Thomas Nixon
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(760) 776-6217(760) 776-6217
My Mission Statement
Customized investment and financial strategies for clients like you
My Story & Services
My clients are some of the busiest people I know. They are a diverse group of lawyers, doctors, farmers, retirees and executives who count on me to steward and safeguard their family’s wealth with the utmost care, so they can attend to the more important things in their life.
Life experiences have been key to my approach with my client base. I grew up on a farm in eastern Washington State and, after college, I realized my dream when I was selected to join an elite team of Park Rangers at Yellowstone National Park. For several years, I was paid to enjoy my love of nature and the great outdoors, and then my life evolved into small business ownership, which provided me with a great understanding and appreciation of my entrepreneurial client base. Another chapter began when I worked for Nordstrom in Spokane and Seattle, Washington. I moved up quickly within the Nordstrom ranks and was indoctrinated in the “gold standard” of customer service. To this day, working and living the Nordstrom standard of client service is my goal. After transferring to New York City as Assistant Store Manager of Nordstrom’s “Facconable” Men’s clothing boutique, I was recruited to join Merrill Lynch’s Financial Advisor program in 2004.
This is why I believe so strongly in the value of life experience. Starting with nothing, graduating in a high school class of 25, being the first of my family to go to college, owning my own businesses, learning the Nordstrom customer service model and then exceling through a two-year financial training program, gave me a deep understanding of how hard my clients work for their money, how important it is to manage those funds properly and to provide a concierge level of customer service.
In 2010, I joined Morgan Stanley after a very successful five years at JPMorgan.
Today, I am able to provide my clients with a robust investment platform, cutting edge technology tools and best in class investment culture.
Recently, I have been welcomed to the Atrium Group at Morgan Stanley in New York, NY. You can visit our team website below to learn more.
Life experiences have been key to my approach with my client base. I grew up on a farm in eastern Washington State and, after college, I realized my dream when I was selected to join an elite team of Park Rangers at Yellowstone National Park. For several years, I was paid to enjoy my love of nature and the great outdoors, and then my life evolved into small business ownership, which provided me with a great understanding and appreciation of my entrepreneurial client base. Another chapter began when I worked for Nordstrom in Spokane and Seattle, Washington. I moved up quickly within the Nordstrom ranks and was indoctrinated in the “gold standard” of customer service. To this day, working and living the Nordstrom standard of client service is my goal. After transferring to New York City as Assistant Store Manager of Nordstrom’s “Facconable” Men’s clothing boutique, I was recruited to join Merrill Lynch’s Financial Advisor program in 2004.
This is why I believe so strongly in the value of life experience. Starting with nothing, graduating in a high school class of 25, being the first of my family to go to college, owning my own businesses, learning the Nordstrom customer service model and then exceling through a two-year financial training program, gave me a deep understanding of how hard my clients work for their money, how important it is to manage those funds properly and to provide a concierge level of customer service.
In 2010, I joined Morgan Stanley after a very successful five years at JPMorgan.
Today, I am able to provide my clients with a robust investment platform, cutting edge technology tools and best in class investment culture.
Recently, I have been welcomed to the Atrium Group at Morgan Stanley in New York, NY. You can visit our team website below to learn more.
Securities Agent: SC, RI, KS, AZ, WA, OH, NH, MN, IA, WV, WI, VA, NC, HI, NY, NJ, ID, GA, CO, CA, WY, TX, MI, ME, DE, NE, MO, MA, FL, IL, UT, NV, IN, OR, NM, LA, DC, PA, MT, MD, CT, VT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1279595
CA Insurance License #: 0G42330
NMLS#: 1279595
CA Insurance License #: 0G42330
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Process
The process that I have developed on your behalf is extremely disciplined and systematic, and is goal focused, not product or market focused. I will look at both sides of your balance sheet and ask a lot of questions. We will discuss your current financial resources, the time horizon for your goals and your tolerance for risk, tax concerns and liquidity needs. Because growing and preserving your wealth is not just about knowing the numbers, it is about knowing you. It has five steps:
Understanding the Philosophy: The first step is to make you comfortable with the process itself. We outline our investment philosophy and the steps we use to meet your expectations and goals. You have a right to total fee transparency and I don’t shy away from discussing them with you.
Information Session: Together, we will complete a detailed questionnaire reviewing your current position. By gaining a thorough understanding of where you are, we can begin to focus on defining your goals and organizing your finances towards where you want to be.
Designing the Strategy: Based on the information you provide, we will create a financial analysis that provides details on each of your goals and compares your current position with your expectations for the future. We will work up an action plan that recommends strategies for achieving each of your goals.
Presentation and Implementation: We will meet with you to present the financial analysis and action plan. If necessary, we will involve the talents of various specialists with particular knowledge (such as trusts, insurance, mortgages, etc.) to help address specific areas outlined in your plan. Your attorney or CPA may also take part in this meeting to discuss the implementation of certain strategies.
Monitoring and Contact: This is the most important part of our process. We have a disciplined system in place to monitor your goals and stay in frequent contact with you throughout the year.
Understanding the Philosophy: The first step is to make you comfortable with the process itself. We outline our investment philosophy and the steps we use to meet your expectations and goals. You have a right to total fee transparency and I don’t shy away from discussing them with you.
Information Session: Together, we will complete a detailed questionnaire reviewing your current position. By gaining a thorough understanding of where you are, we can begin to focus on defining your goals and organizing your finances towards where you want to be.
Designing the Strategy: Based on the information you provide, we will create a financial analysis that provides details on each of your goals and compares your current position with your expectations for the future. We will work up an action plan that recommends strategies for achieving each of your goals.
Presentation and Implementation: We will meet with you to present the financial analysis and action plan. If necessary, we will involve the talents of various specialists with particular knowledge (such as trusts, insurance, mortgages, etc.) to help address specific areas outlined in your plan. Your attorney or CPA may also take part in this meeting to discuss the implementation of certain strategies.
Monitoring and Contact: This is the most important part of our process. We have a disciplined system in place to monitor your goals and stay in frequent contact with you throughout the year.
Every client deserves exceptional service while also receiving the very best available investment counsel. My clients will tell you that I am personally involved in every detail that touches your financial life and your success, I will work hand in hand with your attorney and CPA to ensure a cohesive strategy, and we will address the “what if’s” before they arise. My team and I treat you with respect and care, and we are rewarded by your respect and trust. The end result, my clients have become satisfied, long-term clients who refer their friends and family, including next generation sons and daughters.
Before entering the financial services industry, I was assistant store manager at Nordstrom’s largest retail boutique in NYC. For five years, I not only learned, but trained employees in the intricacies of providing Nordstrom’s gold standard of customer service that sets it apart from all the other major retailers.
Upon becoming a Financial Advisor in 2004, my focus has always been on the customer service learned at Nordstrom. My goal is to provide the “golden rule” standard of service. Meaning I go above and beyond to answer your questions, solve your problems and provide you with the very best options we can find. I try my best to remember the important dates in your life and am committed to being there for you in times of celebration, sorrow and transition. My goal is to provide you with the resources you need to look holistically at the big picture of a significant life event. I am truly committed to helping you live the life you desire.
Before entering the financial services industry, I was assistant store manager at Nordstrom’s largest retail boutique in NYC. For five years, I not only learned, but trained employees in the intricacies of providing Nordstrom’s gold standard of customer service that sets it apart from all the other major retailers.
Upon becoming a Financial Advisor in 2004, my focus has always been on the customer service learned at Nordstrom. My goal is to provide the “golden rule” standard of service. Meaning I go above and beyond to answer your questions, solve your problems and provide you with the very best options we can find. I try my best to remember the important dates in your life and am committed to being there for you in times of celebration, sorrow and transition. My goal is to provide you with the resources you need to look holistically at the big picture of a significant life event. I am truly committed to helping you live the life you desire.
What about retirement? Many people wait to act or even consider planning their future until they are very near the time when they want to retire. However, waiting that long may lessen the number of choices in front of you. By starting the process earlier, we can develop strategies that help answer questions such as:
Will I have enough money to live for 20 years or more in retirement?
How will my retirement lifestyle weather a market downturn?
Are my assets protected if something unexpected happens?
With many years of experience in planning for the issues and stages of retirement, I can help you with this process. Whether you are in the building phase of accumulating retirement wealth or making the transition to generating income from your assets, we’ll work together to help you make your assets last and to fulfil your legacy goals.
Will I have enough money to live for 20 years or more in retirement?
How will my retirement lifestyle weather a market downturn?
Are my assets protected if something unexpected happens?
With many years of experience in planning for the issues and stages of retirement, I can help you with this process. Whether you are in the building phase of accumulating retirement wealth or making the transition to generating income from your assets, we’ll work together to help you make your assets last and to fulfil your legacy goals.
Location
74199 El Paseo
Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
US
Direct:
(760) 776-6217(760) 776-6217
Fax:
(212) 692-2870(212) 692-2870
Wealth Management
From My Desk
Planning for Your Financial Future
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
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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
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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
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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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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Thomas Nixon today.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
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.
6Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
7When 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.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
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.
6Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
7When 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.
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)
