Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Bethesda, MD
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 your child's education expenses, setting up and managing college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts can feel complex. Without focused guidance, you might overlook how account types affect financial aid eligibility or tax benefits.
- Account type implications. Ask how each savings vehicle impacts your family's financial aid chances and tax situation.
- Contribution strategies. Confirm how they recommend balancing gift limits and investment growth within these accounts.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how fund choices align with your timeline and risk comfort.
- Coordination with estate plans. Since Maryland has estate and inheritance taxes, check how college savings fit into your broader wealth transfer goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joshua S
CFP®
Bethesda, MD
EP Wealth Advisors
Joshua Stromberg specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and four years of experience in a large-firm setting in Bethesda, MD. His firm, Divergent Planning, focuses on asset allocation and risk management, blending passive core holdings with tactical models, which may offer a nuanced approach compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $2,135,029
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Sean Z
Series 66
Bethesda, MD
Edward Jones
Sean Zawodny specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with additional expertise in general estate planning, which is valuable for integrating education funding with wealth transfer strategies in Maryland. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm with a broad client base and extensive resources, he offers a comprehensive approach supported by a nationwide network, charging up to 1.35% annually, which may differ from smaller firms or fee structures nearby.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Daniel G
Series 63, Series 65
Bethesda, MD
LPL Financial
Daniel Gordon's 37 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans make him well-equipped to guide families in Bethesda, MD through 529 and UTMA account strategies. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse advisory programs and research support, he provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax preparation expertise, distinguishing him from advisors without such comprehensive service offerings.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Graham T
Series 66
Bethesda, MD
Merrill
Graham Taft specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management. With designations like CRPC and PIA, and experience in risk management consulting, he offers a personalized approach that integrates retirement and family wealth planning, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Garrett S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Bethesda, MD
Charles Schwab
Garrett Snell specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and CFP® certification at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients. His approach integrates multi-asset model portfolios and multi-state taxation expertise, with a 0.80% annual fee, distinguishing him through access to extensive research and discretionary managed accounts in Bethesda, MD.
Experience: 7 years
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