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
Fed holds rates steady in March 2026: What investors can watch for next
March 20, 2026Rates stayed put at the Fed’s March 2026 meeting. Learn what the latest inflation and employment data signals about the Fed’s next move.Read Now
If oil backs off, risk reprices
March 20, 2026If oil flows eventually normalize, markets may reassess risk. We explore where gains could concentrate, why some regions may still feel a hangover and portfolio implications.Read Now
Stock-based compensation and the Section 83(b) election
March 20, 2026If you are an executive at a company and receive stock or options subject to vesting, a so-called 83(b) election might reduce your income tax liability over time.Read Now
When oil jumps, household wealth guides the economy
March 13, 2026Oil spikes could transmit through the economy faster via equities than the pump, pressuring spending through the wealth effect. What could that mean for inflation paths, equity sensitivity and near-term demand?Read Now
Wealth planning is a women’s issue
March 12, 2026While supporting women during earning years is important, it is equally important that women are also equipped for what comes after – and in particular, that means having a comprehensive wealth plan.Read Now
What to know about tax-aware borrowing
March 11, 2026Individuals can choose to take out loans in a way that may minimize their tax liability – this is called tax-aware borrowing. Learn more about it.Read Now
What to consider when you’re considering alternative investments
March 9, 2026Prioritizing due diligence and manager selection can be key to building an allocation to alternatives that enhances your portfolio’s diversification and outperformance potential.Read Now
Oil shock jolts American stocks into driver’s seat … for now
March 6, 2026Despite the latest Middle East conflict and a surge in oil prices, U.S. equities remain resilient amid international volatility.Read Now
What are my options to save for my children’s education?
March 5, 2026Planning early for your children’s and grandchildren’s education can help you cover these expenses in a tax-efficient manner. Read more on saving for education.Read NowFed holds rates steady in March 2026: What investors can watch for next
March 20, 2026Rates stayed put at the Fed’s March 2026 meeting. Learn what the latest inflation and employment data signals about the Fed’s next move.Read NowIf oil backs off, risk reprices
March 20, 2026If oil flows eventually normalize, markets may reassess risk. We explore where gains could concentrate, why some regions may still feel a hangover and portfolio implications.Read NowStock-based compensation and the Section 83(b) election
March 20, 2026If you are an executive at a company and receive stock or options subject to vesting, a so-called 83(b) election might reduce your income tax liability over time.Read NowWhen oil jumps, household wealth guides the economy
March 13, 2026Oil spikes could transmit through the economy faster via equities than the pump, pressuring spending through the wealth effect. What could that mean for inflation paths, equity sensitivity and near-term demand?Read NowWealth planning is a women’s issue
March 12, 2026While supporting women during earning years is important, it is equally important that women are also equipped for what comes after – and in particular, that means having a comprehensive wealth plan.Read NowWhat to know about tax-aware borrowing
March 11, 2026Individuals can choose to take out loans in a way that may minimize their tax liability – this is called tax-aware borrowing. Learn more about it.Read NowWhat to consider when you’re considering alternative investments
March 9, 2026Prioritizing due diligence and manager selection can be key to building an allocation to alternatives that enhances your portfolio’s diversification and outperformance potential.Read NowOil shock jolts American stocks into driver’s seat … for now
March 6, 2026Despite the latest Middle East conflict and a surge in oil prices, U.S. equities remain resilient amid international volatility.Read NowWhat are my options to save for my children’s education?
March 5, 2026Planning early for your children’s and grandchildren’s education can help you cover these expenses in a tax-efficient manner. Read more on saving for education.Read Now