Seasoned, 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 custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or future tax bills. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience to help you navigate these nuances.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they balance federal tax benefits with potential effects on financial aid and estate planning.
- Account selection guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529s, UTMAs, and other savings vehicles based on your goals.
- Withdrawal strategy. Inquire about their approach to timing distributions to minimize taxes and maximize aid eligibility.
- Long-term flexibility. See if they consider how changing college plans or scholarships might affect your savings strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Randall M
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Merrill
Randall Marcum's 24 years of experience and affiliation with Merrill Lynch in Clearwater, FL, equip him to handle college savings strategies involving 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively. His expertise spans wealth management, retirement income, and planning for special needs, complemented by a 1.10% AUM fee and a focus on mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Christ M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Safety Harbor, FL
MFP Financial Services, LLC
Christ Mavrakos brings 37 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, in the Clearwater area. His firm offers flat fees for financial planning and emphasizes individualized portfolio design with a multi-disciplinary approach, distinguishing him from others by combining deep tax knowledge and flexible fee structures tailored to diverse client needs.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $278,505
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Sophia G
ChFC®, Series 66
Clearwater, FL
Fidelity
Sophia Goode's 21 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip her to address tax impacts and withdrawal strategies effectively in Clearwater, FL. Working at Fidelity, a large firm, she also offers expertise in wealth management and estate planning, providing a broader financial perspective compared to advisors with narrower specialties or smaller firm affiliations.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Todd G
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
LPL Financial
Todd Giere's 29 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to address the tax and financial aid complexities in Clearwater, FL. His flat-fee structure through LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources, complements his expertise in wealth management and retirement plans, offering a broad perspective compared to advisors with narrower specialties or different fee models.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $399,489
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James C
PFS™, Series 63, Series 65
Belleair Bluffs, FL
Belleair Asset Management, LLC
James Clark's 38 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to address tax impacts and withdrawal strategies effectively. Operating from Belleair Bluffs, FL, he offers flat-fee financial planning through Belleair Asset Management, which manages $205 million with a passive, diversified investment approach, serving a diverse client base including trusts and small businesses.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $1,874,270
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