Steven Daniels
My Mission Statement
MY STORY
I grew up in Corvallis Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Finance. I had two terrific professors, in economics and finance, who sparked my interest in the financial markets. I paid for my college education by working during the summer breaks in Alaska on two commercial salmon fishing boats. Working long hours in Alaska helped me appreciate the value of discipline, teamwork, and hard work.
After college I traveled across the United States and Europe, taking me from San Francisco to Boston and Marrakesh to Helsinki where I met my future wife. My travels ended on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park CA in 1983. Silicon Valley was young, vibrant and had an exciting new energy. Our Menlo Park branch manager hired me when I arrived with not much more than a backpack and a desire to work in finance.
Over forty years later, I am a Managing Director, and work in that same office. Our team manages $5.24 billion of our clients' assets.* We are financial advisors and a thought partner. We provide financial planning, perspective on the markets, and advice on investments. We work with many technology professionals who receive a large part of their compensation in equity. We believe a goals-based investment approach increases investors' financial confidence, which can improve long term returns.
*($5.24B as of 12/31/2023)
Community Service
My wife and I have provided over 100 needs-based scholarships for Oregon State University students who are the first in their family to go to college.
Member of The Daniels Group who ranked #63 in 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams
Source: Barron's (Awarded May 2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Jan 2023-Dec 2023. https://mgstn.ly/3WD0yje
NMLS#: 1262136
HAVE A PLAN
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
PLANNING
We can help you set financial goals and map out a financial plan which can assess the probabilities of a successful retirement at different ages and levels of income. We can identify actions that we can start today to help accomplish your financial goals.
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION
We provide perspectives on the capital markets plus advice on portfolio construction and asset allocation.
INVESTMENTS
Morgan Stanley offers tax-efficient managed stock and bond portfolios with active tax-loss harvesting, tax free municipal bonds, and treasury bonds. We can select an allocation and investment approach for your various financial asset "buckets". Each bucket has its own investment goal, such as a portfolio to build interest and dividend income to replace your work income when you retire.
LENDING and CASH MANAGEMENT
We provide real estate loans, investment asset backed loans plus banking services such as CDs, checking and foreign exchange services. Our mortgage bankers can discuss these services.
ESTATE PLANNING
We provide insights on wills, trust, family giving and tax efficient wealth transfers to your children. We can discuss outright unrestricted gifts versus restricted gifts using an irrevocable trust for your children that provides spendthrift and divorce protection. We can discuss whether the size of a gift might "enable or disable" your children's future. Often people plan on how to build assets for their retirement but spend little time on how to distribute their assets upon their death. We can coordinate with your tax and estate planning professionals.
CHARITABLE GIFTING
We can discuss charitable gifting during your life or through your estate. How do you maximum the positive impact of your gifts and be thoughtful in your charitable gifting? Giving low basis stock with a long-term capital gain instead of cash to a nonprofit might give you a better tax benefit. A Donor Advised Fund might provide tax benefits in a year that your income is high and provide flexibility in how you distribute the money to nonprofits in the future. We can coordinate with your estate planning and tax professionals.
INSURANCE
A life insurance payout can provide financial security for your spouse and children in case the need arises. Do you have enough life insurance to enable your spouse to pay off your mortgage and cover your children's college education, if you passed unexpectedly? Insurance can help provide a tax efficient transfer of wealth to your children in an irrevocable life insurance trust. We can discuss the benefits and limits of life, long term care, fire, and liability umbrella insurance.
PERSPECTIVE AND ADVICE
We provide perspectives on the capital markets and advice on investments. We help clients set goals and align their portfolio allocation and investments to their goals. We believe a goals-based investment approach increases investors' financial confidence, which can improve their long term returns.
THE DANIELS GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY
Phone: (650) 926-7667
Email: steven.daniels@morganstanley.com
I grew up in Corvallis Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Finance. I had two terrific professors, in economics and finance, who sparked my interest in the financial markets. I paid for my college education by working during the summer breaks in Alaska on two commercial salmon fishing boats. Working long hours in Alaska helped me appreciate the value of discipline, teamwork, and hard work.
After college I traveled across the United States and Europe, taking me from San Francisco to Boston and Marrakesh to Helsinki where I met my future wife. My travels ended on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park CA in 1983. Silicon Valley was young, vibrant and had an exciting new energy. Our Menlo Park branch manager hired me when I arrived with not much more than a backpack and a desire to work in finance.
Over forty years later, I am a Managing Director, and work in that same office. Our team manages $5.97 billion of our clients' assets.* We are financial advisors and a thought partner. We provide financial planning, perspective on the markets, and advice on investments. We work with many technology professionals who receive a large part of their compensation in equity. We believe a goals-based investment approach increases investors' financial confidence, which can improve long term returns.
*($5.97B as of 12/31/2024)
Phone: (650) 926-7178
Email: Michael.Curts@morganstanley.com
As a native of Indiana, I developed an appreciation of Midwestern values and hard work. In 2006, I moved to California and started my career in the financial services industry as a Client Service Associate at Smith Barney which is now Morgan Stanley by merger. My passion for becoming a financial advisor and assisting clients began in the Great Recession in 2008. In this period of extreme market volatility, I learned to appreciate the value of proactive investment solutions based on sound diversification strategies.
In 2008, guided by the values I learned growing up and with a diligent focus on preserving my clients' hard-earned wealth, I carefully advised each client through the difficult financial and emotional roller coaster they personally experienced.
Today, we focus on diversified investment strategies for hard-working corporate executives and clients focused on retirement planning. I hold Financial Planning Specialist and Senior Portfolio Manager designations from Morgan Stanley. Whether a client is looking for advice on 10b5-1 trading plans, executive compensation, investment style allocation, or the selection and evaluation of investment opportunities, we initially focus on learning what the client values.
Phone: (415) 949-6120
Email: Tim.B.Davis@morganstanley.com
As a Senior Vice President and Executive Financial Services Director my focus is connecting clients to a wide range of Morgan Stanley's institutional and wealth management services. I help my clients get organized, diversify, and on the right track to achieve their goals.
I help company executives, such as CFOs, Controllers, Treasurers, Stock Plan Administrators, HR professionals and Total Rewards employees and their respective teams, navigate the complex issues of executive compensation. I also present equity compensation seminars to large groups of employees which helps them better navigate their path to financial security. While we offer solutions for complex situations, we understand simplicity has value.
I began my career in 1998, after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in International Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. For the next decade, I worked in finance and sales of Corporate Stock Benefit Plans at UBS, E*TRADE and Citigroup while earning my MBA. I joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 as a Corporate Client Group Director, delivering wealth management solutions to executives and entrepreneurs with large single stock positions. We integrate our clients' equity compensation into a comprehensive, goal-based, wealth management plan.
Outside of work, my wife and I are happily consumed with the activities of our three kids. I enjoy coaching their baseball teams, skiing and deep-sea fishing.
Phone: (650) 926-7221
Email: Parker.Bauman@morganstanley.com
Every journey we undertake has a beginning and destination. To reach your destination a path must be clearly identified and then followed.
My journey to join Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist in the Silicon Valley reflects this principle. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where I learned the importance of setting a clear goal to reach a destination. Following my service, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Business Law from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
During the 2008 financial crisis, I served as a bankruptcy and restructuring professional for individual and corporate debtors. Assisting clients through this period of financial turmoil reinforced the critical importance of establishing well-defined goals. This experience led me to understand the success of a financial journey is determined by the quality of the advice, guidance, and plan.
Whether you seek guidance on managing your executive compensation, investment portfolio, lending and cash management, or estate, trust, and legacy planning; the first step is articulating your current position and financial goals. Your journey and destination are unique to you and your family. Let's get started on a financial plan that we can monitor and measure your progress.
Phone: (650) 926-7206
Email: Jackson.thoreson@morganstanley.com
Joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in June 2024 as a Financial Advisor, Jackson is focused on serving the wealth management needs for individuals and families, entrepreneurs, coaches and athletes, and executives and employees of private and public companies. Jackson and his partners advise across many areas of wealth management including financial and estate planning, asset allocation, lending, and investment management strategies.
Jackson puts a premium on understanding the individual needs and challenges of his clients, asking deeper questions, and taking a customized approach to address those concerns. Time-horizon, risk tolerance, lifestyle, and long-term goals lay the foundation for a wealth management process that can adapt to different market conditions.
Jackson began his career in the financial services industry in 2019 after a previous career in professional sports. Knowing the challenges of being in transition, he shares that experience through helping with important life events such as retirement, relocation, and job changes.
Jackson was raised in San Jose, CA, where he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory. Jackson graduated from Saint Mary's College of California with an Economics Bachelor's Degree.
Jackson and his wife Paige have a Cavalier King Charles named Clarke and live in San Jose.
Phone: (650) 926-7137
Email: Xiuying.Jin@morganstanley.com
I graduated with a Master's degree at Jilin University and got a Master's degree and finished my PhD coursework in econometrics and statistics at Oregon State University. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, I worked for Central Bank of China in Beijing, at a world leading technical and engineering consulting firm in Shanghai, and the Federal Reserve Bank in San Francisco. I also taught Economics at Menlo College as an Adjunct Professor.
Working together with my clients' tax advisors and attorneys, I help my clients construct a personalized financial plan and develop tax efficient strategies for their investments and overall portfolio. As an International Financial Advisor, I advise international clients living in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, Ireland, BVI, and the Cayman Islands. I have extensive experience providing holistic cross border wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families.
We are confident that we can help develop an investment strategy which properly weighs your financial goals, timeline, and views towards risk.
Phone: (650) 926-7231
Email: Jessie.Marguet@morganstanley.com
Having grown up in the finance industry, I have seen the world of financial advice evolve through many economic cycles, and shifts in technology, and theory. After graduating summa cum laude from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minor in Business Communications, I returned to Silicon Valley to join the Daniels Group and help clients build a secure financial future.
We focus on long-term tax-efficient investing and emphasize diversification. We are holistic Financial Advisors, so whether you are interested in retirement planning, college funding, estate planning, insurance, gifts to charity, or selling stock in an employee compensation plan we have the resources to cover your financial needs. With Morgan Stanley's access to some of the world's most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading platform and spectrum of investment choices, together, we can create and monitor a dynamic plan that will evolve and adjust at each stage of your life.
Phone: (650) 926-7654
Email: J.Marguet@morganstanley.com
Since joining Morgan Stanley's Sand Hill Road office in 1983, in the heart of Silicon Valley, I have dedicated 42 years to providing careful financial advice to individuals, families, and corporate executives.
I have witnessed many market cycles from difficult recessions to unprecedented booms and have guided clients through these times by providing market insights, investment perspectives, and financial advice. With a long-term investment approach, I tailor each investment portfolio to align with our clients' specific philosophy and needs.
Whether you want to diversify your equity compensation stock awards, focus on wealth accumulation, improve your portfolio's tax-efficiency, measure and reduce your portfolio risk, give to charity, or more, I welcome the opportunity to help you identify and achieve your goals.
Phone: (650) 926-7105
Email: Charlie.Ramos@morganstanley.com
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by economics and the finance industry. In high school, I was a messenger in the mail room of a financial firm on Wall Street. During college, I transitioned from delivering stock certificates, and other client packages in New York City to statistical analysis for another Wall Street firm. I continued in financial services by working in compliance and then transitioned to a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Menlo Park, California.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Business Law at St. Peters University, where I serve on the Board of Regents and Investment Committee. At Morgan Stanley, I help foster the firm's values as a member of the Pacific Coast Region's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
As financial advisors, we work directly with our clients on executive and equity compensation planning, goal setting and financial planning. I look forward to the opportunity to talk with you.
Phone: (650) 926-7189
Email: Elizabeth.Dong@morganstanley.com
We help many successful executives manage their global employee stock plan benefits, set up 10b5-1 stock trading plans for corporate officers and insiders, implement strategies for concentrated equity positions, and establish estate planning strategies for their families.
I help clients understand the risks and complexities of managing cross border investments both in the US and Asia. I speak fluent Mandarin and I value clear and effective communication. I help my clients better manage their global wealth.
I started my investment career in 2006. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2013, I was a member of a team that managed $20 billion in assets at a large investment management company. I earned my MBA in Finance from Miami University and received a Graduate Certificate in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. I currently hold the Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designations.
Phone: (650) 926-7689
Email: Roy.U.King.II@morganstanley.com
Roy King joined Morgan Stanley and the Daniels Group in January of 2000, at the Y2K peak and right before the "Dot Com" bust. Those two events gave Roy perspective on the value of setting long term goals and not letting present day "chaos" drive emotional decisions.
Roy wears many hats with The Daniels Group but primarily focuses on B2B business development, managing Corporate Equity Stock Plan relationships, and 10b5-1 Plan administration. Although Roy's primary role is overseeing our team's equity compensation and 10b5-1 plan operations, he also enjoys helping our wealth management clients develop a goals-based financial plan while monitoring their long-term progress.
Roy has a background in Radio Broadcasting and Commercial Construction but prefers to spend his days on his Bass Boat fishing local Lakes and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. He grew up in Petaluma, CA but has lived in the East Bay, CA for the past 3 decades along with his two sons and his dog - Broc..
Phone: (650) 926-7682
Email: Jia.He@morganstanley.com
Jia joined Morgan Stanly in 2014 as a Client Relationship Associate. She currently manages all aspects of client interactions for the three senior advisors of the Daniels Group, including client onboarding, cash management, and 10b5-1 trade reporting, in addition to individual client specific services.
After graduating from UC Davis with a dual degree in International Economics and Classical Music, she began her career in finance as an Associate Financial Advisor and Team Marketing Director, at Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining the financial industry, she worked on multinational public relations projects such as Governor Schwarzenegger's China Trade Mission and Economic Regeneration ventures in liaison with The Prince's Trust in London, UK.
She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and lives in San Jose with her husband Colin and son Liam. She enjoys swimming, piano performing, and organizing music concerts for her son's preschool in her spare time.
Phone: (650) 926-7666
Email: Nicole.Fuentes@morganstanley.com
Nicole Fuentes joined Morgan Stanley in October 2000. She holds a Series 7, 66, 9 and 10 license. Prior to joining the Daniels Group, she worked with another Private Wealth team for approximately 15 years, and she was a Business Service Manager on our Silicon Valley Complex management team.
Nicole lives in Roseville, CA and is originally from San Francisco. Nicole has two grown children and two granddaughters. She is an avid 49ers, Giants and Warriors fan. She is an animal lover and has two dogs, Cha Cha and Frida. She loves cooking, reading, dancing, and spending time at home with her friends and family.
Phone: (650) 926-7156
Email: Aaron.Valadez@morganstanley.com
Aaron joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. During his time at Cal Poly, Aaron was a part of the Financial Management Association which orchestrated networking events with professionals from the industry. He is excited to join Morgan Stanley and the team and work in finance and investments. Aaron focuses on all aspects of customer service for our clients.
Outside of work, he enjoys swimming, playing guitar, and working out.
Learn more about our team's capabilities by visiting the website below. Start the conversation today through the "Contact Us" button at the top of the page.
Source: Barron's (Awarded May 2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Jan 2023-Dec 2023. https://mgstn.ly/3WD0yje
COLLABORATION, PERSPECTIVE AND ADVICE
We are financial advisors. We provide tax efficient investment management, perspective on the markets, and advice on life's many financial decisions. Our team's nine financial advisors, including two International Client Advisors, manage over 5.24 billion dollars of our clients' assets* and have a tenure of 4 to 42 years with Morgan Stanley. We build long, collaborative advisory relationships with our clients and their families. We have served as the financial advisor and managed assets for some of our client families for over 40 years.
Providing advice and effective client communication goes beyond periodic portfolio reviews. Here are issues that we discuss with clients, and we can discuss with you.
- COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING - Discuss goals, develop a financial plan, monitor progress, and adjust. Are their blind spots in your plan?
- LIFE CHANGES AND TRANSITION - What changed? What keeps you up at night?
- INVESTMENTS - Are your investments aligned with your objectives? Discuss tax efficient goals-based portfolio management and asset allocation.
- EQUITY COMPENSATION - What do you want to fund or accomplish with your shares? Set goals and timelines. Sell or accumulate shares?
- 10b5-1 PLANS - Design and implement a goals-based 10b5-1 plan to sell RSUs and stock options over time.
- NEST EGG - Have you saved enough? How much do you need? Will you be able to financially retire with confidence?
- RETIREMENT- When, where, for what reason, part time or full time? What do you want to achieve in this next chapter?
- COLLEGE SAVINGS - Use a 529 plan, tax free bonds or keep the assets in a separate account in your name?
- MORTGAGE - Keep or reduce your mortgage?
- SECOND HOME - What is the goal and cost? Where and what size? For your personal use and/or rental income?
- LIFE INSURANCE - If you pass away, does your spouse have enough life insurance to pay off your mortgage and cover your children's college education?
- LIABILITY INSURANCE - Do you have enough coverage for risk such as owning rental property or having dependent children who drive?
- CHILDREN AND GIFTING - Give assets to your children now or later? How much do you give? Are your gifts enabling or disabling your children?
- PHILANTHROPY - Give now or later? Give cash or appreciated stock? Discuss goals-based giving and a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
- ESTATE PLANNING STRATEGIES - Discuss the value of estate planning, a revocable living trust and the related documents.
We can help you develop a financial plan that outlines a roadmap and destination and provides a framework to track your progress. Let's discuss your plans and goals.
* ($5.24 billion as of 12/31/2023)
Our team ranked #63 in 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams
Source: Barron's (Awarded May 2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Jan 2023-Dec 2023. https://mgstn.ly/3WD0yje
Location
Portfolio Insights
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
2Morgan 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.
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 (“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.
5Morgan 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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*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
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Awards Disclosures
