Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want to make sure your savings strategy fits your family's timeline and financial situation. A common mistake is not understanding how different accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts affect financial aid eligibility and tax treatment.
- Account type impact. Ask how each savings vehicle influences your child's financial aid chances and tax benefits.
- Contribution flexibility. Confirm how easy it is to adjust contributions or change beneficiaries as your plans evolve.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts align with your college timeline.
- Coordination with other goals. Ensure they consider how college savings fit alongside retirement and other financial priorities.
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 specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm. Her CFP® certification and expertise in retirement income and ESG investing complement her approach, while her firm offers a range of advisory programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her from other advisors in East Lansing.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $246,728
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David A
Series 66
East Lansing, MI
Merrill
David Anderson specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging his five years of experience at Merrill, a large firm in East Lansing, MI. He integrates education planning with broader wealth management and retirement income strategies, offering a 1.10% AUM fee structure and personalized plans supported by research from Bank of America Global Research.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Michael S
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Haslett, MI
Empower Advisory Group
Michael Snoeyink's 15 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make him well-suited for managing education funding strategies in East Lansing. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and integrated retirement plan services, he provides a comprehensive approach that balances college savings with broader financial goals.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Richard J
ChFC®, Series 63
East Lansing, MI
LPL Financial
Richard Johnston specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored to East Lansing families. With 42 years of experience and flat-fee financial planning, he combines wealth management and retirement planning knowledge, supported by LPL Financial's broad investment options and research resources, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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