Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Fresno, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you’re considering tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your overall financial goals and tax situation, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts. Seasoned advisors bring years of experience to help you navigate these choices effectively.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California’s high income taxes and Proposition 13’s property tax limits when recommending savings vehicles.
- Account selection guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including control and financial aid implications.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who tailor investment choices within college savings accounts to your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with broader planning. Ensure they consider how college savings fit with your retirement and other financial priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Melaney F
Series 63, Series 65
Fresno, CA
Merrill
Melaney Friesen offers 26 years of experience in college savings planning, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored to Fresno families balancing education costs with broader financial goals. As a seasoned advisor at Merrill, she serves women professionals and parents, applying a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, and integrates retirement and philanthropic planning into her comprehensive approach.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Nicholas O
Series 63, Series 65
Fresno, CA
LPL Financial
Nicholas Ostdiek's 27 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, position him well to address Fresno clients' education funding needs. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he also brings knowledge in retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting, providing a broad perspective that integrates college savings with overall wealth management.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Brooke B
Series 63, Series 66
Clovis, CA
Mutual Of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
Brooke Barnes brings 22 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making her well-equipped to address Fresno-area families' education funding needs. As an independent advisor at Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, she offers flat-fee financial planning and specializes in business ownership considerations, providing a broad perspective that integrates college savings with overall wealth management.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $4,656
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Robert S
Series 63, Series 65
Fresno, CA
Charles Schwab
Robert Swanbeck's 28 years at Charles Schwab equip him to guide Fresno clients through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering multi-state taxation and investment alignment. His experience with high-net-worth clients and a 0.80% AUM fee structure distinguishes him from others by offering access to both discretionary and non-discretionary managed solutions within a large-firm setting.
Experience: 29 years
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Russell M
CFP®, Series 66
Clovis, CA
SimplifiedFP
Russell Maltes brings 25 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, specializing in 529 and UTMA accounts while serving high-net-worth clients near Fresno. His independent firm, SimplifiedFP, offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning with a focus on diversified portfolios and asset allocation, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or less emphasis on institutional and retirement plan consulting.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $948,868
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