Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Destin, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving with other financial goals. Without expertise in college savings plans, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax benefits or coordinate with your overall financial picture. Independent advisors here operate without firm constraints, aiming to focus on your unique needs.
- Plan type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax treatment and control over funds.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize your college savings strategy around federal taxes and other local taxes.
- Coordination with financial goals. Check how they integrate college savings with retirement planning and cash flow management.
- Investment options. Inquire about the range of investment choices within college savings plans and how they match your risk tolerance and timeline.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Thomas A
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Advisor Resource Council
Thomas Atkins brings 30 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored to federal tax optimization in Florida. His firm, Advisor Resource Council, combines AI tools with fundamental analysis for active portfolio management, providing flat-fee options and serving a diverse client base including families and business enterprises.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $285,563
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Joshua S
Series 66
Niceville, FL
Future Path Financial Planning
Joshua Scannell specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice from his firm in Niceville, FL, near Destin. His flat-fee structure includes initial financial plans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 and monthly retainers, providing clear cost options compared to percentage-based fees, while his background includes both business ownership considerations and retirement planning, broadening his financial guidance scope.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $255,556
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Jeffery B
Series 63, Series 65
Miramar Beach, FL
Kingsview Wealth Management, LLC
Jeffery Barnes specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, leveraging 35 years of experience and independent status to tailor strategies that optimize federal tax benefits for clients near Destin, FL. His firm, Kingsview Wealth Management, manages $6.7 billion and offers a mix of advisor-led planning and model-based investment options, with flat fees and a focus on serving high-net-worth individuals and businesses.
Experience: 36 years
Avg account: $703,115
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Dallis S
Series 65
Fort Walton Beach, FL
D3 Advisors LLC
Dallis Shipe specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee educational lessons and independent advice from Fort Walton Beach, near Destin. His firm, D3 Advisors LLC, employs an asset-allocation approach via Betterment Advisor Solutions, blending wrap-fee asset management with hourly planning, which may suit clients seeking a mix of investment management and personalized financial education.
Experience: 1 year
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Brian O
CFP®, EA
Niceville, FL
Winged Wealth Management and Financial Planning
Brian O'Neill specializes in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax strategies and cash flow management, making him well-suited for families in Destin, FL planning for education expenses. His independent, flat-fee approach, combined with his CFP® certification and experience serving high-net-worth Gen X clients, distinguishes him from other advisors by offering tailored, comprehensive financial planning with a military background.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,039,819
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