Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Albany, OR
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 miss out on how state income taxes affect your savings growth and withdrawals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how your advisor accounts for Oregon's relatively high income taxes when planning your college savings strategy.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the pros and cons of 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial situation.
- Withdrawal timing. College savings plans have rules on when and how you can withdraw funds; check how they help you avoid penalties or unexpected taxes.
- Investment choices. Look for advisors who tailor investment options within college savings accounts to your child's age and your risk comfort.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Ellen J
Series 65
Corvallis, OR
Thistle Wealth
Ellen Johnson specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax-aware investment analysis suitable for high-net-worth clients in the Albany area. Her firm, Thistle Wealth, offers a flat-fee structure and combines passive and active investment approaches, differentiating her from advisors who may rely solely on asset-based fees or less tailored planning.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $1,633,100
-
Charles O
CFP®, Series 66
Corvallis, OR
Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC
Charles Owen's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to Oregon's tax implications. Operating from Corvallis with Thrivent Advisor Network, he offers independent advice and negotiable fees up to 2% annually, emphasizing long-term, customized asset allocations that include alternative investments, setting him apart from others in the Albany area.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $457,966
-
Joel K
Series 63, Series 66
Albany, OR
Empower Advisory Group
Joel Kennedy specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax implications relevant to Oregon residents. His affiliation with Empower Advisory Group offers clients a flat-fee structure and access to a large firm's resources, combining proprietary and third-party investment approaches tailored to long-term growth and retirement planning needs.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Brent C
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, OR
LPL Financial
Brent Carlson's 41 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials equip him to guide college savings strategies in Albany, OR, with expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a broad client base, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Phillip L
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, OR
Edward Jones
Phillip Long specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with seven years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources and a broad client base, he offers a comprehensive approach that includes estate planning and retirement income strategies, differentiating him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $246,728
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Albany, OR
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)