Financial Advisors in Fairfield, CT: "The Best Service For Our Clients"

We believe success in achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive wealth strategy. As Financial Advisors in Fairfield Connecticut, we will help you define what is most important for your family's wealth. Through our financial planning process and investment insights, we deliver strategies that are appropriate for your needs with the best service we can. Whether you are accumulating wealth or investing for income, solidifying your retirement plan or devising a distribution approach that helps meet your lifestyle and legacy goals, our team of seasoned professionals will be there to advise and service you and those you care about.

2024 - Named to Morgan Stanley's President's Club of top Financial Advisors
2019-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com 2019-2023 Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

A 3 Step Process Driven Relationship

We build trust, understanding, and connectivity in all of our relationships by following a process of discovery, asking the right questions and working intimately with you, your family, or your team to uncover what's most important. Rather serving as an advisor for an individual, a family, or an organization, we abide by an established focus to build, maintain, and enhance our relationship with you over time.
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    1. Learn About You
    First, we learn about your goals, and core beliefs. After, and only after actively listening and understanding you and your goals for the future, we discuss how we will help accomplish these goals with efficiency.
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    2. Recommendations
    Next, we deliver recommendations in the form of a strategic plan. Our recommendations include options for you to choose from that are clear, understandable and beneficial. We will go into as much, or as little, detail as necessary and desired.
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    3. Implementation and Continuous Service
    Finally, we implement a specific set of recommendations and continue to monitor our progress on a regular basis.
    Our mission is to provide the highest level of personalized advice possible, so that you can achieve peace of mind to focus on what’s important to you.

Divorce, Loss of a Spouse, New Job, and Life Events Are Made Easier with Guidance

Facing important crossroads can be best approached with insights and experience. Rather a recent divorce, loss of a spouse, a change in employment, or other life events; The Gottlieb Group has the experience to advise on the common pitfalls investors face and shares forward thinking ideas to navigate these important moments.
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    Financial Advice for Divorce
    Take control of your finances after a divorce by working directly with a team who provides you personalized service and has a track record for managing complex family dynamics that arise from a divorce.
    Learn More About Divorce Financial Planning Here
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    Loss of a Spouse- What to do next
    Losing a spouse is both devastating emotionally and stressful financially. The Gottlieb Group sympathizes with your loss and provides guidance though the process with knowledge every step of the way. You can feel confident with a customized plan and investment strategy designed to help you meet your financial goals.
    Learn More About Loss Financial Planning Here
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    New Job- Understand the Options
    When changing jobs, investors have options for how to handle retirement accounts from prior employers. Additionally, information about employer benefits can be complex. Feel confident in each new chapter professionally by reviewing employee benefit options and understanding options for your retirement assets. Understand the benefits and advantages to each option, as well as financial implications of choices before making them.
    Learn More About 401(k) Accounts Here
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    Major Life Events- New Child, Graduation, Major Purchases
    Major life events prompt investors to reassess seeking advice from a professional. Each major life event can be an opportunity to seek guidance and spark conversation around a plan. The addition of a child to the family, the purchase of a home or property, and retirement are all examples of Major Life Events and Milestones of which investors may benefit from navigating together.
    Learn More About Milestone Events Here

Financial Resources

We offer a vast array of resources and opportunities to learn about financial wellness, investing, taxes, and more. Please stay tuned to check out resources we offer, and reach out to us directly should you have investing questions and needs.
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    Tax Aware Investing- 2023 Federal Tax Table
    This document outlines the 2023 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. Consider the taxable implications of investing, saving, and distributing wealth, as well as utilize strategies that add value to your bottom line as an investor. Morgan Stanley offers a robust set of tools to manage the taxability of your portfolio
    Click Here to View the 2023 Federal Tax Table
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    RMD Retirement Guide
    With recent regulatory changes about 2022 required minimum distributions (RMDs), it’s important to think about timing your withdrawals. Given tougher regulatory, tax, and market conditions, you may want to consider taking your RMD sooner than later. Here’s what you need to know.
    Read More About RMDs
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    Corporate and Small Business
    Strategic planning, flexible cash management, and a customized approach to corporate retirement plan design and implementation from our team allow for you to focus on running your business. We are in a position to advise you throughout the liquidity event planning process.
    Learn More About Preparing for the Transaction of a Lifetime

Digital Resources and Tools

Here are some digital tools and services that can help you with asset management and protection.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View in Morgan Stanley Online. By linking your outside account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About TWV
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    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
    Learn More About LifeView
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily manage and share your important documents, such as wills, deeds and estate plans, as well as financial statements and tax filings. All files are scanned for viruses and malware and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
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    Reserved Living & Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. Members can enjoy special discounts and timely insights to support them at home and beyond.
    View Offers from RL&G
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    The Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin
    Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
    Learn More About the Portfolio Risk Platform

Location

1229 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
US
Direct:
(203) 319-5161(203) 319-5161
Fax:
(203) 319-5160(203) 319-5160

Meet The Gottlieb Group

About Jonathan Gottlieb

Jonathan Gottlieb
Managing Director
Financial Advisor

As a Financial Advisor since 1986, Jonathan Gottlieb has diligently implemented wealth management strategies for clients by concentrating on portfolio management. Mr. Gottlieb is firmly committed to long-term relationships and works attentively with his clients as he listens to their goals, values, and concerns before implementing plans through a personalized process.

Before joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Gottlieb was a Senior Vice President with Wachovia Securities for 9 years, achieving the firm's Chairman's Council for 8 years.

Prior to that, Mr. Gottlieb was a Vice President with A.G. Edwards for 10 years and held former positions as an investment broker with Shearson Lehman Brothers with Allied Capital Group on Wall Street.

As a Managing Director, Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Mr. Gottlieb holds his Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses. He is licensed to offer both life and health insurance products. He has achieved Chairman's and President's Club recognitions and more recently in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 named one of Forbes’ top advisors in the state of Connecticut. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Gottlieb served as a youth baseball, football and basketball coach and supports and volunteers with a variety of charities as well as participating in Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. He has traveled throughout Europe and Africa.

2024 - Named to Morgan Stanley's President's Club of top Financial Advisors
2019-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com 2019-2024 Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award
Securities Agent: KY, DC, AK, VA, UT, PA, NV, FL, TN, MO, GA, CO, WY, TX, OH, NY, ME, KS, VT, OR, NC, SC, RI, MA, IL, NJ, NH, CT, CA, MD, AZ, WA, IN, HI, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 150224

About David L. Davidson

Dave has over 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. Joining us from J.P. Morgan Private Client in Greenwich, CT, he spent the last 10 years of his career assisting high net worth individuals meet their goals through financial planning and by following definable and repeatable investment processes. He started his career at Evergreen Investments as an internal wholesaler. From there, he transitioned to an external sales role at Bear Stearns Asset Management advising financial advisors about investment strategies. These strategies were designed to position clients to try to create the best possible range of outcomes relative to their risk tolerance and time horizon.

After graduating from Greenwich High School, Dave earned a B.A. in Political Science from Northeastern University.

Dave has supported St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for several decades. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, scuba diving and most of all travelling with his daughters – especially to Hawaii. Dave lives in Fairfield with his two daughters.
Securities Agent: NJ, OH, NY, KS, WY, TX, NH, IN, VT, ME, GA, FL, CT, NC, DC, CO, CA, TN, KY, AZ, WA, RI, MO, DE, AK, PA, OR, MD, MA, VA, SC, NV, IL, HI, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Melissa De Brino

Melissa De Brino is a Wealth Management Associate at Morgan Stanley in Fairfield, CT. She has worked in the Financial Services Industry for over sixteen years. She has held various roles including support, operations, relationship management and supervisory. Melissa graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications. She received her Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University.

Melissa is dedicated to helping clients achieve their wealth management goals by providing financial planning, operational and administrative support.

Melissa lives in Ridgefield, CT and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is on the sidelines cheering for her son playing hockey and baseball and her daughter competitive cheerleading. She also enjoys to ski, run, cook, garden and travel.

About Karen Knettel

Karen Knettel recently joined The Gottlieb Group from the Morgan Stanley Stamford branch office, bringing more than 20 years of financial industry experience to her role. Karen assists in all day-to-day operational and administrative capacities, striving to deliver an exceptional level of client service.
Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Richmond. Since that time, she has held positions in Compliance, Operations, Prime Brokerage and Market Data. She holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 66 licenses.

During her free time she enjoys volunteering with local animal charities, playing tennis and golf, taking day trips to various historical homes and gardens, traveling and spending time with family.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.

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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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Gottlieb Group today.
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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.

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’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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4Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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5Morgan 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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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 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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8Morgan 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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9Morgan 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)