CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Des Moines, IA
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.
When you're setting up college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, you want to avoid common pitfalls like choosing the wrong account type or missing out on tax advantages. An advisor with CFP® certification has formal training in financial planning, which can help you navigate these choices with confidence.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they help you pick between 529s, UTMA, or other savings vehicles based on your goals and beneficiary needs.
- Tax implications. Ask how they explain state and federal tax benefits or limitations tied to college savings accounts.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who discuss how investment choices within these accounts align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings might affect your child's eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Stephen F
CFP®
Des Moines, IA
Forrest Financial Services
Stephen Forrest offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 24 years of experience and CFP® certification, ensuring informed guidance on tax implications and investment options. His firm serves high-net-worth clients in Des Moines with a flat-fee structure for advanced tax services, combining investment management and in-house tax planning for a comprehensive approach.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,540,000
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Julia M
VerifiedCFP®, Series 63, Series 66, RICP®
Des Moines, IA
The Wealth Consulting Group
Julia McCormick's 12 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide clients in Des Moines through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, emphasizing tax implications and investment alignment. Her independent, flat-fee approach at The Wealth Consulting Group, combined with expertise in ESG investing and retirement plans for business owners, distinguishes her from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $466,923
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Patrick F
CFP®, Series 63
Des Moines, IA
Edward Jones
Patrick Franke's 38 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide clients in Des Moines through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering tax benefits and investment alignment. As part of Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets and a fiduciary standard, he offers access to discretionary wrap fee programs and separately managed accounts, differentiating him with broad resources and a seasoned approach.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Stephanie B
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Des Moines, IA
LPL Financial
Stephanie Bolles offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by her CFP® certification and 24 years of industry experience. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with a broad client base, she provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax-loss harvesting strategies, distinguishing her approach from others in Des Moines, IA.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Mike J
CFP®
Des Moines, IA
Teacher Wealth
Mike Johnson specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his 12 years of experience and CFP® certification to guide educators in Des Moines, IA. As founder of Teacher Wealth, he offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning tailored to Gen X clients, combining personal insight as a former teacher with a focus on clarity and security in financial decisions.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $267,204
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