Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Bluffton, SC
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 college expenses, you want an advisor who understands the specific rules and benefits of 529 plans and UTMA accounts. A common mistake is treating college savings like general investment accounts, which can lead to missed tax advantages or penalties.
- Plan type expertise. Confirm they know the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax treatment and withdrawal rules.
- Contribution strategy. Ask how they recommend funding these accounts over time to maximize growth and minimize gift tax implications.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings impact your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, which can support more informed college savings decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Frederick G
Series 63, Series 65
Bluffton, SC
Charles Schwab
Frederick Gaskin specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 13 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials to navigate tax and withdrawal rules effectively. At Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to multi-asset portfolios and alternative investments, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources.
Experience: 13 years
-
Mark T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Bluffton, SC
Edward Jones
Mark Telfer specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging over 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax and withdrawal rules effectively. Based in Bluffton, SC, he operates within Edward Jones, a large firm managing $1.01 trillion in assets, offering extensive resources and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, which may differ from smaller firms or fee structures nearby.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
Manos C
Series 63, Series 66
Okatie, SC
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Manos Cito's 30 years of experience and Series 63 and 66 credentials equip him to handle college savings strategies involving 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively. Affiliated with J.W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm with over 400 representatives, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, distinguishing him with flexible fee structures and extensive firm resources compared to others nearby.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $255,702
-
William B
Series 65
Bluffton, SC
Empower Advisory Group
William Bachelor specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm with extensive resources. His flat-fee structure and four years of experience, combined with a background at Personal Capital, distinguish him from other advisors by offering accessible pricing and integrated retirement and investment planning services in Bluffton, SC.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Servando L
Series 63, Series 65
Bluffton, SC
LPL Financial
Servando Llanio Sr. is well-equipped to assist with college savings in Bluffton, SC, leveraging his 38 years of experience and expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive research and diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and seasoned guidance.
Experience: 39 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 Bluffton, SC
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”)