CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Akron, OH
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might overlook how local municipal income taxes in Akron can affect your savings growth and withdrawals.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how the advisor accounts for Akron's city-specific municipal taxes when recommending savings vehicles.
- Account selection guidance. Ask why they might choose a 529 plan over a UTMA account based on your family's financial goals and flexibility needs.
- Education cost forecasting. Look for advisors who model future college expenses realistically to align your savings strategy.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings accounts might influence eligibility for scholarships or aid.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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William M
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
Akron, OH
Paradigm Investment Advisory LLC
William Manby, a CFP® and ChFC® with 24 years of experience in Akron, OH, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, Paradigm Investment Advisory LLC, offers flat-fee financial planning and emphasizes asset allocation and manager due diligence, distinguishing him with a comprehensive approach that integrates retirement income and trust structures alongside college savings.
Experience: 24 years
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Mark P
CFP®
Copley, OH
LPL Financial
Mark Peterson's 42 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Akron families through college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research resources, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Wayne S
CFP®, Series 66
Akron, OH
Presper Financial Architects, LLC
Wayne Salsbury, a CFP® professional in Akron, OH, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 11 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm, Presper Financial Architects, LLC, offers flat-fee planning and combines active and passive investment strategies, catering to individuals and families with a focus on multigenerational financial planning.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $668,067
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Daniel J
CFP®, Series 66
Copley, OH
Forward Thinking Wealth Management
Daniel Johnson, a CFP® with 19 years of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate Akron's tax considerations. His firm, Forward Thinking Wealth Management, serves high-net-worth clients with customized investment policies and offers flexible fee structures, including monthly retainers, distinguishing him from advisors with more standardized approaches.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $1,233,460
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Eric C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Fairlawn, OH
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Eric Coffman, a CFP® with over three decades of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate Akron's tax considerations. Affiliated with ValMark Advisers, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, focusing on diversified, goal-based portfolios, which may appeal to clients seeking comprehensive planning with a seasoned, independent advisor in the Fairlawn area.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $554,438
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