CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Charleston, 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 setting up college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, you want to avoid common pitfalls like choosing the wrong plan type or missing tax benefits. A CFP®-certified advisor has formal training in financial planning, which helps them guide you through these complex choices.
- Plan selection insight. Ask how they evaluate different 529 plans and custodial accounts to fit your family's needs and state tax advantages.
- Contribution strategy. Confirm they help you balance gift tax limits and timing to maximize growth potential.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts affect risk and long-term savings.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they integrate college savings with your overall financial plan, including retirement and cash flow.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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William D
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Charles Schwab
William Davis, a CFP® professional with nine years of experience, specializes in college savings plans and multi-state taxation, making him well-equipped to navigate 529 and UTMA accounts in the Charleston area. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less diverse investment approaches.
Experience: 10 years
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Adam C
CFP®, Series 66
Daniel Island, SC
Curran Financial Partners, LLC
Adam Curran, a CFP® with 16 years of experience, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored financial planning with negotiable flat fees between $750 and $1,500. Located in Daniel Island, SC, his firm provides both passive and active portfolio management, integrating college savings strategies with broader retirement income and estate planning guidance, distinguishing him from other advisors in Charleston.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $495,151
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Manny M
CFP®
Mount Pleasant, SC
Charleston Wealth Advisors
Manny Martinez is well-equipped to assist with college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 19 years of experience and CFP® certification to guide families in Mount Pleasant, SC. His independent practice at Charleston Wealth Advisors emphasizes personalized service, integrating college savings with broader financial goals, and offers flexible fee options including a 1% AUM fee and $250 hourly planning rates.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,061,644
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Clayton A
CFP®, Series 63
Charleston, SC
LPL Financial
Clayton Abel, a CFP® with 14 years of experience in Charleston, SC, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his expertise in wealth management and tax-loss harvesting. Working at LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth households, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kurt D
CFP®, Series 66
Mount Pleasant, SC
Edward Jones
Kurt Denner offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and eight years of industry experience. Based in Mount Pleasant, SC, he works with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, providing a comprehensive approach that includes retirement and estate planning, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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