Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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 custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or future tax bills. Large-firm advisors typically have access to a broad range of resources and specialists, which can benefit complex college savings strategies.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize your college savings around federal tax rules and other state taxes like property or sales tax.
- Financial aid impact. Confirm how they model the effect of 529 or UTMA accounts on your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Account ownership strategy. Different account owners (parent, grandparent, or child) can change tax and aid outcomes; ask how they decide the best setup for you.
- Coordination with overall plan. College savings should fit into your broader financial goals; check how they balance 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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John K
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Empower Advisory Group
John Kelley specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm environment, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored to Fort Lauderdale residents. His flat-fee structure and over 15 years of experience, combined with Empower Advisory Group's integration with employer-sponsored retirement plans, provide a comprehensive approach that balances education funding with broader financial goals.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Alexander F
Series 63, Series 65
Fort Lauderdale, FL
LPL Financial
Alexander Forster's 28 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses equip him to handle college savings strategies effectively within LPL Financial's large-firm resources. His flat-fee structure and expertise in wealth management and tax-loss harvesting distinguish him from others, offering a comprehensive approach that integrates education funding with broader financial goals in Fort Lauderdale.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Brian G
Series 63, Series 66
Boca Raton, FL
Charles Schwab
Brian Golarz specializes in college savings strategies at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients with integrated wealth advisory services. With 16 years of experience and expertise in multi-state taxation and alternative investments, he offers a comprehensive approach that balances education funding with broader financial goals, charging an annual 0.80% AUM fee.
Experience: 16 years
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Brett K
Series 66
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Merrill
Brett Kahn specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting in Fort Lauderdale, leveraging Merrill Lynch's extensive resources to optimize 529 and UTMA accounts for tax and financial aid considerations. With four years of experience and a focus on young families and mid-career professionals, he offers a 1.10% AUM fee and integrates college savings into broader wealth management and retirement planning.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Jeffrey S
Series 63
Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Jeffrey Seltzer specializes in college savings strategies within a large-firm environment, leveraging 34 years of experience and a Series 63 designation to navigate 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively. His firm, Centaurus Financial, Inc., offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management, with flexible fee structures including up to 2.25% AUM fees and negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him from other advisors by combining seasoned expertise with broad service options near Fort Lauderdale.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $213,989
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