Large-firm, 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 careful planning, you might miss how account choices affect financial aid or future tax implications.
- Account type trade-offs. Understand how 529s grow tax-free for education but UTMA accounts offer more flexibility with fewer restrictions.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how each account type might influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Contribution strategies. Look for advice on timing and amounts that align with your college savings goals and cash flow.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, which can help in complex college funding scenarios.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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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 affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive research and advisory resources. His flat-fee financial planning and consulting services, combined with expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, provide a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors in Chicago.
Experience: 51 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kurt S
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Edward Jones
Kurt Steib specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his eight years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. Operating within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to extensive resources and a fiduciary standard, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Linda K
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Merrill
Linda Kohut offers extensive expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 38 years at Merrill Lynch, a large firm with broad resources. Her experience with multi-generational wealth transfer and focus on professionals and parents in Chicago distinguishes her from others, alongside her Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® designation and a fee structure of 1.10% AUM for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Christopher M
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Charles Schwab
Christopher Mason's 16 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to navigate college savings strategies involving 529 and UTMA accounts within a large firm setting. At Charles Schwab, he supports high-net-worth clients with a multi-asset model portfolio approach and a 0.80% annual fee, offering access to discretionary managed accounts and centralized operational platforms in Chicago.
Experience: 16 years
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Luke B
Series 63, Series 66
Chicago, IL
Empower Advisory Group
Luke Bowyer specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm in Chicago with extensive resources for complex funding scenarios. His flat-fee and monthly subscription fee structure offers flexible payment options, and his experience since 2020 includes integrated financial planning for employer-sponsored retirement plans, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on individual college savings.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $565,063
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