Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving with other financial goals. Without expertise in college savings plans, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax benefits or coordinate with your overall financial picture.
- Plan type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, such as 529 plans or UTMA accounts, based on your family's needs.
- Tax impact awareness. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they focus on federal tax advantages and other local tax considerations.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors at large firms often have access to broader investment options and support teams; see how they leverage these for your college savings strategy.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand how they plan distributions to minimize taxes and align with your child's education timeline.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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James R
Series 66
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Edward Jones
James Roberson III specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 18 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources. His background includes retirement income strategy and multi-generational wealth transfer, and he offers advisory programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, serving clients near Fort Walton Beach from Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $246,728
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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 44 years at Merrill, a large firm with broad resources. His experience with mid-career professionals and high earners, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee structure, distinguishes him by blending personalized strategies with large-firm capabilities in Fort Walton Beach.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $860,085
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David Z
Series 63, Series 66
Niceville, FL
Charles Schwab
David Zhang specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his expertise in multi-state taxation to optimize federal tax benefits for families in the Fort Walton Beach area. As part of Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to a broad range of investment options and centralized support, distinguishing him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 7 years
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Mary T
Series 66
Fort Walton Beach, FL
LPL Financial
Mary Tinsley specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 13 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, making her well-equipped to navigate tax-efficient strategies in Fort Walton Beach. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm, she offers flat-fee financial planning and access to extensive investment resources, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm affiliations.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $399,489
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