CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in California
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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or how to balance saving for college with other goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they handle California’s high income taxes and the benefits of 529 plans for your situation.
- Financial aid strategy. Confirm they understand how college savings accounts influence aid calculations and can help minimize surprises.
- Account selection guidance. Look for advice on choosing between 529s, UTMA, and other savings vehicles based on your family’s needs.
- CFP® training. These advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them integrate college savings into your broader financial picture.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Max P
CFP®, Series 66
Playa Del Rey, CA
Pashman Financial LLC
Max Pashman is a CFP®-certified advisor in California specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with seven years of experience and a focus on integrating these strategies into broader financial planning. His firm uses a passive, asset-allocation approach with index funds and ETFs, offering flat-fee and hourly pricing, which may appeal to self-employed clients seeking transparent fees and comprehensive planning beyond just college savings.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $70,000
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Stephen S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Newport Beach, CA
Charles Schwab
Stephen Smith's 14 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide California families through college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Based in Newport Beach and affiliated with Charles Schwab, he serves high-net-worth clients with a multi-asset portfolio approach and charges an annual 0.80% AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with different fee structures.
Experience: 15 years
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Amanda A
CFP®, Series 66
Glendale, CA
LPL Financial
Amanda Aguilar's CFP® certification and eight years of experience equip her to guide California families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering tax implications and financial aid strategies. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, she brings expertise in wealth management and retirement plans, providing a broad perspective compared to advisors at smaller firms or with narrower specialties.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Arnie C
CFP®, EA
Vallejo, CA
Achievable Wealth, LLC
Arnie Cabiles specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 36 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate California's tax implications and financial aid considerations. His focus on physicians and military clients, combined with a flat-fee structure and comprehensive financial planning approach, distinguishes him from others by offering tailored guidance for complex financial situations and flexible engagement options.
Experience: 36 years
Avg account: $256,948
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Rania G
CFP®
San Rafael, CA
Clarity Wealth Partners
Rania Ghawi specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her CFP® certification and experience at Clarity Wealth Partners in San Rafael, CA. Her firm offers a flat-fee structure for project-based financial planning and educational seminars, with discretionary portfolio management that includes ESG options, distinguishing her approach from others by integrating sustainable investing considerations and comprehensive wealth management services.
Experience: 2 years
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