Welcome

With over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, I have had the pleasure of helping my clients identify their financial goals and develop personalized plans to help achieve them. My focus is on retirement plan consulting, where I customize plans for my clients to help accumulate and manage their assets for a comfortable and secure retirement.
In addition to working with individual clients, I also provide financial advisory services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. I assist plan sponsors with plan design, investment selection and monitoring, and education of plan participants. Whether working with individuals or corporate retirement plans, I utilize the vast resources of Morgan Stanley to help provide best-in-class solutions and services.

My approach is relationship-based rather than transactional. I take pride in getting to know each of my clients, their family situation, and financial objectives. This allows me to provide tailor-made financial guidance, raising questions you may not have thought about and helping you turn broad goals into specific, actionable strategies. As your financial advocate, I use my knowledge and experience to help make your finances work for you.

My relationships often expand to include children, step-children, siblings, and grandchildren. This multi-generational approach allows for comprehensive planning that can help family members meet their goals at every stage of life.
Many of my clients are business owners or executives who have entrusted me to serve as the financial advisor for their company's 401(k) plan. I approach this role as a financial advocate for the plan and its participants, working to get the best plan administrator, platform, and performance possible. Once the plan is in place, I educate participants about their options.
You can count on me for regular communication, personal service, and consistent updates regardless of market performance or economic climate. With the resources of Morgan Stanley at my disposal, I am here to help you achieve your financial goals.

As a proud graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Finance and Corporate Accounting, I have always been driven to help individuals and families secure their financial futures. My wife Ali and I reside in Lake Elmo with our daughter, Hattie, and son, Hayes. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, cooking, and traveling.
Whether you're looking to plan for retirement, manage investments, or navigate complex financial decisions, you can rely on me as your Financial Advisor who will work with you every step of the way.

Honors & Awards:
Named to Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com
(Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 6/30/22 - 6/30/23.

Services Include
Securities Agent: TN, TX, PA, MT, MN, GA, KS, SD, MO, WI, NY, MI, OR, NC, ND, IA, FL, AZ, NV, NJ, MD, IN, IL, VA, OK, OH, MS, ID, CO, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290513
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Process

Our service model is based on regular communication and a strong commitment to personal service.  At the core of our service is financial planning to make sure we are understanding your financial goals and developing a meaningful plan to reach them.  Regardless of market performance or the economic climate, we strive to provide consistent, relevant updates and a fast response to your inquiries.
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    Determining Financial Objectives
    Success means something different to each client. We begin each relationship by using interview techniques to thoroughly review your financial resources and liabilities, understand your short and long-term investment objectives, and assess an acceptable level of risk.
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    Developing Your Investment Plan
    We focus on designing portfolios to help potentially enhance returns, potentially lower overall portfolio volatility and position them to take advantage of timely opportunities. We believe many investors fall short of their goals because they spend more time plan-ning a summer vacation than formulating a long-term investment strategy. By developing customized financial roadmaps and using proactive strategies to help keep progress on track, we feel clients end up with a high likelihood of success of achieving their goals.
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    Implementation of Your Plan
    Once your plan is approved, Our team helps you implement your plan by recommending world-class investment managers that are most appropriate for your needs, complement each other and work toward the goals we have established. We also coordinate strategies with your other professional advisors to help make sure we are working as a team for your benefit.
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    Ongoing Portfolio Review
    Our clients enjoy regular progress reviews when we review investment performance and assess progress in the context of your evolving needs and stage of life. Of course, since goals tend to change as time goes on we often revisit this entire process to make sure we are on track.
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    Mike Wilson: On the Markets

    Each week, Mike Wilson offers his perspective on the forces shaping the markets and how to separate the signal from the noise. Check out those of his colleagues from across Morgan Stanley Research.

    On the Markets
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    The GIC Weekly

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

    The GIC Weekly
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    Planning for Retirement

    When market volatility arises, checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense.

    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Check
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    Stock Plan Benefits Are a Vital Tool for Employee Retention

    Our Voice of the Participant survey highlights the importance of employee stock plans for employers. Download the report to learn more about our findings.

    Continue Reading
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    4 Ways to Help Employees Build Wealth and Loyalty

    Your employees want to build their wealth and be better employees. Here's how your equity program can help them get there.

    Help Employees Build Wealth
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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.

    View Tax-Smart Strategies
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    Our Newsletter

    Stay ahead of the curve with our quarterly newsletter! Handpicked articles, insightful Morgan Stanley reports, and essential reminders are all at your fingertips. This curated content is designed to keep you informed and up-to-date, providing actionable items for our valued clients.

    Dive into our Latest Newsletter

Our dedicated team provides services and capabilities that are essential to your organization.

My team is fully staffed to provide financial advisory services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. We have the capability and knowledge to assist plan sponsors with the plan design; investment selection and monitoring; and prepare retirement education meetings for plan participants.

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    Enhancing Your Plan

    Plan Review: Assess existing plan features and Make recommendations.

    Plan Benchmarks: Provide plan design benchmarks and Fee benchmarks.

    Industry Updates: White papers Surveys, Regulatory and Legislative Updates, and Quarterly Plan Sponsor Newsletter.

    Washington Update Newsletter
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    Aligning Employee Strategies with Long-Term Objectives

    Our team has access to resources and materials that help participants become informed with investment decisions, such as educational brochures, Asset Allocation Models, and Asset Allocation questionnaires.

    Workplace Changes are Here to Stay
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    Morgan Stanley at Work

    We believe there's no better investment your company can make than in your employees. When they work at their best, so does your business.

    That's why Morgan Stanley at Work delivers workplace financial solutions that can help employees build financial confidence and help you attract and retain top talent.

    Click Here to Learn More

Tools Built for You

As our client, you'll benefit from access to a comprehensive suite of digital resources. Our expertise in technology and innovation enables us to integrate these tools into your financial plan to enhance its effectiveness. With state-of-the-art cybersecurity, tax-efficient planning, and risk assessment platforms, we can continually reassess your strategy and optimize performance.

    Morgan Stanley Online (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS - RT
    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
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    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
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    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
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    eDelivery

    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.

    Enroll Today
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    Total Wealth View

    When life gets hectic, managing finances can be a low priority. Total Wealth View simplifies this by providing a single platform to track investments, cash flow, assets, and net worth. This seamless integration with your Morgan Stanley Online account and LifeView or GPS gives your Advisor a comprehensive view of your entire financial profile, making it easier than ever to keep track of your finances.

    Click Here to Learn More
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    Financial Planning

    A variety of planning-related tools—including our award-winning Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView—which enable us to provide a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances and adapt a wealth plan to your ever-changing life demands and modify goals as needed.

    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management
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    Online Security Center

    Protecting your online security is our top priority at Morgan Stanley. We proactively defend our systems and monitor the threat landscape to help anticipate issues before they arise and respond appropriately when they do. Learn about our extensive security measures, resources, and idea in this constantly evolving landscape.

    Start Here
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    Digital Vault

    Digital Vault lets you easily manage and share your important documents, such as wills, deeds and estate plans, as well as financial statements and tax filings. All files are scanned for viruses and malware and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.

    Click Here

Location

8300 Norman Center Dr
Ste 1150
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Direct:
(952) 921-1954(952) 921-1954
Toll-Free:
(800) 927-1990(800) 927-1990
Fax:
(952) 921-1944(952) 921-1944

Meet My Team

About Sara J. Brettingen

Sara has been with Morgan Stanley since 2015, collaborating with her team to deliver financial planning, performance reporting, and 401(k) management services to clients. With experience in financial services and a focus on 401(k) plan management, Sara supports plan design, implementation, and ongoing administration. Her proactive approach helps to ensure clients can maximize their retirement benefits while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Dedicated to building strong client relationships, Sara takes pride in delivering exceptional service through clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for helping empower clients to achieve financial security.

A graduate of North Dakota State University, Sara resides in the Twin Cities with her husband and family. She loves experiencing all the seasons in Minnesota, and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, indoor gardening and supporting her active family.

If you have questions about 401(k) plans or would like to learn more about Morgan Stanley, Sara is ready to guide you every step of the way.

About Scott Munro

Scott Munro is a Registered Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley. He holds both the Series 7 and 66 licenses. Scott is a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Minnesota and the CFA Institute. He earned his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he was a member of the varsity hockey team.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Scott honed his skills as an intern at RBC WM. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Scott now calls North Loop, MN home, but still enjoys traveling back to Canada to visit friends and family.

This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice.
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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.

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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 Nathan S Hildre today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

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

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2Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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 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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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.

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6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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9When 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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10When 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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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

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