The Strand Group

We believe that your unique goals and objectives should be at the heart of your financial decisions and strategy. At its core, our team strives to develop a multi-generational wealth creation and wealth preservation approach that seeks to enhance, organize and simplify your financial life. We will provide you and your family with solutions and a framework that is highly focused on your needs. We draw upon our years of experience to deliver what we feel is both timely and tactical advice to help guide you along your financial path.

Our Designations & Recognitions:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)- CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.

Ben holds this designation.

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)- The CIMA® certification is the peak international, technical portfolio construction program for investment consultants, analysts, financial advisors and wealth management professionals.

Jason holds this designation.

The Strand Group Named to Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2025*- Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams highlights more than 2,800 teams across the country who were nominated by their firms—and then researched, interviewed and assigned a ranking within their respective states.

Morgan Stanley's Master's Club 2023, 2024- Jason Cunningham CIMA® was named to Morgan Stanley's prestigious Master's Club, an elite group composed of the Firm's top Financial Advisors. The appointment recognizes Jason's consistent creativity and excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and wealth management services to his clients.

*Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Welcome to our life navigator

At The Strand Group we are here to assist you at every stage of life, from birth to legacy planning. Whether you're just starting out, raising a family, nearing retirement, or thinking about your lasting legacy, we provide tailored financial solutions to help you achieve your goals and your financial future. Explore our services and let us be your trusted advisor on life's financial journey.
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    Birth
    Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone. As a trusted advisor to our clients, we play a critical role in helping you plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child introduces into your lives. Everything from planning for the costs associated with birth, understanding gifting requirements, preparing for child care and planning for educational expenses.
    Preparing for Educational Expenses
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    Childhood and Education
    Education is a major investment and expense for most of our clients—one that often requires years of careful, advanced planning. As educational costs continue to rise—from primary education through undergraduate, graduate and professional schools—we can help you approach the range of educational expenses, such as tuition, extension programs and advanced professional training, with appropriate funding strategies for your particular situations.
    Understand the Basics of Financial Literacy
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    Career
    During this stage of your life, when you find yourself thinking about finances more but have less time to focus on them we step in and help guide you in setting goals, budgeting efficiently, optimizing investments, and making the most of workplace benefits. Additionally, we help you manage debt, navigate tax strategies, and prepare for significant life events, all while ensuring your financial plan adapts to your evolving career.
    Listen to this Podcast: Grounded Guidance for a Serious Go-Getter
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    Homeownership
    Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in life, but it also comes with complex financial considerations. Together we'll strategically plan your mortgage, budget for ongoing homeowner costs, and make sure your home investment aligns seamlessly with your broader financial objectives.
    Morgan Stanley Home Loans
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    Golden Years
    Retirement is a significant life transition, and proper planning is essential to ensure financial security during your golden years. At the Strand Group we will work together to craft your personalized roadmap for your retirement goals by optimizing tax efficiency, navigate healthcare expenses, and adapt your plan as life evolves. We want to provide our clients with a peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy retirement without constant financial worries.
    Overcoming Your 5 Biggest Retirement Challenges
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    Your Legacy
    Though it may be hard for individuals to talk about estate planning because of the heartache, addressing it promptly is crucial to saving both time and money, and to minimizing family conflict or confusion. It involves creating and updating wills, trusts, and other legal documents to ensure your assets are distributed as intended. We'll also explore tax-efficient strategies, and regularly review your plan with your evolving legacy objectives. Your estate plan will serve as a cornerstone of the enduring legacy you leave behind.

MANAGING FAMILY & GENERATIONAL WEALTH

Managing significant family and generational wealth is complex and often raises difficult questions. See the resources below for more information about managing and preserving significant family wealth.
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    Importance of a Holistic Approach to Your Wealth Video
    Watch the below video from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources to learn how Morgan Stanley FOR can help integrate family values, philanthropy, and legacy into your unique wealth plan.
    Watch Video
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    Estate Planning Essentials
    Discussing the end of life and what happens to your assets is never an easy conversation to have, especially with family. But this type of planning is essential if you hope to ease what can be a difficult process for the people you love and to ensure that your wishes are respected.
    Learn More Here
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    The Next Generation Journey
    At the Strand Group our goal is to help prepare the next generation of leaders, parents, philanthropists, innovators, trustees, executors, board members, and investors by empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve your goals.
    Learn More Here
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    Wealth Education Development Plan
    The Family Governance & Wealth Education group helps ultra high net worth families strive to maximize the value of their human capital by driving family wealth education, making it more likely that all members of the family will have the foundation they need to lead meaningful, fulfilled and engaged lives.
    Learn More Here
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    Family Governance and Wealth Education Fact Sheet
    Our mission is to help clients maximize the value of their family capital through the transfer and preservation of the family's shared values, and the creation of an enduring family legacy.
    Learn More Here
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    Opening Pandora's Box: 10 Rules for Talking to Kids About Money
    Discussing family wealth and financial matters with children can be daunting for families. Read the linked article from Glenn Kurlander, Head of Family Governance & Wealth Education at Morgan Stanley, for more information about navigating this delicate subject.
    Learn More Here

MEDIA & RESEARCH:

Morgan Stanley provides its clients with resources designed to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The links below offer insight into the modern financial market and the current economic landscape.
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
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    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
    The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read The Latest Report
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read The Latest Report

Upcoming Firm Events

We hope you will join us for this upcoming event.

AI Revolution: The Breakthrough, the Buzz and a Blueprint for the Future

We invite you to watch the replay from our thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) with James Dyett, OpenAI's Head of Enterprise & Strategic Sales, Keith Weiss, Morgan Stanley's Head of U.S. Software Research Jeff McMillan, Morgan Stanley's Head of Firmwide Artificial Intelligence, recorded on Monday, March 24.

CRC4303146 03/2025
Online

Additional Replays

Location

100 Wilshire Blvd
Ste 1900
Santa Monica, CA 90401
US
Direct:
(310) 319-5288(310) 319-5288

Meet The Strand Group

About Jason Cunningham

Jason is a founding member of The Strand Group in Santa Monica. He has been an advisor to families, business owners, endowments, corporations, and individuals for more than 20 years. He believes that at the core of every relationship is a foundation of trust. Jason takes the responsibility of investment management to heart – knowing that success is built upon integrity, intelligence, and hard work. Working alongside his clients’ attorneys and tax professionals, he endeavors to make certain his team’s advice adheres to their clients’ estate and financial plans. Jason also focuses on business succession and liquidity events for their clients. He believes that every client deserves his team’s best advice and focus everyday which is what separates them from the norm.

Jason was born and raised in southern California. He attended schools in Santa Barbara and San Diego with a focus on Economics and Business Management. He also received his professional Certification of Investment Management (CIMA®) at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. He studied portfolio management and consulting at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business under some of the best minds in the field of economics. Jason and his team focus on what they believe are the 3 main tenants of managing wealth – to create and grow wealth, to protect and preserve it, and to provide the most tax advantageous strategies to distribute wealth during one’s life.

When not in the office, Jason spends as much time as he can with family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, and has two children. James, his son, attends Loyola High School and just recently committed to Santa Clara University to play baseball. Jordyn, his daughter, is a soccer enthusiast and has him wrapped around her finger. They all love to travel, try different foods, and cheer on the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Securities Agent: NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, NH, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MT, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265274
CA Insurance License #: 0D62296

About Ben Laetsch

Ben started his career at Morgan Stanley in 2018 as a Wealth Advisor Associate before joining The Strand Group as a Financial Advisor in 2021. His focus and expertise revolves around comprehensive financial planning, which encompasses retirement saving, estate and insurance planning, and investment management.

A native of Los Angeles, Ben grew up in Palos Verdes Estates, CA and graduated from USC with a degree in International Relations (Global Business). After graduating, he spent 6 months living in Buenos Aires, Argentina tutoring business professionals in English. During that time, he explored 4 countries and numerous cities in South America, all while enhancing his Spanish skills.

In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events and traveling. To travel to far-off locations, one of Ben’s hobbies includes collecting and using credit card points to find deals on otherwise expensive flights and hotels. So far, he has visited 22 countries and territories and has plans to see many more.
Securities Agent: DE, GA, DC, OK, NM, MI, IN, IA, WA, VA, MD, CO, TX, TN, PA, NC, MA, UT, NJ, MN, ID, CA, AZ, NY, MO, NV, HI, CT, WI, OR, NH, IL, FL, SC, OH, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1824432

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

About Casey Morris

Casey Morris is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Maryland.

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.

Casey began his career in financial services in 2019 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Commercial Banker at Wells Fargo. He also served as a Market Consultant at the Hanover Research Council.

Casey is a graduate of George Mason University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. Outside of the office, Casey enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
NMLS#: 2386859
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 Strand Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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 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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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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3When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan 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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5Morgan 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.

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

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

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8Alternative 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.

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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)