Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Erie, PA
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 and managing college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA accounts can feel complex. Without focused guidance, you might miss opportunities to optimize tax advantages or choose the wrong account type for your goals.
- Tax treatment nuances. Confirm how the advisor explains tax benefits and restrictions specific to college savings accounts, ensuring you understand potential state and federal implications.
- Investment options within accounts. Ask about the range and flexibility of investment choices offered inside 529 or UTMA accounts and how they align with your risk tolerance and timeline.
- Coordination with financial aid. Inquire how the advisor considers college savings impact on financial aid eligibility and strategies to minimize adverse effects.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors at large firms often have access to extensive research and tools; check how they leverage these to support your college savings plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Timothy M
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Erie, PA
LPL Financial
Timothy Moreland specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 10 years of experience and Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research resources, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, which may provide broader insights compared to advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Nicholas A
Series 63, Series 65
Erie, PA
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Nicholas Adams specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at J. W. Cole Advisors, a large firm with over 400 independent representatives offering diverse managed account solutions. With five years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses, he provides flat-fee financial planning and consulting, distinguishing him through flexible fee options and access to extensive firm resources in Erie, PA.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Scott L
Series 63, Series 65
Erie, PA
Merrill
Scott Lyons specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 32 years of industry experience and his role at Merrill, a large firm with extensive resources. His expertise extends to wealth management and estate planning, serving married couples and executives, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him through a seasoned, comprehensive approach in Erie, PA.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Austin B
Series 63, Series 66
Erie, PA
Empower Advisory Group
Austin Burns specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 11 years of experience and a large-firm environment at Empower Advisory Group in Erie, PA. His flat-fee structure and focus on integrated financial planning, including retirement and debt management, distinguish him from others by offering comprehensive strategies with transparent pricing.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Richard H
Series 63, Series 65
Erie, PA
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Richard Hubert Depalma specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 24 years of experience at Centaurus Financial, a large firm in Erie, PA. His firm offers access to third-party money managers and both discretionary and non-discretionary accounts, with flexible fee structures including negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors with more rigid fee models.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $213,989
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