Spencer J. O'Brien, ChFC®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Portfolio Manager,
Chartered Financial Consultant,
Financial Planning Specialist,
Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation,
Portfolio Management Director
Direct:
(206) 343-2788(206) 343-2788
My Mission Statement
Providing honest & transparent advice tailored to help solve your financial needs.
My Story and Services
Spencer is a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist with Morgan Stanley. In his practice, Spencer creates comprehensive financial plans that address several key areas including retirement cash flow planning, Social Security analysis, education planning and risk/liability management. Spencer assists clients with implementing income strategies by selecting and managing investment portfolios that complement the client's goals and risk tolerances while simultaneously aiming to optimize the returns and tax efficiency of their investment products.
Spencer's professional background is supported through nearly a decade of experience in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) as both a former Army Officer and employee of Amazon Web Services. Spencer enjoys the relationship aspects of managing individual's portfolios and is very passionate about the capital markets.
Spencer graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and subsequently served as a commissioned Army Officer. During his military tenure he attained the rank of Captain and is a combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Spencer is well versed in the technology space, having previously worked for Amazon Web Services.
Spencer resides south of Seattle with his wife, two children, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Tonka. In his free time, Spencer enjoys spending time in his home state of Montana and he is also an avid skier, football fan, bogey golfer and traveler.
Spencer's professional background is supported through nearly a decade of experience in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) as both a former Army Officer and employee of Amazon Web Services. Spencer enjoys the relationship aspects of managing individual's portfolios and is very passionate about the capital markets.
Spencer graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and subsequently served as a commissioned Army Officer. During his military tenure he attained the rank of Captain and is a combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Spencer is well versed in the technology space, having previously worked for Amazon Web Services.
Spencer resides south of Seattle with his wife, two children, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Tonka. In his free time, Spencer enjoys spending time in his home state of Montana and he is also an avid skier, football fan, bogey golfer and traveler.
Securities Agent: CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, DE, CT, KY, MD, AR, WV, AK, AZ, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1760555
NMLS#: 1760555
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Creating your Financial Roadmap
Our disciplined process focuses on you, your family and your future. Working together, we’ll develop a financial roadmap, navigating life’s challenges and helping you make more informed decisions about your money.
Step 1: Introductory Conversation
We begin with an informal discussion to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value. This is your opportunity to interview us, as we get to know you. If we agree to move forward, we will schedule our next meeting and request copies of important financial documents.
Step 2: Face-to-Face Meeting
We will continue our initial dialogue with a more in-depth discussion. This “discovery” session gives us the opportunity to understand the values that shape your decisions and identify any circumstances unique to your situation. We will also review the documents you’ve prepared and begin to define your priorities.
Step 3: Analysis & Strategy Development
Here, we utilize a variety of proprietary financial planning and investment tools to develop a detailed strategy with recommendations to help you grow, preserve and transfer your wealth. This serves as the foundation for building your initial plan, as well as future investment decisions.
Step 4: Recommendations and Implementation
In this step, we present an investment portfolio that aligns your goals with your timeframe and risk level. Upon your approval, we will complete important paperwork together to execute the investment recommendations. We will then begin to implement the other wealth management solutions we discussed. These often include risk management techniques, as well as estate planning strategies.
Step 5: First-Class Service
Committed to concierge service, we focus on developing longstanding relationships that can provide value to you and your family. We are committed to delivering first-class service through my signature dedication that emphasizes ongoing communication through face-to-face meetings and social gatherings throughout the year.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
Allows you to conveniently and securely manage your account online or on your mobile device.
Click here to log in
Morgan Stanley Mobile App
Access your account wherever, whenever using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It gives you the same capabilities as Morgan Stanley Online from the convenience of your phone.
To learn about the mobile capabilities and how to get the app, click here
E-Authorization
With E-Authorization, you no longer need to sign a paper Letter of Authorization (LOA) to authorize a wire transfer request.
To sign up for E-Authorization log into MSO
E-Sign
E-Sign is a digital, paperless alternative to the traditional means of obtaining signatures from clients on paperwork. There is no registration process for you to begin using E-Sign - all you need is a valid email address and phone number.
Click here to learn how to sign up
Total Wealth View
The ability to view all of your assets and liabilities together, whether held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere, enables us to advise with your entire financial picture in mind.
To learn more, click here
Goals Planning System
GPS helps clients define what they want out of life, and then creates a financial framework to bring these goals to life.
To learn more, watch this video
eDelivery
E-Delivery allows you to securely save, print, send, and receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
To enroll, follow these stepsCUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. We leverage our experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. We look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to help achieve your particular priorities and goals.
Wealth Management
Wealth management brings various dimensions of your life together. We listen carefully to understand the connections across your personal life, your family, your career, and your legacy goals to develop an integrated strategy that is uniquely yours.
Financial Planning
The cornerstone of an effective wealth management plan is comprehensive financial planning, which captures your goals, resources and expectations for the future. Effective planning can potentially lead to successful education and retirement income funding. It helps eliminate blind spots, and helps ensure legacy goals are met.
Retirement Planning
One of our key areas of strength is helping you prepare for and thrive in retirement. From IRAs to RMDs, we manage the complexities of your comprehensive retirement plan assets, helping you easily transition to the next phase of your life with confidence.
Cash Management and Lending Products
Cash and Liability management are integral to the planning process. We offer the same cash management services that a traditional bank offers, and more.
Trust Services
A flexible, third party corporate trustee program providing administration services along with personalized service and support from your Financial Advisor team.
Disclaimer:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third‐party corporate trustee.
Disclaimer:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third‐party corporate trustee.
Qualified Retirement Plans
A business retirement plan is considered qualified if it meets certain rules specified by the Internal Revenue Code. The rules of the plan must be expressed in writing in the form of a plan document that outlines all plan provisions. A qualified plan may provide the following benefits to businesses:
- An employer can receive a tax deduction for contributions made on behalf of plan participants
- Plan participants can accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis
- Employees may receive tax-favored benefits at distribution
- An employer can receive a tax deduction for contributions made on behalf of plan participants
- Plan participants can accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis
- Employees may receive tax-favored benefits at distribution
Planning for Education Funding
Named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged vehicle, which allows you to invest for future education expenses. A 529 plan creates an incentive for families to invest toward education costs because earnings in the plan can be tax-deferred, with withdrawals being exempt from federal and, in most cases, state income taxes if you use the funds for qualified expenses, such as tuition, fees, room and board, and supplies.
Disclaimer:
The 529 Plan Program Disclosure contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses, and potential tax consequences. Investors can obtain a 529 Plan Program Disclosure from their Financial Advisor and should read it carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether tax or other benefits are only available for investments in your home state 529-college savings plan.
Disclaimer:
The 529 Plan Program Disclosure contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses, and potential tax consequences. Investors can obtain a 529 Plan Program Disclosure from their Financial Advisor and should read it carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether tax or other benefits are only available for investments in your home state 529-college savings plan.
Investor Resources
GIC Weekly Research Report
The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
Click Here for the "GIC Weekly"
On The Markets Research Report
Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
Click Here for the "On The Markets"
Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
Click Here for the Latest Episode
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.
Click Here for the Latest Episode
Top 5 Mistakes Investors Make in a Market Sell-Off
Whether it is panic selling, hiding out in cash, or trading frantically during volatile markets, investors tend to make several mistakes that can hurt them long-term. Know how to spot—and avoid—the most common bad behaviors.
Click Here for More
Making Sense of Tumultuous Markets
Wild swings in U.S. stocks have left investors whiplashed and wondering what’s next. Three reasons to take caution ahead.
Click Here for MoreLocation
601 Union Street
Suite 5200
Seattle, WA 98101
US
Direct:
(206) 343-2788(206) 343-2788
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
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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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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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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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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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
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Spencer J. O'Brien today.
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
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)
