Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Durham, NC
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 balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you have children or grandchildren nearing school age. A common mistake is underestimating how financial aid formulas and tax rules affect your savings strategy.
- Account type selection. Different plans like 529s or UTMA accounts have unique tax benefits and control features; ask which fits your family goals.
- State tax implications. Even with North Carolina's flat income tax, some plans offer state tax deductions or credits worth considering.
- Investment options. Confirm how the advisor chooses funds within college savings plans to align with your timeline and risk comfort.
- Financial aid impact. Understand how your savings might affect eligibility for need-based aid and how to minimize negative effects.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Philip S
Series 66
Durham, NC
Empower Advisory Group
Philip Shelton specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrating financial planning with employer-sponsored retirement plans. His flat-fee structure offers clear pricing options, and his experience with retirement income and Social Security optimization provides a broader financial planning perspective compared to other advisors in Durham.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $565,063
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Tim I
CFP®
Durham, NC
Iseler Financial
Tim Iseler specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider tax implications and financial aid impacts for families in Durham, NC. With six years of experience, a CFP® certification, and a unique background in the music industry, he provides flat-fee service models and focuses on understanding clients' real-life financial situations, especially for millennials and self-employed individuals.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $153,764
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Anessa C
Series 65
Durham, NC
Cardinal Retirement Planning, Inc.
Anessa Custovic specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider tax implications and financial aid impacts in Durham, NC. Her firm uses a macroeconomic investment approach and provides flat-fee consulting, which may appeal to clients seeking independent advice with flexible fee options and a focus on pre-retirees and high-net-worth individuals.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $969,917
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Ohan K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Durham, NC
Alohana Financial, LLC
Ohan Kayikchyan specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, leveraging seven years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax implications and financial aid impacts in Durham, NC. His firm, Alohana Financial, LLC, offers a flat-fee structure with personalized investment management using Modern Portfolio Theory and ESG options, distinguishing him from advisors with traditional fee models or less tailored investment approaches.
Experience: 7 years
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William O
Series 63, Series 65
Durham, NC
HBW Advisory Services LLC
William Orchard Hays III specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider tax implications and financial aid effects in Durham, NC. With 34 years of experience at HBW Advisory Services, he provides flat-fee and asset-based pricing, employing a blended investment approach and serving a diverse client base including families and charitable organizations.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $119,864
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