CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Bellingham, WA
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 goals with your overall financial picture. A common mistake is focusing only on the savings vehicles without considering tax implications and timing.
- Tax-aware planning. Washington has no state income tax on wages but does tax long-term capital gains above a threshold. Confirm how the advisor navigates these rules to minimize your tax burden.
- Account selection strategy. Ask which college savings accounts they recommend and why, such as 529 plans or UTMA accounts, based on your family's needs and flexibility.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure the advisor integrates college savings with retirement and other priorities, avoiding overcommitting to one goal at the expense of others.
- CFP® certification benefits. These advisors have formal training in comprehensive financial planning, which helps them consider college savings within your broader financial plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Mark H
CFP®, Series 63
Bellingham, WA
ON Investment Management CO
Mark Hoemann's 37 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle college savings planning in Bellingham, WA, with expertise in 529 plans and retirement income strategy. His firm offers flexible fee structures including flat fees up to $5,000 for specialized services, and he brings additional insight from leading an insurance-focused company, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $319,610
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Zachary B
CFP®, Series 66
Bellingham, WA
LPL Financial
Zachary Beckhusen is a CFP® professional in Bellingham, WA, with 12 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, tax-loss harvesting, and retirement plans for business owners. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and teaches retirement planning, which may offer a broader perspective compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John C
CFP®
Bellingham, WA
Trail Financial Planning LLC
John Chesbrough offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 11 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-suited for tax-aware, comprehensive financial planning in Bellingham, WA. His flat-fee structure and focus on Gen X clients, combined with a passive/index investing approach, distinguish him from others by emphasizing cost transparency and tailored strategies for mid-career families.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $747,352
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Kelly B
CFP®, Series 66
Bellingham, WA
Brown PCFO
Kelly Brown's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to handle college savings planning in Bellingham, WA, with attention to tax implications and account selection strategies. As an independent advisor serving high-net-worth clients, she combines cyclical, fundamental, and technical analysis with modern portfolio theory, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management, which distinguishes her from others in the area.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $1,993,428
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Matthew N
CFP®, Series 66
Bellingham, WA
The Wealth Consulting Group
Matthew Nichols, a CFP®-certified advisor in Bellingham, WA, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, integrating tax-loss harvesting and ESG investing strategies. His firm, The Wealth Consulting Group, offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning, serving individuals and corporate clients with a tailored investment approach that balances college savings with broader wealth management goals.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $466,923
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