney as a Financial Advisor in 1995. This year, Greg celebrated his 27th year as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, focusing on working with technology professionals and managing concentrated stock positions. He credits the meaning he’s found in his work - working with individuals to help them accomplish the important goals in their life such as funding college and retirement - as a key motivating factor to continue with his practice.

Greg lives in Aptos, California, with his wife Michelle of 22 years and his children - Alex, Ryan, and Rachel. On the weekends, he and Michelle can be found cheering on their children at a variety of youth sports events. He also enjoys using some of his free time to play tennis with friends, volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank, and taking time to teach what he’s learned about the markets to the younger generation. He is also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of California.

Remaining consistent to how he worked with his Grandfather, Greg takes a tailored approach to investing and financial planning for each individual client.
Securities Agent: NM, NH, MI, DC, UT, MT, MO, KY, AZ, TN, SC, NY, NV, MD, CA, VA, MN, MA, GA, FL, AK, TX, OR, NC, DE, PA, OH, NJ, IL, HI, CT, CO, WI, LA, ID, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures

About Barbara Lam

Barbara started her journey in the financial industry here in the Bay Area as a Finance intern at UBS. She quickly found success in the role and gained key experience in evaluating market trends and presenting her findings throughout the firm. She thrives on her relationship building and communication skills, coining the phrase “A happy client is a happy team!”

Growing up in the Bay Area, Barbara decided to attend Purdue University where she earned a degree in accounting and business management. And while she enjoyed her time in the Midwest, she is excited to be back in California and close to family.

Outside of work, Barbara loves staying active and being out in Nature. Although, she understands the importance of balance. She also loves staying in and making baked goods with friends and family.
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.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Gregory D Gaon today.
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1Morgan 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.

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

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2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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3Morgan 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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4GlobalCurrency is available to clients of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC with an eligible brokerage account. Before undertaking foreign exchange transactions, clients should understand the associated risks.
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.

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5Insurance products 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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7When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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8When 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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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.

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:
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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.

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)