CFP®-certified, 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 preparing to fund a college education, you need an advisor who understands the nuances of college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your family's financial timeline and tax situation, which can reduce the benefits of these plans. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education funding.
- Plan selection expertise. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options based on your goals and state tax considerations.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits when recommending savings strategies.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand their approach to timing distributions to minimize tax consequences and maximize financial aid eligibility.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, balancing education funding with retirement and other priorities.
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's 20 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts in Encinitas, CA, with attention to tax impacts and withdrawal timing. As the sole advisor at Global Vantage Wealth Management, he offers flat-fee financial planning tailored to high-net-worth clients, using a primarily passive investment approach with individualized portfolios.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $2,343,750
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Scott F
CFP®, CFA®, Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Scott Frank, a CFP® and CFA® with 18 years of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for education funding in Encinitas, CA. His firm, Stone Steps Financial, LLC, employs a passive, asset-class-based investment approach and serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.75% AUM fee, differentiating him through comprehensive planning and investment management expertise.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $1,062,216
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Timothy K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Seawise Financial, Inc.
Timothy Kenney's 27 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate college savings strategies like 529 and UTMA accounts, considering California's tax environment. At Seawise Financial, he offers a primarily passive investment approach with low-cost index funds, serving individuals and high-net-worth clients with a 1.50% AUM fee and hourly planning options, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment styles.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,124,527
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Bryan S
CFP®, Series 63
Encinitas, CA
LPL Financial
Bryan Stebel's 31 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts in Encinitas, CA, considering local tax impacts and financial timelines. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee planning and in-house research, he also supports business owners' retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting, providing a broad financial perspective beyond education funding.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Nicole P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Peterkin Financial, LLC
Nicole Peterkin offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 14 years of experience and CFP® certification, making her well-equipped to navigate education funding in Encinitas, CA. Her independent firm uses a flat-fee structure and emphasizes collaborative planning with educational workshops, distinguishing her approach from others who may rely on asset-based fees or discretionary management.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $430,429
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