Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Downers Grove, IL
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 now with preserving financial aid eligibility later. A common mistake is focusing only on investment growth without considering how savings impact aid calculations.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax benefits and control over funds.
- Withdrawal timing. Ask how they plan distributions to minimize impact on financial aid and tax consequences.
- State tax considerations. Since Illinois doesn't tax retirement income but has high property taxes, check how they factor this into your overall savings strategy.
- Experience with education costs. Look for advisors who incorporate tuition inflation and scholarship scenarios into their college savings plans.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bradford T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Downers Grove, IL
Bradford Capital Management, LLC
Bradford Tyl offers seasoned expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 23 years of experience and CFP® certification in Downers Grove, IL. His independent firm emphasizes ETF-based portfolios with a passive asset-allocation strategy, providing a disciplined approach that complements his focus on education cost planning and tax considerations, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $891,384
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Patrick K
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Woodridge, IL
Madison Avenue Securities, LLC
Patrick Keenan's 40 years of experience and ChFC® designation equip him to guide college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to tax benefits and financial aid impact. Operating from Woodridge, IL, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves diverse clients through Madison Avenue Securities, which manages $2 billion in assets, distinguishing him with extensive firm resources and independent advice.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $142,909
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Bruce P
Series 66
Downers Grove, IL
LPL Financial
Bruce Persky brings 25 years of experience and a Series 66 designation to college savings planning in Downers Grove, IL, with expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he supports diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing access to in-house research and broad asset management solutions.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $399,489
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James D
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Merrill
James Davis brings over 25 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of funding education in the Downers Grove area. His role at Merrill, a large firm, allows him to offer personalized wealth management strategies with a 1.10% AUM fee, catering to executives and women professionals focused on values-based investing.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Robert B
Series 63, Series 66
Downers Grove, IL
Edward Jones
Robert Brennan's 33 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip him to address the complexities of funding education while considering financial aid impacts. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a program fee up to 1.35%, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $246,728
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