Flat-fee, 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 make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how to balance savings growth with financial aid impact or state tax benefits.
- Flat-fee clarity. Understand exactly what you pay for advice and services, avoiding surprises tied to account size or transactions.
- Account type guidance. Ask which college savings vehicles fit your goals and how they affect your overall financial picture.
- State tax considerations. Since North Carolina has a flat income tax, confirm how your advisor leverages this in your college savings strategy.
- Withdrawal strategy. Learn how they plan distributions to minimize taxes and preserve aid eligibility when your child starts college.
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 offers flat-fee financial advice in Durham, NC, specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by his Series 66 designation and experience at a large firm. His firm, Empower Advisory Group, serves employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail clients, providing both one-time and monthly subscription fees, which may suit those seeking clear, predictable costs alongside integrated financial planning and investment management.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $565,063
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Austin T
Series 63, Series 65
Durham, NC
LPL Financial
Austin Taylor specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning in Durham, NC. His eight years of experience and background with large firms like LPL Financial and Morgan Stanley provide access to diverse investment strategies and in-house research, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or different fee structures.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Anessa C
Series 65
Durham, NC
Cardinal Retirement Planning, Inc.
Anessa Custovic offers flat-fee consulting services in Durham, NC, with expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by five years of industry experience and a Series 65 license. Her firm, Cardinal Retirement Planning, serves a diverse client base including pre-retirees and businesses, using a macroeconomic investment approach and providing flexible fee options including project-based and hourly consulting.
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 plans and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning with clear upfront costs and monthly fees ranging from $400 to $700. Based in Durham, NC, he brings seven years of experience and integrates an asset-allocation approach using both passive and active investments, with ESG options available, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment focuses.
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 strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 34 years of experience in Durham, NC. His firm, HBW Advisory Services LLC, offers flat-fee financial planning up to $10,000 and manages $1.75 billion in assets using a blended investment approach, distinguishing him with extensive resources and a high client load compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $119,864
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