CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Columbia, SC
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 to balance saving for education with other financial goals or overlook the best account types for your situation. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education savings strategies.
- Account type selection. Ask how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other options based on your family's needs and state tax benefits.
- Contribution timing. Confirm their approach to when and how much to contribute to maximize growth and tax advantages.
- Financial aid impact. Discuss how savings in different accounts affect eligibility for college financial aid and how they plan accordingly.
- Investment strategy. Understand how they adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age to protect your savings.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kenneth K
CFP®, Series 66
Columbia, SC
Edward Jones
Kenneth Kolb Jr. offers specialized guidance in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his 15 years of experience and CFP® certification. Working with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he provides access to comprehensive wealth management services with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, suitable for clients seeking integrated financial planning in Columbia, SC.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Matt M
CFP®
Columbia, SC
Multipath Wealth Management
Matt Morris specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for medical and engineering professionals in Columbia, SC. His personal experience navigating medical training finances and complex family health challenges informs his approach, complemented by a flat-fee structure and expertise in cash flow, debt management, and tax planning, setting him apart from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $366,906
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Brad B
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Columbia, SC
LPL Financial
Brad Blackburn's 27 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide families in Columbia, SC, through college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and diverse investment solutions, he also brings expertise in retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting, providing a broad financial perspective beyond education savings.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Ekta P
CFP®, Series 65
Columbia, SC
Altfest Personal Wealth Management
Ekta Patel's CFP® certification and 18 years of experience equip her to guide families in Columbia, SC, through college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Her firm, Altfest Personal Wealth Management, offers a blend of fundamental and technical investment analysis, serving high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and hourly pricing options, which may appeal to young professionals seeking tailored financial planning.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $2,570,420
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