Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals 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.
If you're planning for college expenses and want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, you need advisors who understand how to align these savings with your broader wealth. A common mistake is treating college savings as separate from your overall financial picture, which can lead to missed opportunities or unexpected tax consequences.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13, which limits property tax increases, to optimize your savings.
- Account selection strategy. Confirm whether they recommend 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or a mix, based on your family's financial goals and control preferences.
- Coordination with estate plans. College savings can affect your estate and gift tax planning; check how they integrate these elements.
- High-net-worth focus. These advisors understand the complexities of managing large assets while funding education, balancing growth and risk appropriately.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Shannon L
CFP®
Berkeley, CA
Elmwood Wealth Management
Shannon Lemon specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in Berkeley, CA, leveraging 13 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans and UTMA. Her firm, Elmwood Wealth Management, offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management with a total-return, long-term investment approach, charging a 1.00% AUM fee or flat fees for comprehensive plans, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee structures or investment styles.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $2,263,826
-
Jennifer D
CFP®, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Equita Financial Network, Inc.
Jennifer Dazols specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, leveraging her CFP® certification and five years of industry experience to navigate complex tax and estate considerations. Based in nearby Oakland, she offers flat-fee financial planning up to $10,000 and emphasizes market efficiency and strategic asset allocation through tailored portfolios, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee structures or investment approaches.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $900,468
-
Charles M
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Liberty Wealth Management, LLC
Charles Moore specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, leveraging 27 years of experience and expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Operating from nearby Oakland, CA, he offers flat-fee financial planning with a minimum annual fee of $3,500 and integrates alternative investments and long-term asset allocation to align education funding with broader wealth management goals.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $1,105,849
-
Christian B
CFP®
Oakland, CA
Christian Curry Batchelder, CFP
Christian Batchelder specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, integrating 529 plans and UTMA accounts within broader financial and estate planning. With 32 years of experience and a CFP® certification, he offers independent, discretionary portfolio management from his Oakland-based firm, charging a 1.00% AUM fee, which may appeal to clients seeking personalized, comprehensive wealth coordination.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $3,200,000
-
Gavin D
Series 66
Berkeley, CA
Topel & Distasi Wealth Management, LLC
Gavin Distasi specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in Berkeley, CA, integrating 529 plans and UTMA accounts with broader estate and tax planning. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning up to $10,000 and discretionary portfolio management with model allocations, providing a comprehensive approach that balances growth and risk for affluent families.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $1,349,320
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Berkeley, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)