Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager
Phone:
(404) 842-2386(404) 842-2386
The Cook-Gatwood Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(404) 842-2306(404) 842-2306
Our Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
Our Story and Services
As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Our team of Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) professionals has over 65 years of professional investment experience. We’ve developed the insights and perspective into a process that guide our clients through all types of market conditions that only six decades of experience can bring. We work with highly compensated and high net worth individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs, especially those going through a critical life transition, such as pre-retirement, retirement, or sale of their business.
In order to best assist our clients, our team utilizes a F.R.A.M.E process. We believe a sound (F)inancial Plan is the bedrock to investing for an Individual and their Family’s future. We help establish high contribution, tax advantaged (R)etirement Plans that allow high-income earners to set aside some of their Occupations income and current earnings for tomorrow’s future. We encourage Accredited Investors to take advantage of private market (A)lternative Investments for higher risk-adjusted returns to ballast portfolio performance. We (M)onitor our financial plans for quarterly reviews and during volatile markets. Finally, we invest for (E)nhanced income utilizing our well-established strategy to generate income that many equity-only portfolios lack. We do this so our clients can enjoy the Recreation of their choice and the family’s need for Money in the future will be met.
Our team of Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) professionals has over 65 years of professional investment experience. We’ve developed the insights and perspective into a process that guide our clients through all types of market conditions that only six decades of experience can bring. We work with highly compensated and high net worth individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs, especially those going through a critical life transition, such as pre-retirement, retirement, or sale of their business.
In order to best assist our clients, our team utilizes a F.R.A.M.E process. We believe a sound (F)inancial Plan is the bedrock to investing for an Individual and their Family’s future. We help establish high contribution, tax advantaged (R)etirement Plans that allow high-income earners to set aside some of their Occupations income and current earnings for tomorrow’s future. We encourage Accredited Investors to take advantage of private market (A)lternative Investments for higher risk-adjusted returns to ballast portfolio performance. We (M)onitor our financial plans for quarterly reviews and during volatile markets. Finally, we invest for (E)nhanced income utilizing our well-established strategy to generate income that many equity-only portfolios lack. We do this so our clients can enjoy the Recreation of their choice and the family’s need for Money in the future will be met.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Retirement and Tax Planning
As a client of The Cook-Gatwood Group at Morgan Stanley, you have access to a host of tax-smart resources that may help mitigate your tax obligations and improve your bottom line. We believe that reducing your tax bill is one of the most important aspects of consistent returns and wealth accumulation.
View the 2024 Tax Table
As tax filing deadlines approach, you can prepare for this year's taxes and next year's planning with the updated 2023 and 2024 tax tables.
View the 2023 Tax Table
As tax filing deadlines approach, you can prepare for this year's taxes and next year's planning with the updated 2023 and 2024 tax tables.
Total Tax 365
Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers a full spectrum of tax-efficient solutions to help mitigate the tax drag on your portfolio - so you can keep more of what you earn and improve after-tax returns.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Hidden risks abound. For affluent families, this can mean unwanted financial exposure. A simple risk assessment can go a long way to help close those gaps.
Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement
Smart tax planning can help you save more for retirement and keep more of what you've already saved. At The Cook-Gatwood Group, we can help you identify tax-efficient retirement planning strategies which may help you lower your overall tax bill.
Alternative Investments
For the suitable investor, alternative assets offer potential diversification for a portfolio. Generally, "alternative investments" encompass asset categories that provide distinct sources of returns compared to conventional stocks and bonds, such as private equity and private credit. While they might appear complex or inaccessible, many strategies have become more accessible to individual investors. Explore various types of alternative investments below.
Alternative investments often entail speculation and carry a high level of risk. Investors may experience total or significant loss of their investment. They could be highly illiquid, involving leverage, short-selling, and other speculative tactics that may heighten volatility and the risk of loss, along with substantial investment minimums and initial lock-ups. Additionally, they may feature intricate tax structures, tax-inefficient investing, and delays in distributing crucial tax information. These investments may also incur higher fees and expenses than traditional investments, which can diminish investors' returns.
Alternative Investments Client Brochure
This brochure will help you understand different alternative investment options, why they can be beneficial, and how they might fit into your portfolio. If you are interested in alternatives, the client brochure is a great place to start.
Private Equity
Private Credit
Private Real Estate
Single Manager Hedge Funds
Exchange Funds
Structured Investments
Location
3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 842-2306(404) 842-2306
Meet The Cook-Gatwood Group
First Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
About James F Cook
Securities Agent: MD, ID, UT, TN, MI, DC, CA, SC, ME, KS, SD, NE, IL, FL, CT, WY, MA, CO, AZ, AR, AL, OH, NY, NC, GA, TX, VA, NJ, LA, WV, MS, IN, WA, PA, MO, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Jubal Gatwood
Securities Agent: NY, WY, MO, ME, IN, AL, TX, TN, MI, AZ, OH, NE, KS, IL, FL, VA, MS, LA, DC, CA, WA, KY, GA, CO, NJ, PA, NC, MD, ID, AR, SD, MA, UT, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1370980
NMLS#: 1370980
Contact James F Cook
Contact Jubal Gatwood
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Matt Edwards
Associate Private Banker
Jay Zaffos, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
About Matt Edwards
Matt Edwards is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia and Tennessee.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate.
Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate.
Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
NMLS#: 763106
About Jay Zaffos
Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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
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
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
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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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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 The Cook-Gatwood Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)