Independent, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands the specific rules and benefits of accounts like 529 plans and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without this focus, it's easy to overlook how different savings vehicles impact financial aid or tax treatment.
- Account type expertise. Confirm they can explain how 529s and UTMA accounts differ in ownership, control, and tax implications.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how your savings strategy might affect eligibility for need-based aid and what steps can minimize that impact.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who can guide you through the investment choices within college savings accounts to align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors are independent, they can offer recommendations across providers without firm product constraints.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lyle F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Durham, NC
RJ20, Inc.
Lyle Finley Jr. specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, bringing 31 years of experience and CFP® certification to his independent advisory role in Durham, NC. His firm, RJ20, Inc., offers flat-fee, non-discretionary advice with a focus on participant-level guidance and uses an online platform for customized financial planning, distinguishing him from advisors who may offer discretionary management or different fee structures.
Experience: 31 years
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Jacob Y
CFP®, Series 65
Durham, NC
Cardinal Retirement Planning, Inc.
Jacob Yocco specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in Durham, NC planning for education expenses. His independent, CFP®-certified practice offers flat-fee consulting and employs a macroeconomic investment approach, differentiating him with flexible fee options and a broad range of portfolio strategies compared to other advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $969,917
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Tim I
CFP®
Durham, NC
Iseler Financial
Tim Iseler specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice tailored to Durham families. His flat-fee service models and CFP® certification, combined with his unique background in the music industry and focus on Millennials, differentiate him by providing personalized, relatable financial planning for clients with unconventional financial lives.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $153,764
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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 independent advice from his Durham-based firm, Alohana Financial, LLC. With seven years of experience and CFP® certification, he employs a Modern Portfolio Theory-based asset allocation approach, blending passive and active investments, and provides ESG customization, distinguishing him from other advisors with his flat-fee and project-based planning options.
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 accounts like 529s and UTMA, leveraging 34 years of experience to navigate their tax and financial aid implications in Durham, NC. His firm, HBW Advisory Services LLC, manages $1.75 billion with a blended investment approach and offers flat-fee options up to $10,000, distinguishing him from others by combining deep expertise with flexible fee structures and a broad client service scope.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $119,864
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