CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Clearwater, FL
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 federal taxes or limit how financial aid eligibility is affected.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education savings.
- Account type guidance. Ask which savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your family's financial situation and goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they help manage federal tax implications, since Florida has no state income tax but other taxes still apply.
- Financial aid strategy. Inquire how they plan contributions and withdrawals to optimize your child's eligibility for aid.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as college nears, balancing growth and preservation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christ M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Safety Harbor, FL
MFP Financial Services, LLC
Christ Mavrakos offers expertise in college savings with CFP® certification and 37 years of experience, making him well-equipped to guide tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans. His firm provides comprehensive portfolio management with a multi-disciplinary approach, and he offers flat fees for financial planning, distinguishing him from advisors who may rely solely on asset-based fees.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $278,505
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Carl V
CFP®, Series 63
Palm Harbor, FL
Financial Guidance Group, Inc.
Carl Von Dem Bussche (Sr) brings 32 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, specializing in 529 and UTMA accounts for families in the Clearwater area. His firm uses modern portfolio theory with tax-efficient, diversified investments and offers flat-fee comprehensive wealth planning, catering especially to creative professionals and multiple generations including Baby Boomers and Millennials.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $981,410
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Cydney J
CFP®
Clearwater, FL
CGN Advisors, LLC
Cydney Jones, a CFP® professional in Clearwater, FL, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of industry experience. At CGN Advisors, LLC, she offers flat-fee financial planning and tax preparation services, utilizing tax-aware investment strategies and regular portfolio reviews, which may provide a more personalized and cost-transparent approach compared to other advisors.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $1,174,087
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Eric C
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 66
Dunedin, FL
Charles Schwab
Eric Coyner's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Clearwater families in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Based in nearby Dunedin, FL, he works at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, offering multi-asset portfolios and a primarily non-discretionary advisory approach, which may suit clients seeking tailored investment oversight.
Experience: 14 years
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Stephen D
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
LPL Financial
Stephen Devlin's 29 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Clearwater families through college savings strategies using 529 and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, he also brings expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans, providing a broad perspective beyond just education funding.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $399,489
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