Seasoned, 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 a seasoned advisor, you might miss how to balance these savings with other financial goals or misunderstand the impact of state tax rules.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your family's needs and control preferences.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13's property tax limits.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age, not just set and forget.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they consider college savings in the context of your overall financial plan, including retirement and debt management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jarrett T
CFP®, Series 66
Berkeley, CA
Topel & Distasi Wealth Management, LLC
Jarrett Topel's 26 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Berkeley families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing these with broader financial goals. His firm offers flat-fee planning and manages $300 million in assets, providing tailored investment strategies and comprehensive services for high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or fee structures.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,349,320
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Vanessa D
Series 63
Oakland, CA
In Touch Financial Services
Vanessa Donaville offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 28 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Based in nearby Oakland, she provides flat-fee financial planning with a focus on integrating college savings into broader goals like retirement and estate planning, distinguishing her through comprehensive services and a personalized investment approach.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $248,276
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Ron F
Series 63
Emeryville, CA
LPL Financial
Ron Freund's 41 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate Berkeley's tax environment effectively. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with in-house research, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse clientele, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Robert S
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Berkeley, CA
Charles Schwab
Robert Samuels brings 23 years of experience and specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in Berkeley, CA. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, he offers both discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services, supported by multi-asset model portfolios and centralized operations.
Experience: 23 years
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Marc R
Berkeley, CA
Elmwood Wealth Management
Marc Roth brings 31 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for high-net-worth clients in Berkeley, CA. His firm, Elmwood Wealth Management, offers a flat-fee comprehensive financial plan and integrates tax coordination with a long-term, total-return investment approach, distinguishing him from advisors who may not combine active portfolio management with detailed financial planning.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $2,263,826
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