Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Chicago, IL
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 not aligning the savings strategy with your child's timeline and potential financial aid impact.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which savings vehicles they recommend for your goals and why, considering tax benefits and flexibility.
- Investment approach. Ask how they adjust investment risk as your child nears college age to balance growth and preservation.
- Financial aid considerations. Check if they factor in how savings accounts affect eligibility for need-based aid.
- Coordination with other goals. See how they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, including retirement and debt management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Julia Z
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Genfi LLC
Julia Zakarias specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 20 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor plans for high-net-worth families in Chicago. Her independent firm, Genfi LLC, offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax compliance services, distinguishing her approach with comprehensive wealth and tax planning beyond typical college savings advice.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $739,164
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Michael O
Series 63
Chicago, IL
LPL Financial
Michael O'Malley Sr. specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by over 50 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves a diverse clientele and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement planning, providing a broad approach compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 51 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Mark M
CFP®, Series 66
Chicago, IL
JMC Wealth
Mark Murphy specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 11 years of experience and CFP® certification in Chicago. His independent advisory role at JMC Wealth Management complements his expertise in business succession and cash flow planning, offering a comprehensive approach for mid-career and young professionals balancing college funding with broader financial goals.
Experience: 11 years
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Joseph K
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Kruse Asset Management, LLC
Joseph Kruse specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 24 years of experience in Chicago. His firm integrates Modern Portfolio Theory and proprietary quantitative equity models, offering tailored portfolio management and financial planning for individuals and trusts. Compared to others, his independent status and use of advanced tools like YCharts provide a data-driven approach to balancing growth and risk as college nears.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $765,775
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Dennis D
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
ON Investment Management CO
Dennis Dean's 26 years of experience and expertise in college savings, retirement planning, and income strategy make him well-equipped to handle tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans in Chicago. His firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management with a negotiable fee structure, including flat fees up to $5,000 annually, catering to diverse clients including individuals and organizations.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $319,610
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