Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Berkeley, CA
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 strategies that protect your savings from unexpected tax hits or financial aid impacts.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes and the effects on your college savings growth.
- Account selection guidance. Confirm they explain the pros and cons of 529s versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial situation.
- Financial aid strategy. Look for advisors who consider how your savings accounts affect eligibility for need-based aid.
- Long-term flexibility. Check if they discuss how Proposition 13 limits property tax increases, which can influence your overall college funding plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Shannon L
CFP®
Berkeley, CA
Elmwood Wealth Management
Shannon Lemon specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 13 years of experience and CFP® certification, making her well-equipped to navigate Berkeley's tax environment and financial aid considerations. Her firm, Elmwood Wealth Management, serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and employs a total-return, long-term investment approach, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee models or investment styles.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $2,263,826
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Vanessa D
Series 63
Oakland, CA
In Touch Financial Services
Vanessa Donaville specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 28 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating from Oakland, CA, she offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates estate and retirement planning, distinguishing her with a comprehensive approach and a focus on Baby Boomer clients.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $248,276
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Robert S
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Berkeley, CA
Charles Schwab
Robert Samuels brings 23 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate Berkeley's tax landscape and financial aid considerations. As a seasoned advisor at Charles Schwab, he serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from smaller firms.
Experience: 23 years
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Sabina P
Series 65
Berkley, CA
Financial Gravity Family Office Services, LLC
Sabina Pan specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax strategies for small businesses, which is valuable in Berkeley's high-tax environment. Her firm offers tailored financial planning with a multi-disciplinary investment approach and negotiable flat fees, providing flexibility compared to advisors with standard AUM-based fees.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $344,089
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Eric K
Series 65
Berkeley, CA
ro2 wealth
Eric Kho specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax impact and financial aid considerations relevant to Berkeley, CA families. His firm, RO2 Wealth, offers flat-fee and hourly pricing with an emphasis on passive investment strategies, distinguishing him from advisors who may use percentage-based fees or active management approaches.
Experience: 1 year
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