Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Albany, NY
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 balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you’re considering 529 plans or UTMA accounts (custodial accounts for minors). A common mistake is not accounting for how these savings vehicles affect financial aid eligibility and tax implications.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how the advisor navigates state and federal tax rules, including potential estate tax cliffs that can affect your overall plan.
- Account selection guidance. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family’s financial situation and goals.
- Long-term flexibility. Inquire how they plan for changes in college costs and your child’s educational choices over time.
- Experience with seasoned planning. Seasoned advisors bring decades of insight into managing college savings alongside broader financial priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Douglas B
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Albany, NY
AllSquare Wealth Management, LLC
Douglas Bauer offers seasoned expertise in college savings with 37 years in the industry and certifications including CFP® and ChFC®. Based in Albany, NY, he works through AllSquare Wealth Management, which emphasizes integrated wealth management using passive investment strategies and serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations, with flexible flat and hourly fee options.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $658,327
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Christopher D
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Albany, NY
LPL Financial
Christopher Dacey brings over two decades of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax implications and long-term flexibility for Albany families. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, he serves a broad client base including business owners and retirees, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or fee structures.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Nicholas P
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, NY
The Affinity Group, LLC
Nicholas Preddice offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 34 years in the industry and a focus on tax-loss harvesting and estate planning. Based in Albany, NY, he operates through The Affinity Group, which emphasizes long-term asset allocation with passive investments and charges a 1.00% annual AUM fee, catering primarily to individual investors.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $96,907
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Gregory M
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, NY
Charles Schwab
Gregory Manning's 34 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to address the tax and financial aid considerations important for Albany families. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him with broad resources and seasoned insight.
Experience: 34 years
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Michael B
Series 66
Albany, NY
Merrill
Michael Barnes brings 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for mid-career professionals and HENRY clients in Albany, NY. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he offers personalized wealth management with a 1.10% AUM fee, combining tax minimization and retirement planning expertise that distinguishes him from other advisors.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $860,085
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