Michael R. LaCroix, CFP®
Managing Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Alternative Investments Director
Direct:
(619) 238-6250(619) 238-6250
My Mission Statement
Driven by integrity and passion, we help clients achieve their needs by providing customized solutions to their complex problems.
My Story and Services
Michael joined the LaCroix Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley after earning a B.S. in Economics, with emphases in Finance and Econometrics, from Southern Methodist University. Joining the Group enabled him to combine his love of economics and working with people. Michael aids his clients by deploying Morgan Stanley’s award-winning resources, network, and technology to provide high-level strategic advice, accompanied by rigorous portfolio analysis. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he is able to distill this advice into a clear and easily-understood plan of action to help accomplish the unique needs of each client. The end result is a highly customized plan designed to protect and enhance wealth for present and future generations. In 2019, Michael assumed responsibility for the full operations of the Group following the retirement of his father, who originally founded the Group in 1983.
In 2019, Michael was named to Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, an elite group composed of the Firm’s top Financial Advisors. In 2022, Michael was promoted to Managing Director, Wealth Management. He was also named to Forbes 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking. Morgan Stanley named Michael an Alternative Investments Director, for his practice's emphasis and focus on private alternative investments. In 2023, Michael was named to Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors national ranking, placing in the top 40 wealth advisors under 40 years of age.
Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/22–3/31/23.
In 2019, Michael was named to Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, an elite group composed of the Firm’s top Financial Advisors. In 2022, Michael was promoted to Managing Director, Wealth Management. He was also named to Forbes 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking. Morgan Stanley named Michael an Alternative Investments Director, for his practice's emphasis and focus on private alternative investments. In 2023, Michael was named to Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors national ranking, placing in the top 40 wealth advisors under 40 years of age.
Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/22–3/31/23.
Securities Agent: MI, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1255788
NMLS#: 1255788
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Private Alternative Investments
Alternatives are the investments that go beyond traditional stocks and bonds, and offer access to private markets. They can open doors to help grow and protect your wealth, and have long sought to offer enhanced returns, portfolio diversification, lower volatility, as well as potential tax efficiency.
As an Alternative Investments Director, Michael provides clients with further guidance, insight, and thought leadership about the alternative investments asset class and strategies provided by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
This includes Private Equity, Private Credit, Private Real Estate, and much more. The ideal alternative investments for you will depend on your goals, risk tolerance, and tolerance for illiquidity.
As an Alternative Investments Director, Michael provides clients with further guidance, insight, and thought leadership about the alternative investments asset class and strategies provided by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
This includes Private Equity, Private Credit, Private Real Estate, and much more. The ideal alternative investments for you will depend on your goals, risk tolerance, and tolerance for illiquidity.
Why Alternative Investments?
Historically, private investment strategies have offered return premiums to investors willing to accept greater illiquidity, and have been shown to meaningfully outperform public markets over time.
Learn more about Alternative Investments
Private Equity
With investment opportunities that are not available through traditional public markets, generally in privately held companies, Private Equity may offer both attractive long-term return potential vs. public equity markets, and the opportunity for diversification through historically low correlation to traditional strategies. Investors have been rewarded for taking on less liquidity.
Learn more about Private Equity
Private Credit
Direct lending may provide investors with higher returns and lower volatility versus traditional fixed income investments, and may offer an attractive option for investors who are able to bear the associated illiquidity and other risks.
Learn more about Private Credit
Private Real Estate
The benefits of private real estate in a multi-asset portfolio include: diversification with a low correlation to stocks and
bonds; the potential for a reliable, tax-advantaged current income stream; and a potential inflation hedge.
Learn more about Private Real Estatebonds; the potential for a reliable, tax-advantaged current income stream; and a potential inflation hedge.
Resources at Morgan Stanley
Tax Efficient Investing
Integrate tax considerations into your investment strategy throughout the yearLending Capabilities: Private Banking Group
Access a full range of commercial, residential, and portfolio-backed lending
Modern Banking with Morgan Stanley's Platinum CashPlus
A Full Suite of Insurance Capabilities
Review your Life, Property & Casualty coverage to ensure it meets your needs
Morgan Stanley Insights
Explore a library of topics and ideas
Morgan Stanley Financial Newsletter
Get the Firm's weekly analysis on the market, delivered straight to your inbox
Morgan Stanley Reserved Living and Giving
A suite of global partner benefits for Morgan Stanley clientsCertified Financial Planner™- The Standard of Excellence
For 50 years, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification has been the standard of excellence for financial planners. As a CFP® professional, Michael has met extensive training and experience requirements, and commits to the CFP Board's ethical standards that require him to put his clients' best interests first.
Michael works with you to build a holistic, personalized financial plan: bringing all the pieces of your financial life together in an organized, simplified way. Having a clear, thoughtful plan builds confidence in the future.
Michael works with you to build a holistic, personalized financial plan: bringing all the pieces of your financial life together in an organized, simplified way. Having a clear, thoughtful plan builds confidence in the future.
Discovery
As we build the foundation of our working relationship together, we will review every important aspect of your personal and financial lives, and develop a clear picture of what is most important to you. This will help to identify and prioritize your goals.
Analyze and Formulate
With the knowledge gained during our Discovery meeting, we will develop a clear plan of action to address every important need. This will enable you to maximize the potential of your resources.
Implement
We will deploy the vast global resources of Morgan Stanley to aid in implementing your tailored financial plan: sourcing best-in-class investment solutions, tax strategies, and estate considerations to maximize results and help you realize your potential.
Monitor and Adapt
We keep a close eye on the strategies that have been implemented for you, and recommend updates as economic conditions change. Effective wealth management requires a close relationship, and it is important to maintain regular contact so we are aware of any important changes in your life that may require us to adapt our strategy for you. Together, we will keep you on track to achieve your potential.
Location
101 W Broadway
Ste 1800
San Diego, CA 92101
US
Direct:
(619) 238-6250(619) 238-6250
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Michael R. LaCroix 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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Alternative 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.
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 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.
4Morgan 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
5Morgan 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.
6The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Alternative 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.
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 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.
4Morgan 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
5Morgan 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.
6The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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)
