Flat-fee, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Ames, IA
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 custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how to balance savings growth with financial aid impact or state tax benefits. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know your costs upfront without surprises.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your family's financial situation.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how your savings strategy might affect eligibility for need-based aid and what adjustments they suggest.
- State tax considerations. Even though Iowa recently phased out some retirement income taxes, check if there are still state benefits or rules that affect your college savings.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand how they plan distributions to minimize taxes and maximize aid eligibility when your child starts college.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Richard N
Series 63, Series 65
Ames, IA
LPL Financial
Richard Nelson offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 29 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm, he provides flat-fee financial planning and consulting, benefiting from diverse investment strategies and in-house research, which may appeal to clients seeking seasoned guidance in Ames, IA.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kyle T
Series 65, Series 63
Ankeny, IA
Leetown Advisors
Kyle Thompson specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee options that provide cost transparency for families in Ames, IA. His independent firm emphasizes passive, asset-class-based portfolios with index funds and ETFs, and he brings nine years of experience including business consulting, which may benefit clients seeking comprehensive financial planning beyond just college savings.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $208,979
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Phillip R
Series 63, Series 65
Ankeny, IA
Uncommon Wealth Partners, LLC
Phillip Ramsey offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 14 years of experience and flat-fee pricing with a $2,500 onboarding fee. Based in nearby Ankeny, IA, he works through Uncommon Wealth Partners, which serves individuals and small businesses with non-discretionary portfolio management and consulting, differentiating him with a broad client base and independent advisory approach.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $196,188
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Kyle D
Series 63, Series 65
Polk City, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Kyle Doering offers flat-fee college savings planning with Empower Advisory Group, leveraging 24 years of experience and expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His approach includes retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, supported by a large firm with integrated financial planning and investment management, providing flexible one-time and monthly subscription fees for clients near Ames, IA.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Gabe B
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Boone, IA
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Gabe Bowers specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning through J.W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm. With 23 years of experience and ChFC® credentials, he brings seasoned expertise and a community-focused perspective from Boone, IA, which complements his advisory role and may provide nuanced local insights compared to other advisors in Ames.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $255,702
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