Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Fort Walton Beach, 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 lock in education costs before tuition rises or when a child approaches college age. Without a clear plan, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose accounts that don't fit your family's financial situation.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which savings vehicles they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, and why one suits your goals better.
- Tax impact awareness. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize federal tax benefits and consider property or sales taxes in your planning.
- Investment strategy fit. Look for advisors who align investment choices with your timeline and risk tolerance for education expenses.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they integrate college savings with your broader financial picture, including retirement and cash flow needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Reginald H
Series 63, Series 65
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Merrill
Reginald Hoddinott III offers extensive expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by over 40 years of experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Fort Walton Beach, FL. His large-firm background and focus on mid-career professionals and high earners, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee structure, distinguish him from other advisors by blending seasoned wealth management with tailored retirement and philanthropic planning.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
David Z
Series 63, Series 66
Niceville, FL
Charles Schwab
David Zhang's expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, combined with his knowledge of multi-state taxation, suits families in Fort Walton Beach aiming to optimize education funding. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, he offers access to both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts, providing a comprehensive investment approach compared to smaller local advisors.
Experience: 7 years
-
Dallis S
Series 65
Fort Walton Beach, FL
D3 Advisors LLC
Dallis Shipe specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored guidance in Fort Walton Beach, FL. His firm, D3 Advisors LLC, employs an asset-allocation approach via Betterment Advisor Solutions and provides flat-fee educational lessons and hourly planning, distinguishing him with flexible fee options and a focus on integrating college savings with broader financial goals.
Experience: 1 year
-
Mary T
Series 66
Fort Walton Beach, FL
LPL Financial
Mary Tinsley offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 13 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with flat-fee options, she integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement planning for business owners, providing a broad approach compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Brian O
CFP®, EA
Niceville, FL
Winged Wealth Management and Financial Planning
Brian O'Neill specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider Florida's tax environment and your family's financial goals. With 23 years of military experience and CFP® certification, he provides flat-fee financial planning focused on high-net-worth Gen X clients, blending disciplined investment approaches with practical budgeting advice.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,039,819
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)