Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Chesapeake, VA
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 focusing only on investment returns without considering how account rules affect your flexibility and taxes.
- Account type trade-offs. Understand how 529s lock in funds for education but offer tax benefits, while UTMA accounts provide more flexibility but different tax treatment.
- Contribution timing. Ask how they plan contributions around your child's age and education timeline to maximize growth and minimize penalties.
- Financial aid impact. Confirm how each account type might affect your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Coordination with other goals. See how they balance college savings with your other financial priorities, like retirement or debt management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Wesley S
Series 66
Chesapeake, VA
LPL Financial
Wesley Stout specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 13 years of industry experience and a Series 66 license. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves a diverse clientele and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement planning for business owners, providing a broad approach compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Philip T
Series 65
Chesapeake, VA
Tull Financial Group, Inc.
Philip Tull specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging his five years of experience and Series 65 designation in Chesapeake, VA. His firm employs a tactical asset allocation approach blending passive and active investments, offers flat-fee options, and focuses on multi-generational planning, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors with narrower specialties or fee structures.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $1,217,966
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Tanya M
Series 66
Norfolk, VA
Merrill
Tanya Merchant's expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, is supported by 19 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management. She also specializes in women's finance and LGBTQIA planning, offering a holistic approach that balances education funding with broader financial goals, differentiating her from advisors focused solely on investment returns.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Zachary C
Series 63, Series 66
Norfolk, VA
Charles Schwab
Zachary Coleman specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments, which can help optimize tax benefits and flexibility. Operating from Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, he offers access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options, distinguishing him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 3 years
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Eugene J
Series 63, Series 66
Chesapeake, VA
Empower Advisory Group
Eugene Jackson IV specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by over ten years of experience and Series 63 and 66 designations. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and integrated services for retirement and brokerage accounts, he emphasizes long-term portfolio growth and savings rates, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on short-term investment returns.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $565,063
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