Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors
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.
You need a college savings advisor when you're planning how to fund education costs without jeopardizing your family's financial stability. A common mistake is not balancing tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans with flexible options such as UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, which can affect control and financial aid eligibility.
- Tax benefits understanding. Confirm how they explain the trade-offs between 529 plans' tax advantages and UTMA accounts' flexibility.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they adjust investments as your child approaches college age to manage risk appropriately.
- Financial aid impact. Check if they consider how different savings vehicles influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Experience with account types. Look for advisors who have guided families through both 529 and UTMA accounts to tailor your savings plan effectively.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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David C
Series 63, Series 65
Houston, TX
LPL Financial
David Cade's 41 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to help families balance tax advantages with flexibility for education funding. Operating from LPL Financial, a large firm with a broad investment platform, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Richard B
Series 63, Series 66
Austin, TX
Charles Schwab
Richard Brandi's 33 years of experience and specialization in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to help families balance tax advantages and flexibility in education funding. Based in Austin, TX, he works with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment guidance through multi-asset model portfolios.
Experience: 33 years
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Thaddeus P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC
Thaddeus Phelps specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 28 years of experience and CFP® certification to balance tax benefits and investment risk as children approach college age. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, he offers flat-fee financial planning with a focus on individualized asset allocation and risk management, serving high-net-worth clients and trusts, which may suit families seeking comprehensive, fee-transparent guidance.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Paul K
CFP®, Series 65
Zimmerman, MN
Longview Financial, Inc.
Paul Kinneberg brings 24 years of experience and CFP® certification to families planning college savings, with expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm employs a strategic asset allocation using a core-and-satellite approach, blending passive and active funds, and offers flat-fee financial planning services, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent costs and personalized, non-discretionary advice in Zimmerman, MN.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,170,807
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Charles P
Series 63, Series 65
Easton, MD
Merrill
Charles Pritchett brings 36 years of experience specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to help families balance tax advantages and flexibility. Based in Easton, MD, he works with mid-career professionals and HENRY clients at Merrill, a large firm, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies and emphasizing transparent, straightforward investment management.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $860,085
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