Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Auburn, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving now with preserving financial aid eligibility later. Without this insight, you might save in ways that reduce your chances for scholarships or grants.
Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience navigating the nuances of college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they manage contributions to avoid unexpected tax consequences, especially around estate tax thresholds.
- Financial aid strategy. Ask how they coordinate savings with expected aid formulas to maximize your net benefit.
- Plan flexibility. Inquire about their approach to adjusting savings as your child’s college timeline or goals change.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kevin O
Series 63, Series 65
Syracuse, NY
Merrill
Kevin O'Connor brings over 30 years of experience in college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, supported by his leadership role at Merrill's Syracuse office. His expertise extends to retirement income strategy and divorce financial planning, serving mid-career professionals and high earners with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him with a comprehensive, goals-based wealth management approach.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $860,085
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John F
Series 63, Series 65
Skaneateles, NY
LPL Financial
John Fabrizio brings 22 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to help families in Auburn, NY plan for education expenses. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he also supports retirement plans for business owners and employs tax-loss harvesting strategies, providing a broad range of services beyond college savings.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John S
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Liverpool, NY
Mutual Of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
John Serafin brings 21 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 and UTMA plans, from his role at Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. His flat-fee and hourly pricing options, combined with expertise in business ownership and retirement plans, offer a flexible approach for clients near Auburn, NY, seeking seasoned guidance with a broad financial planning perspective.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $4,656
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James S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Camillus, NY
Shope Advisors Group
James Shope III offers 26 years of experience in college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, with a CFP® certification and an independent practice in Camillus, NY. His firm manages $57.1 million using a core-and-satellite investment approach, providing personalized strategies that balance tax impact and financial aid considerations, distinguishing him from advisors with less comprehensive asset management or fewer years of experience.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $763,053
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