CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Birmingham, AL
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. A common mistake is not aligning your savings strategy with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can lead to missed opportunities or unexpected tax consequences. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your family's needs.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they help you understand state and federal tax benefits or liabilities tied to college savings.
- Withdrawal strategy. Inquire about their approach to timing distributions to minimize taxes and maximize aid eligibility.
- Coordination with financial goals. See how they integrate college savings with retirement and other priorities to keep your overall plan balanced.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Jesse Z
CFP®, Series 65
Birmingham, AL
Zora Financial
Jesse Zora, a CFP® with 14 years of experience in Birmingham, AL, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, aligning them with broader financial goals. His firm, Zora Financial, serves both high-net-worth and non-HNW clients using a long-term, buy-and-hold investment approach and offers flexible flat-fee structures, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on asset-based fees.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $888,355
-
Joel B
CFP®, Series 63
Birmingham, AL
APEX Wealth Advisors LLC
Joel Barlow's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies in Birmingham, AL, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, APEX Wealth Advisors LLC, manages over $100 million with a model portfolio approach and offers flat-fee financial planning, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee options and comprehensive planning services.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $388,732
-
Jeffrey H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Mountain Brook, AL
Charles Schwab
Jeffrey Hinrichs is well-equipped to assist with college savings strategies in Birmingham, AL, leveraging his CFP® certification and 24 years of experience, including expertise in 529 plans and multi-state taxation. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and integrates private investments and real estate insights, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on education savings.
Experience: 25 years
-
Martin M
CFP®, Series 66
Mountain Brook, AL
Diversified, LLC
Martin Mcguire, a CFP® with 21 years of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in Birmingham, AL. His firm, Diversified, LLC, offers tailored asset allocation and a two-phase planning process, with flexible fee options including flat fees and hourly consulting, catering to high-net-worth clients and those approaching retirement.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $1,342,231
-
Joseph A
CFP®, Series 66
Birmingham, AL
LPL Financial
Joseph Anthony's CFP® certification and 12 years of experience equip him to guide Birmingham families in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Working at LPL Financial, a large firm with a broad platform, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves diverse clients, which may provide more comprehensive support compared to advisors at smaller firms or with different fee structures.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $399,489
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Birmingham, AL
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”)