Large-firm, 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, especially since Florida has no state income tax but relies heavily on sales and property taxes. Without this insight, you might miss opportunities to optimize your savings and tax situation.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida lacks state income tax, ask how they maximize federal tax benefits related to college savings plans.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including control and tax implications.
- Large-firm resources. Large firms often offer access to specialized tools and research; ask how these support your college savings strategy.
- Wealth migration awareness. Florida's strong homestead protections attract wealth; check if they consider this in long-term planning for your education funds.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Davis P
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
LPL Financial
Davis Parrish specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by LPL Financial's large-firm resources including in-house research and model portfolios, which can help optimize federal tax benefits in Florida's unique tax environment. With a flat-fee structure and experience serving diverse clients including business owners and retirees, he offers tailored strategies that balance education funding with broader wealth management goals.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Kim L
Series 66
Destin, FL
Merrill
Kim Lepley at Merrill Lynch in Destin, FL, specializes in college savings plans and brings 18 years of experience with a focus on retirement and wealth management. Her large-firm affiliation provides access to extensive resources, and she serves diverse clients including parents and women professionals, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
James R
Series 66
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Edward Jones
James Roberson III specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 18 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm known for its extensive resources and nationwide network. His background includes retirement income strategy and multi-generational wealth transfer, and he offers advisory programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, providing a comprehensive approach for clients near Destin, FL.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
David Z
Series 63, Series 66
Niceville, FL
Charles Schwab
David Zhang at Charles Schwab is equipped to assist with college savings plans in the Destin area, leveraging his expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments to navigate Florida's unique tax environment. His affiliation with a large firm provides access to extensive resources and research, while his 0.80% annual AUM fee and six years of experience offer a balanced approach compared to other advisors nearby.
Experience: 7 years
-
Charles G
Series 63, Series 65
Freeport, FL
Empower Advisory Group
Charles Glenn specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his firm's large-firm resources that provide access to comprehensive financial planning and asset management. His flat-fee structure and background in military service distinguish him from others, offering a disciplined approach and transparent pricing for clients near Destin, FL.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $565,063
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Destin, FL
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)