CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Cheektowaga, NY
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 opportunities to reduce taxes or limit financial aid eligibility.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how the advisor manages contributions and withdrawals to minimize state and federal taxes.
- Financial aid strategy. Ask how they balance savings growth with maintaining eligibility for need-based aid.
- Account selection guidance. Different accounts have unique rules; ensure they explain why one fits your goals better than others.
- Long-term flexibility. College costs and plans can change; check how they adjust strategies as your child approaches college age.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Cynthia V
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
Buffalo, NY
Sterling Investment Counsel, LLC
Cynthia Vance's 42 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide clients in Cheektowaga, NY, through college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Her firm, Sterling Investment Counsel, offers portfolio management and financial planning with a 1.50% AUM fee, serving high-net-worth individuals and trusts, which may provide more tailored options compared to advisors with smaller client bases or less diverse services.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $1,145,333
-
Steven W
CFP®, Series 66
Williamsville, NY
Bentham Wealth Advisors
Steven Witter, a CFP® professional with 20 years of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in Cheektowaga, NY. His firm, Bentham Wealth Advisors, manages $110.1 million with a goal- and risk-based investment approach, offering flat-fee and project-based financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and comprehensive planning including student loan guidance.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $490,826
-
Joseph F
CFP®, Series 66
Williamsville, NY
LPL Financial
Joseph Fahey's CFP® certification and seven years of experience equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 and UTMA accounts, focusing on tax impact and financial aid considerations. Based in nearby Williamsville, NY, he offers flat-fee financial planning through LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources, and brings additional expertise in retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting, distinguishing him from other advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Jeff A
CFP®
Amherst, NY
Triple Play Planning, LLC
Jeff Arber is a CFP®-certified advisor specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with 17 years of experience and expertise in general tax planning. Based in Amherst, NY, he offers flat-fee and project-based financial planning, focusing on helping Gen X clients navigate complex financial decisions, including tax impacts and account selection, with a personal approach informed by his own family's college planning journey.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $239,154
-
Michael A
CFP®, Series 63
Buffalo, NY
Western New York Financial Group, LLC
Michael Aquino, a CFP® professional based near Cheektowaga in Buffalo, NY, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by seven years of industry experience. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning and uses a proprietary investment model with technical analysis, providing tailored strategies that balance tax impact and financial aid considerations, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $292,913
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Cheektowaga, NY
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”)