Large-firm, 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.
You need a college savings advisor when you're planning for your child's education costs and want to use tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts effectively. Without focused guidance, you might miss opportunities to optimize contributions or understand how state tax rules impact your savings strategy. Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of resources and institutional support, which can influence the options they recommend.
- Account type expertise. Confirm they understand the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax benefits and withdrawal rules.
- State tax implications. Ask how California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits affect your college savings approach.
- Investment options. Inquire about the variety and flexibility of investment choices within the college savings plans they recommend.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they consider how college savings fit with your overall financial plan, including retirement and other priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Michael O
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Merrill
Michael Oster's extensive 32 years at Merrill Lynch in Oakland equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering California's tax landscape. His expertise spans wealth management and retirement income, serving high-net-worth clients with a 1.10% AUM fee, and he integrates education funding within broader financial plans, differentiating him from peers by combining large-firm resources with personalized strategies.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Kegan S
Series 66
Atlanta, GA
LPL Financial
Kegan Schroeter specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by LPL Financial's extensive resources as a large firm in Berkeley, CA. His flat-fee structure and experience with tax-loss harvesting provide a cost-effective approach, while his background as a founder and coach offers a unique perspective compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Rachel K
Series 66
Oakland, CA
Edward Jones
Rachel Kossler specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering guidance on tax-advantaged strategies suitable for Berkeley families. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm serving over four million clients, she provides access to diverse investment options and a structured advisory program with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her through institutional support and a broad resource network.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Abby H
Series 66
Berkeley, CA
Charles Schwab
Abby Honerkamp specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 17 years of experience at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients with comprehensive wealth advisory services. Her expertise in multi-state taxation and access to Schwab's research-backed multi-asset portfolios provide a robust approach to integrating college savings within broader financial goals, differentiating her from advisors with narrower focuses.
Experience: 17 years
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Chad V
Series 66
Bel Tiburon, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Chad Van Den Top specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by seven years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management, he offers flat-fee and monthly subscription options, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $565,063
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