Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Billings, MT
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 how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or how to balance saving with other goals. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience to help you navigate these trade-offs.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they recommend between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your family's needs and control preferences.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they model the effect of college savings on your child's aid eligibility to avoid surprises.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as college approaches, not just set and forget.
- Tax considerations. Since Montana has no general sales tax, ask how they integrate state tax benefits into your savings plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Katherine D
ChFC®, Series 63
Billings, MT
LPL Financial
Katherine Dietz offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of experience and ChFC® and Series 63 credentials. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with diverse investment solutions, she provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a broad client base, distinguishing her with comprehensive resources and flexible fee options in Billings, MT.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Erika F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Billings, MT
The Wealth Consulting Group
Erika Ferris brings 24 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in Billings, MT, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts with a focus on tax-loss harvesting and ESG investing. Her firm offers flexible flat-fee and hourly pricing, serving diverse clients with tailored investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning, distinguishing her from advisors with less varied fee structures or narrower specialties.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $466,923
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Marsha G
Series 66
Billings, MT
Merrill
Marsha Gunn brings 26 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for families in Billings, MT. As a Vice President at Merrill Lynch, she serves professionals like doctors and attorneys, offering a planning-centered approach with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing her through deep expertise in wealth management and retirement income strategy.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Paul S
Series 66
Billings, MT
Stafford Financial, LLC
Paul Stafford's 21 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to guide families in Billings, MT through college savings strategies involving 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, Stafford Financial, LLC, offers independent advice with a focus on passive portfolio construction using index funds and ETFs, and provides comprehensive financial planning charged monthly, which may suit clients seeking ongoing support and educational resources.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $692,026
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Cote M
Series 63, Series 66
Billings, MT
Charles Schwab
Cote Mangel offers 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for families in Billings, MT. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, Cote provides a 0.80% AUM fee structure and expertise in multi-state taxation and alternative investments, distinguishing them from other advisors with a broad investment approach and extensive industry background.
Experience: 23 years
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