Our Story

Our team has over 80 years of combined experience in the Financial Services industry. Throughout those years we have felt great satisfaction in helping our individual clients identify their financial goals and then working with them to develop personalized plans to reach those goals. For most of our clients, the obvious concern is to accumulate enough assets, and to then manage those assets, in order to enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. Our team customizes a plan and executes that plan to give each client confidence that their financial goals will be achieved.

Our team also provides financial advisory services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. We help retirement plan sponsors with the plan design; investment selection and monitoring; and education of plan participants.

Whether working with individual clients or with the sponsors and participants of a corporate retirement plan, our team uses the vast resources of Morgan Stanley to provide best in class solutions and service.

Retirement plan consulting is our focus.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Process

Our service model is based on regular communication and a strong commitment to personal service.  At the core of our service is financial planning to make sure we are understanding your financial goals and developing a meaningful plan to reach them.  Regardless of market performance or the economic climate, we strive to provide consistent, relevant updates and a fast response to your inquiries.
    Icon Image
    Determining Financial Objectives
    Success means something different to each client. We begin each relationship by using interview techniques to thoroughly review your financial resources and liabilities, understand your short and long-term investment objectives, and assess an acceptable level of risk.
    Icon Image
    Developing Your Investment Plan
    We focus on designing portfolios to help potentially enhance returns, potentially lower overall portfolio volatility and position them to take advantage of timely opportunities. We believe many investors fall short of their goals because they spend more time plan-ning a summer vacation than formulating a long-term investment strategy. By developing customized financial roadmaps and using proactive strategies to help keep progress on track, we feel clients end up with a high likelihood of success of achieving their goals.
    Icon Image
    Implementation of Your Plan
    Once your plan is approved, The Hildre Johnson Group helps you implement your plan by recommending world-class investment managers that are most appropriate for your needs, complement each other and work toward the goals we have established. We also coordinate strategies with your other professional advisors to help make sure we are working as a team for your benefit.
    Icon Image
    Ongoing Portfolio Review
    Our clients enjoy regular progress reviews when we review investment performance and assess progress in the context of your evolving needs and stage of life. Of course, since goals tend to change as time goes on we often revisit this entire process to make sure we are on track.
    Icon Image
    Mike Wilson: On the Markets
    Each week, Mike Wilson offers his perspective on the forces shaping the markets and how to separate the signal from the noise. Check out those of his colleagues from across Morgan Stanley Research.
    On the Markets
    Icon Image
    The GIC Weekly
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    The GIC Weekly
Our dedicated team provides services and capabilities that are essential to your organization.

The Hildre Johnson Group is fully staffed to provide financial advisory services for 401(k) and 403(b) plans. We have the capability and knowledge to assist plan sponsors with the plan design; investment selection and monitoring; and prepare retirement education meetings for plan participants.
    Icon Image
    Aligning Employee Strategies with Long-Term Objectives
    The Hildre Johnson Group has access to resources and materials that help participants become informed with investment decisions, such as educational brochures, Asset Allocation Models, and Asset Allocation questionnaires.
    Workplace Changes are Here to Stay
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley at Work
    We believe there’s no better investment your company can make than in your employees. When they work at their best, so does your business.

    That’s why Morgan Stanley at Work delivers workplace financial solutions that can help employees build financial confidence and help you attract and retain top talent.
    Click Here to Learn More

Tools Built for You

As our client, you'll benefit from access to a comprehensive suite of digital resources. Our expertise in technology and innovation enables us to integrate these tools into your financial plan to enhance its effectiveness. With state-of-the-art cybersecurity, tax-efficient planning, and risk assessment platforms, we can continually reassess your strategy and optimize performance.
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential, manage unrealized gains and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More
    A $695 Annual Engagement Bonus
    A $695 Annual Engagement Bonus
    For eligible Platinum CashPlus brokerage account clients with The Platinum Card® from American Express, exclusively for Morgan Stanley. Certain Morgan Stanley Debit Cardholders may also qualify. Terms apply.
    Click Here to Learn More
    eDelivery
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    When life gets hectic, managing finances can be a low priority. Total Wealth View simplifies this by providing a single platform to track investments, cash flow, assets, and net worth. This seamless integration with your Morgan Stanley Online account and LifeView or GPS gives your Advisor a comprehensive view of your entire financial profile, making it easier than ever to keep track of your finances.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Goals-Based Planning System (GPS)
    Our Goals-Based Planning System (GPS) offers a personalized solution using our intellectual capital and capabilities. Experience an intuitive and efficient platform for a successful financial plan.
    Click Here to Learn More

Location

8300 Norman Center Dr
Ste 1150
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Direct:
(952) 921-1900(952) 921-1900

Meet The Hildre Johnson Group

About Nathan S Hildre

Nate Hildre is a seasoned Financial Advisor with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a valued member of the Hildre Johnson Group at Morgan Stanley, Nate brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his clients. Holding the prestigious designations of Corporate Retirement Planning Specialist CRPS® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor CRPC®, Nate is dedicated to helping his clients make informed financial decisions that positively impact their lives.

A proud graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Finance and Corporate Accounting, Nate has always been driven to help individuals and families secure their financial futures. As a trusted financial advocate, he takes great pride in helping his clients achieve their goals and live the lives they desire.

Nate and his wife Ali reside in Lake Elmo with their daughter, Hattie, and son, Hayes. In his spare time, Nate enjoys golf, cooking, and travel.

Whether you're looking to plan for retirement, manage investments, or navigate complex financial decisions, Nate is a Financial Advisor who will work with you every step of the way.
Securities Agent: KS, SD, MO, FL, AZ, NV, NJ, MD, IN, IL, VA, SC, OH, MS, ID, CO, CA, TX, WI, NY, MI, MA, DC, TN, OR, NC, ND, IA, WY, PA, MT, MN, GA, WA, NE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290513

About Sara J. Brettingen

Sara joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 and works with the team to provide client financial planning, market and product research analysis, and performance reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from North Dakota State University. She enjoys getting to know clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Sara and her husband moved back to Minnesota after living in Mississippi for 5 years. She loves experiencing all the seasons in Minnesota and spending her spare time reading, traveling, volunteering, and exploring new outdoor activities.

About Scott Munro

Scott Munro is a Registered Associate with the Hildre Johnson Group at Morgan Stanley. He holds both the Series 7 and 66 licenses and has successfully passed the CFA Level 1 exam in November 2022., making him a Level 2 Candidate. He earned his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he was a member of the varsity hockey team.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Scott honed his skills as an intern at RBC WM. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Scott now calls North Loop, MN home, but still enjoys traveling back to Canada to visit friends and family.
Securities Agent: OK, NV, ND, NM, MO, WI, OR, NY, NJ, CO, VA, TX, NE, MN, IA, HI, DC, IN, IL, DE, TN, SD, NH, CT, SC, ID, CA, AZ, AL, MI, RI, MD, KS, GA, FL, PA, OH, NC, MT, MS, MA, WA, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Article Image

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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.

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
Small Business Retirement Plans
Article Image

Small Business Retirement Plans

Learn about retirement plans for smaller businesses and how to select the right type for you and your employees. Compare SEP or SIMPLE IRAs vs 401(k)s.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
Article Image

The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Hildre Johnson Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

Back to top



4When 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.

Back to top



5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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)