Joe Pitrofsky, CIMA®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(858) 729-5020(858) 729-5020
The Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group at Morgan Stanley
Our Mission Statement
Helping clients address their unique financial issues while simplifying their financial lives.
About the Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group
The Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group develops comprehensive financial strategies for affluent individuals, families, charitable trusts and institutions. As a small boutique within Morgan Stanley, the Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group brings a high level of service and custom-tailored solutions to each relationship as well as the strength and resources of a leading global financial institution. Our clients value our ability to address a broad array of complex issues, simplify their financial lives, and ultimately help them achieve their goals.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
Our mission is to be an essential partner who works with each client as well as their accountants, attorneys, corporate counsel and other trusted advisors to integrate and simplify all aspects of their financial life. We strive to understand each client’s unique situation and then develop custom comprehensive strategies to help them achieve their goals and free them to pursue their passions.
Our solutions...
go beyond investment management to address current needs including daily cash management and liability management (such as mortgages and lines of credit) and long-term goals including retirement planning, education planning, life and long-term care insurance, wealth transfer, charitable giving and trust services.
Our strategies...
grow, evolve and adapt to the life changes and life stages each of our clients experience – from risk-managed growth during pre-retirement, to tax-efficient growth and income during retirement, to legacy creation later in life.
Our access...
to state-of-the-art technology, award-winning research and other advisory services is unparalleled. We also have an open architecture platform with access to many of the world’s top money managers including preeminent equity, fixed income and alternative investments managers.
Our commitment...
to service begins with unbiased advice prepared specifically to address each client’s unique circumstances. We will have in-depth planning and performance review meetings, regular pro-active update calls and prompt responses to your inquiries.
Experience
Joe Pitrofsky and Drew Slacum formed their partnership in 2004 to assist clients with a wide array of complex financial issues and provide the highest level of service. In 2021, Damon Snell was added to the team. Using their complementary skills Joe, Drew, and Damon work together to develop comprehensive financial plans and sophisticated portfolios that help each client achieve their unique goals. As a result of this integrated holistic approach Joe, Drew, and Damon have helped clients address some of the following questions…
-How much money do I need to save for retirement?
-When do I have to, or when should I, start taking withdrawals from my IRA?
-How do I convert my investments into a portfolio that generates monthly income?
-Is there any way to restructure my portfolio to make it more tax-efficient?
-How risky is my current portfolio and how much risk should I be taking?
-I have a short-term cash need. Should I liquidate part of my portfolio or are there other options?
-I am buying a new home. Should I get a mortgage and what type will keep my payments low?
-What should I do with my stock options and RSUs?
-How do I balance the risk and tax consequences of my concentrated stock position?
-Do I need life insurance, and if so, how much and what kind?
-Should I get long-term care insurance and what does it cover?
-What is the best way to save for my child’s or grandchild’s education?
-What type of retirement plan should I set up for my business?
-I want to make a charitable contribution. Does it matter when or what assets I donate?
-How much money do I need to save for retirement?
-When do I have to, or when should I, start taking withdrawals from my IRA?
-How do I convert my investments into a portfolio that generates monthly income?
-Is there any way to restructure my portfolio to make it more tax-efficient?
-How risky is my current portfolio and how much risk should I be taking?
-I have a short-term cash need. Should I liquidate part of my portfolio or are there other options?
-I am buying a new home. Should I get a mortgage and what type will keep my payments low?
-What should I do with my stock options and RSUs?
-How do I balance the risk and tax consequences of my concentrated stock position?
-Do I need life insurance, and if so, how much and what kind?
-Should I get long-term care insurance and what does it cover?
-What is the best way to save for my child’s or grandchild’s education?
-What type of retirement plan should I set up for my business?
-I want to make a charitable contribution. Does it matter when or what assets I donate?
Investment Philosophy
Our investment philosophy is based on the Nobel Prize winning philosophy Modern Portfolio Theory. The Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group uses this sophisticated institutional-type approach to construct a portfolio for each of our clients. At the core of each portfolio is a definable, repeatable and measurable asset allocation that is then tailored to each client’s unique situation. When constructing each portfolio we consider a multitude of client-specific factors including risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, cash flows and tax status. We establish, implement, monitor and strategically rebalance each portfolio with the goal of minimizing risk and maximizing after-tax, after-cost returns.
Our Clients
Our clients consists of a select group of entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and retirees from fields including real estate, technology, bio-technology, venture capital, consulting, law, medicine, accounting, banking and education. They reside across the country with about 60% in San Diego, 15% in other parts of California and 25% outside of California. Individuals and families comprise approximately 90% of our practice with about 55% still working and 35% retired. The remaining 10% of our clients are charitable trusts, businesses and corporate retirement plans.
Location
1111 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
US
Direct:
(858) 729-5020(858) 729-5020
Meet The Pitrofsky Slacum Snell Group
Drew Slacum
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(858) 729-5021(858) 729-5021
Damon Snell, CFP®, CRPC®
Financial Advisor
Phone:
(858) 729-5260(858) 729-5260
Spencer Brady
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(858) 729-5084(858) 729-5084
Ian Friend
WM Analyst
Phone:
(858) 729-5120(858) 729-5120
Elia Mora
Phone:
(858) 729-5120(858) 729-5120
About Joe Pitrofsky
Joe has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA). He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Joe is a La Jolla native and still resides in La Jolla. He served for eight years as a Trustee on the La Jolla Town Council.
Joe employs a planning-based approach with each client relationship. This process integrates each client’s immediate and future needs and includes management of concentrated stock and stock options, real-estate and securities-based borrowing, retirement planning and estate planning including insurance. Joe also oversees the team’s business financial services including corporate cash management, corporate retirement plans, credit facilities, business succession planning and investment banking.
Joe employs a planning-based approach with each client relationship. This process integrates each client’s immediate and future needs and includes management of concentrated stock and stock options, real-estate and securities-based borrowing, retirement planning and estate planning including insurance. Joe also oversees the team’s business financial services including corporate cash management, corporate retirement plans, credit facilities, business succession planning and investment banking.
Securities Agent: MI, CA, OR, AR, AZ, NY, MD, FL, TX, PA, WY, UT, NV, WA, NC, ID, HI, MN, MA, CO, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1272928
CA Insurance License #: 0B81503
NMLS#: 1272928
CA Insurance License #: 0B81503
About Drew Slacum
Drew has been in the investment industry for 20 years. He received his BBA from Loyola Marymount University and his MBA at the University of San Diego. Drew is a San Diego native and lives in Carmel Valley.
Drew manages the Pitrofsky/Slacum Group’s investment process with the goal of minimizing risk and maximizing after-tax, after-cost returns. His focus is on plan implementation including portfolio analysis, asset allocation and investment selection.
Drew manages the Pitrofsky/Slacum Group’s investment process with the goal of minimizing risk and maximizing after-tax, after-cost returns. His focus is on plan implementation including portfolio analysis, asset allocation and investment selection.
Securities Agent: CO, AR, UT, CA, OR, AZ, MD, MA, NV, NC, ID, WY, NY, WA, VA, TX, PA, FL, MN, MI, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1261956
CA Insurance License #: 0E16228
NMLS#: 1261956
CA Insurance License #: 0E16228
About Damon Snell
Damon Snell has been in Financial Services for more than 15 years. He started as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley (Smith Barney) in 2007. Damon graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Business and is a CFP professional. He resides in Carlsbad.
Damon believes in a premise that successful relationships are built and maintained upon a well-crafted financial plan. He believes monetary resources should be calculated numerically and psychologically for optimal success. His primary objective is to provide clients visibility into their finances and to develop strategies that create the prospect for richer lives. He has niche experience in Stock Plan Compensation, Retirement Planning, Tax Efficient Investing, Cashflow Planning, Liability Management, Estate Planning, Insurance and Risk Management strategies, and Portfolio Management.
Damon believes in a premise that successful relationships are built and maintained upon a well-crafted financial plan. He believes monetary resources should be calculated numerically and psychologically for optimal success. His primary objective is to provide clients visibility into their finances and to develop strategies that create the prospect for richer lives. He has niche experience in Stock Plan Compensation, Retirement Planning, Tax Efficient Investing, Cashflow Planning, Liability Management, Estate Planning, Insurance and Risk Management strategies, and Portfolio Management.
Securities Agent: NC, MD, CA, NM, NY, WY, VA, UT, HI, OR, ID, NV, MI, MA, WA, MN, PA, FL, CO, AZ, TX, AR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2446327
NMLS#: 2446327
About Spencer Brady
Securities Agent: NC, MI, MN, NY, MD, MA, AL, CA, AK, WA, OR, TX, HI, CO, VA, ID, PA, UT, TN, FL, AZ, WY, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Contact Joe Pitrofsky
Contact Drew Slacum
Contact Damon Snell
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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
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
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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image
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
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
Mosaic
Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
Article Image
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 Pitrofsky Slacum Snell 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.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
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.
6Morgan 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
7Alternative 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.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
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.
6Morgan 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
7Alternative 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.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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)
