Independent, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without focused guidance, you might miss how investment choices and timing affect your child's financial aid eligibility or your own tax situation.
- Account type clarity. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, since each has different tax and withdrawal rules.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they balance growth potential with risk as your child approaches college age.
- Financial aid impact. Check if they consider how your savings and account ownership affect aid calculations.
- Independent advice. These advisors operate without firm constraints, which can mean more flexible options tailored to your goals.
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 guide high-net-worth clients in Chicago. Her independent practice offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax compliance through her CPA background, distinguishing her with a comprehensive approach that balances investment growth and tax considerations for executives and families alike.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $739,164
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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, leveraging 11 years of experience and CFP® certification to guide clients in Chicago. His independent advisory role at JMC Wealth Management allows him to tailor investment approaches, balancing growth and risk, while also addressing financial aid impacts and serving a diverse client base including mid-career and young professionals.
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, leveraging 24 years of experience and CFA® credentials to optimize tax-loss harvesting and investment risk. His independent firm in Chicago uses Modern Portfolio Theory and proprietary quantitative models, offering flexible fee options like a 1.75% AUM fee and negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him from other advisors with a strong analytical approach and diverse client base.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $765,775
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Stanley L
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
ON Investment Management CO
Stanley Lovelace specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 33 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials in Chicago. His firm offers flat-fee and negotiable AUM pricing, serving individuals and organizations with both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, distinguishing him with a broad advisory scope and flexible fee options.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $319,610
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Michael K
Series 65, Series 66
Chicago, IL
Steward Advisors, LLC
Michael Kwon specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 13 years of experience in Chicago. His firm, Steward Advisors, offers flat-fee and asset-based pricing, serving high-net-worth clients with integrated financial planning and tailored portfolios that include ETFs and derivatives, distinguishing him from advisors with more limited investment approaches.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $1,540,926
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