Bret BakerBret Baker, CRPC®Vice PresidentBusiness Management Specialist
About Bret
Bret Baker is a Vice President at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.
Bret spearheads the operations for The Soja West Group, contributing to a high-touch experience for clients and colleagues alike. He offers the insights he has gained from more than two decades in the investment and wealth management fields.
Bret holds a number of responsibilities within the team. His areas of focus include portfolio management, trading execution and 10b5-1 trading plan development. Bret also serves as the team's business practice manager, allocating workflow and overseeing consistent processes and routines. He has worked alongside Steve Soja for over two decades.
Prior to moving to J.P. Morgan Wealth Management with his team in 2023, Bret spent more than eight years at First Republic Private Wealth Management, where he was a Director and Investment Specialist. Earlier, he served for more than nine years with Credit Suisse, where he was an Assistant Vice President. He has worked in financial services since 2000.
Bret earned his B.A. in Political Science from California State University—Sacramento and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation.
Bret and his wife, Jennifer, live in Contra Costa County and have two adult daughters and one adult son.
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM or CRPC® are registered trademarks owned by the College for Financial Planning and may not be used without the express written consent of the College.
Insights
Expansion mode: 3 signs of resilience in the US economy
January 9, 2026Despite the risks, we’re seeing favorable conditions for the U.S. economy. Here’s why we’re leaning pro-growth in 2026.Read Now
What to do with your year-end bonus in a changing interest rate environment
January 6, 2026Even as interest rates change, you can put your year-end bonus to work with a mix of liquidity options that may help you preserve capital and potentially earn income in the short term.Read Now
Four beneficiaries of wealth
January 5, 2026Listing the beneficiaries of your wealth is an important first step in your estate plan. Generally, there are four classes of beneficiaries to consider: you and your spouse, friends and family charity, and the government.Read Now
How to include your grandchild in your financial plan
January 5, 2026Providing financial support to your grandchildren can certainly be a rewarding experience. Before writing a check, you may want to explore all of your options to ensure that your gifts are aligned with your and your family’s goals.Read Now
When does it make sense for a trust to own your life insurance policy?
December 24, 2025Holding insurance in an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust could reduce estate taxes for your family. Learn if it is the right move for you.Read Now
Selecting the right assets to give to charity
December 23, 2025If you plan on charitable giving, choosing the right assets to gift may help you maximize the value of your donations.Read Now
Providing for your loved ones during your lifetime
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How to manage financial goals during retirement
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Year-end recap: 5 forces beyond AI that moved markets
December 19, 2025From policy uncertainty and rate cuts to government debt and more, here’s what drove markets in 2025.Read NowExpansion mode: 3 signs of resilience in the US economy
January 9, 2026Despite the risks, we’re seeing favorable conditions for the U.S. economy. Here’s why we’re leaning pro-growth in 2026.Read NowWhat to do with your year-end bonus in a changing interest rate environment
January 6, 2026Even as interest rates change, you can put your year-end bonus to work with a mix of liquidity options that may help you preserve capital and potentially earn income in the short term.Read NowFour beneficiaries of wealth
January 5, 2026Listing the beneficiaries of your wealth is an important first step in your estate plan. Generally, there are four classes of beneficiaries to consider: you and your spouse, friends and family charity, and the government.Read NowHow to include your grandchild in your financial plan
January 5, 2026Providing financial support to your grandchildren can certainly be a rewarding experience. Before writing a check, you may want to explore all of your options to ensure that your gifts are aligned with your and your family’s goals.Read NowWhen does it make sense for a trust to own your life insurance policy?
December 24, 2025Holding insurance in an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust could reduce estate taxes for your family. Learn if it is the right move for you.Read NowSelecting the right assets to give to charity
December 23, 2025If you plan on charitable giving, choosing the right assets to gift may help you maximize the value of your donations.Read NowProviding for your loved ones during your lifetime
December 22, 2025Planning on gifting your assets to your loved ones? See if giving while living is the right choice for you.Read NowHow to manage financial goals during retirement
December 22, 2025Planning for retirement is one thing – but managing your money and goals during retirement is another. Learn about beneficial ways to prioritize your finances to help make the most of your golden years.Read NowYear-end recap: 5 forces beyond AI that moved markets
December 19, 2025From policy uncertainty and rate cuts to government debt and more, here’s what drove markets in 2025.Read Now