Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Encinitas, CA
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 your child's education expenses, setting up a college savings plan like a 529 or UTMA account early can make a big difference. Without careful planning, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose an account that doesn't fit your family's financial situation.
- Tax implications matter. Understand how state income taxes and property tax rules like Proposition 13 in California affect your savings strategy.
- Account type selection. Ask why a 529 plan or UTMA account suits your goals better, considering flexibility and control.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts impact growth and risk.
- Withdrawal planning. Confirm how they help coordinate distributions to minimize taxes and maintain financial aid eligibility.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Francisco M
CFP®, Series 66
Encinitas, CA
Global Vantage Wealth Management
Francisco Maldonado specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 20 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax implications and investment options in Encinitas, CA. His independent firm offers flat-fee financial planning tailored to high-net-worth clients, emphasizing a primarily passive investment approach with individualized portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors with more discretionary management styles.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $2,343,750
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Hannah K
Series 66
Encinitas, CA
LPL Financial
Hannah Kelly specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by her Series 66 designation and four years of experience in Encinitas, CA. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, she serves diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing access to extensive investment options and research resources.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Scott F
CFP®, CFA®, Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Scott Frank specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 18 years of experience and credentials including CFP® and CFA®. Based in Encinitas, his firm uses a passive, asset-class-based investment approach with index funds and ETFs, serving primarily individuals and high-net-worth clients with a 0.75% AUM fee and negotiable hourly planning fees.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $1,062,216
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Garrison B
Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Garrison Beck specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 65 credential and two years of experience in Encinitas, CA. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, he leverages an integrated approach focused on long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, which may appeal to clients seeking structured investment management alongside college savings guidance.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Nicole P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Peterkin Financial, LLC
Nicole Peterkin specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, bringing 14 years of experience and CFP® certification to families in Encinitas, CA. Her independent firm offers flat-fee financial planning and educational workshops, focusing on collaborative, non-discretionary portfolio management, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and active involvement in their investment decisions.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $430,429
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