CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in East Lansing, MI
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 focused guidance, you might miss how to balance these savings with other financial goals or overlook state-specific benefits.
- Account type selection. Ask how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other options based on your family's needs and flexibility.
- Investment strategy alignment. Confirm how they adjust investment choices as your child approaches college age to manage risk appropriately.
- Coordination with other goals. See how they integrate college savings with retirement planning or pension considerations common in East Lansing's auto industry community.
- Tax implications. Understand how they navigate state tax benefits and potential impacts on financial aid eligibility.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joni P
CFP®, Series 66
Dewitt, MI
Edward Jones
Joni Preston offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years at Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm. Her CFP® certification and experience with retirement income and ESG investing provide a broad perspective, while her local presence in Dewitt, MI, near East Lansing, adds regional insight for families balancing education funding with other financial goals.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Justin M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Haslett, MI
Effective Assets
Justin Martello's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide East Lansing families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing these with other financial goals. As the sole advisor at Effective Assets, he offers flat-fee financial planning and emphasizes ESG investing, providing personalized asset allocation and regular communication, which may appeal to clients seeking socially responsible strategies alongside college savings.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,240,574
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David H
CFP®, Series 66
East Lansing, MI
LPL Financial
David Hart's 11 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide East Lansing families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing these with retirement and tax strategies. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee planning, he serves diverse clients including business owners, providing tailored wealth management and tax-loss harvesting expertise.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Christian R
CFP®, Series 66
East Lansing, MI
Merrill
Christian Ragsdale specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and eight years of experience at Merrill in East Lansing. His holistic wealth management approach integrates retirement income and tax strategies, catering to mid-career professionals and high earners, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
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