My Story and Services

Personalized. Strategic. Results-Driven.
Me and my team at Morgan Stanley are dedicated to helping businesses, families, and individuals build and protect their wealth with clarity, confidence, and purpose. As a Corporate Retirement Director, I bring a skilled focus in designing, implementing, and managing retirement plans for organizations across industries. Our work helps plan sponsors strengthen fiduciary oversight, enhance employee participation, and improve retirement outcomes.
Comprehensive Wealth Management
We work with individuals, families, and multi-generational households to create customized strategies for investing, retirement planning, and wealth preservation. From sophisticated portfolio management to alternative investments, estate planning coordination, and tax-efficient strategies, our focus is on protecting your legacy and maximizing your financial potential.
Our Approach
Every client we serve—whether a plan sponsor, business owner, or family—receives a tailored strategy built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. We listen carefully to your goals, analyze your complete financial landscape, and deliver strategies that reflect both the complexity of your situation and the simplicity you need to make informed decisions. Our process blends the institutional-caliber resources of Morgan Stanley with the boutique-level service of a dedicated advisory team.

Your Goals, Our Commitment
Whether guiding a company's retirement committee through plan enhancements, helping a family secure their financial future, or advising an executive on complex wealth strategies, our mission remains the same: to be your trusted resource at every stage of life. We believe that success comes from a combination of thoughtful planning, disciplined execution, and a deep commitment to personal service.
Let's build a strategy as ambitious as your goals.
For a second opinion on your investments, a chat about your aspirations, or simply to start a conversation about your financial future, please call me at 630 203-6184.

Services Include
Securities Agent: MN, GA, TX, NV, IN, CA, PA, MO, UT, MI, VA, CO, MS, MA, KS, IL, FL, WI, NY, NC, TN, OK, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1767236
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Client Journey

With our team we believe every relationship begins with understanding and builds toward long term success. Our process is designed to simplify complexity, create clarity, and align your financial strategy with your most important goals.
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    Step 1: Discovery & Understanding
    We begin with a thoughtful conversation to learn about you-your values, priorities, and long-term vision. This step is about more than numbers; it’s about gaining a complete picture of your financial life and uncovering what true success means to you.
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    Step 2: Goal Setting & Strategy Design
    With a clear understanding of your priorities, we work together to define your financial goals and design a tailored strategy. Our approach blends comprehensive planning with disciplined investment solutions ensuring your plan is aligned with both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
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    Step 3: Implementation & Transition
    Once your strategy is in place we put the plan into action. From coordinating accounts to structuring investment allocations, we manage the details with precision and care. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition that establishes a strong foundation for long term success.
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    Step 4: Review & Collaboration
    Regular reviews keep your plan on track. Together, we monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and make adjustments as needed. This ongoing dialogue ensures you have transparency and confidence in every step of your financial journey.
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    Step 5: Ongoing Progress & Adaptation
    Life and markets are constantly changing and so is our approach. Through proactive updates, strategy sessions, and advanced planning, we continuously adapt your plan to new opportunities and challenges-helping you stay ahead while moving closer to your vision of success.

Awards

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    Sam Valeo Named by The Financial Times Top 401(k) Advisor in 2016
    Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors
    Source: ft.com (Awarded Sept 2016) Data compiled by the Financial Times based on time period from 12/31/13 - 12/31/15.
    View full article here

Upcoming Events and Publications

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    Upcoming Events
    Our Defined Contribution in Review is designed to help CEOs, CFOs, Treasurers, Human Resource and Benefits Professionals and Investment Committees stay current on recent events that could have an impact on plans or plan participants.

    More to come soon!
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    Engaging Your Participants Around Their Dream Retirement (video)
    We would like to offer you the opportunity to watch a replay of our webcast featuring the Global Investment Office (GIO) discussing how to engage your participants for their dream retirement.
    Click to Watch
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    Monthly Plan Sponsor Newsletter
    I am thrilled to present this month's collection of valuable insights and updates on the latest industry news and corporate retirement planning strategies. My goal is to keep you informed and help you make educated decisions regarding your company's retirement goals.
    Read the latest edition
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the Latest Report
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    Global Investment Committee Monthly Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report
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    The Washington Update Newsletter
    The Washington Update Newsletter features timely content to help readers navigate through the intricacies of the policymaking process and stay abreast of the latest developments in Washington.
    Read the Latest Update
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    MS At Work Webcasts
    Be at the forefront of the workplace as it evolves.

    Hear from thought leaders sharing insights, perspectives, and best practices for driving your business forward and motivating your employees.
    Click here to learn more
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    ERISA Litigation Update
    The Morgan Stanley at Work ERISA Litigation Update seeks to provide an overview of recent, relevant cases which may impact your responsibilities as a plan sponsor and/or plan fiduciary.
    Read More
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    Retirement for Five Generations
    Across generations, preferences on money management, lifestyle and even the ideal retirement goals vary. Understanding the commonalities and differences of a diverse workforce can provide insight on plan features, support, education and outreach that’s most valuable to all employees.
    Learn More
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    Open Enrollment Closes: What's Next?
    Open enrollment may be over, but the journey to financial wellness continues. Learn the key steps employees and employers can take to maximize their workplace benefits throughout the year
    Learn More

CORPORATE SOLUTIONS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

Utilizing the powerful Morgan Stanley at Work platform, I am able to help build financial confidence through insightful advice, thoughtful education and cutting-edge technology across a suite of modern workplace solutions. My mission is to assist your company in elevating your workplace financial solutions to the next level and support your employees on their financial journeys, understanding their individual life stages and addressing their timely needs, no matter where they are in their life or career.
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    At Work Solutions
    Morgan Stanley at Work provides plan sponsors with a comprehensive suite of solutions and investment experience that helps your employees maximize their potential to reach their long-term goals.
    Learn About Our Work Solutions
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    Corporate Retirement Solutions
    Comprehensive solutions to effectively maximize and customize retirement benefits, so managers can help employees make the most out of retirement.
    Learn About Our Corporate Retirement Solution
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    Financial Wellness
    Our workplace solutions give employees the confidence to take charge of their finances – and their future. By improving your employees’ financial wellness, you can benefit from a more productive workforce.
    Build Financial Confidence
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    Additional Insights
    Gain fresh ideas and perspectives from Morgan Stanley at Work thought leaders. Our insights explore key trends in workplace financial solutions, helping empower employees and drive your business forward.
    Gain Additional Insights
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    Our Story
    Morgan Stanley at Work was founded on the belief that workplace financial solutions can empower both companies and their employees. By combining decades of expertise with innovative tools, we help organizations strengthen retirement plans while guiding individuals on their financial journeys.
    Click To Learn More

Location

2211 York Rd
Ste 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523
US
Direct:
(630) 203-6184(630) 203-6184

Meet My Team

About Sam J Valeo

Sam Valeo is a Senior Vice President, Corporate Retirement Director and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he specializes in guiding individuals, families, and businesses toward achieving their long-term financial goals. With a deep commitment to understanding each client’s unique priorities, Sam takes pride in delivering personalized strategies that balance growth, preservation, and legacy planning.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Sam began his career in wealth management at Morgan Stanley over 30 years ago with a focus on building lasting client relationships rooted in trust and transparency. Over the years, he has developed extensive experience in portfolio management, corporate retirement planning, and comprehensive wealth strategies—helping clients navigate both complex market environments and life transitions.

Sam’s approach to wealth management goes beyond traditional investing. By integrating asset allocation across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, he aligns client portfolios with both near-term objectives and long-term aspirations. His planning process often incorporates retirement strategies, estate considerations, and tax-efficient solutions to help clients protect and grow their wealth for generations.

Outside of the office, Sam enjoys golfing, spending time with family and friends, and staying active in the community. His personal and professional life are guided by the same principles—integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed

NMLS# 1767236
Securities Agent: MN, GA, TX, NV, IN, CA, PA, MO, UT, MI, VA, CO, MS, MA, KS, IL, FL, WI, NY, NC, TN, OK, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
SECURE 2.0: Retirement Plans
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SECURE 2.0: Retirement Plans

Learn about the SECURE 2.0 retirement legislation and how it affects workplace benefits—and the companies that rely on these critical tools.

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.

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

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Sam J Valeo today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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2When 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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3Morgan 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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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.

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5Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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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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7Morgan 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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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

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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.

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)