Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Georgia
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 custodial accounts (UTMAs). A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without understanding how account types affect financial aid or taxes.
- Account type trade-offs. Ask how they compare 529 plans versus UTMA accounts for your family’s goals and control preferences.
- Tax implications. Confirm they explain how contributions and withdrawals impact your state and federal taxes, including any Georgia-specific benefits.
- Financial aid impact. Look for advisors who model how college savings accounts affect your child’s eligibility for need-based aid.
- Large-firm resources. These advisors often have access to specialized tools and research that can help tailor your college savings strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Marilynne S
Series 63, Series 66
Canton, GA
Empower Advisory Group
Marilynne Shadow specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her eight years of experience and Series 63 and 66 designations. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning linked to employer-sponsored retirement plans, she offers flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing, distinguishing her approach with a focus on long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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William W
Series 63, Series 65
Rome, GA
LPL Financial
William Wilcox specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 29 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials to navigate tax implications and financial aid impacts effectively. Based in Rome, GA, he operates within LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive research resources and a flat-fee structure, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and comprehensive support compared to other advisors in the region.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Darlene V
Series 66
Marietta, GA
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Darlene Van Beek specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and a Series 66 license. Operating within Money Concepts Capital Corp, a large firm managing $3.33 billion with diverse portfolio approaches, she offers tailored financial planning and consulting services in Marietta, GA, with flexible fee structures including AUM and hourly consulting options.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $237,847
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James A
Series 63, Series 65
Aiken, SC
Merrill
James Adams specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited to help Georgia families balance education costs with tax and financial aid considerations. With 30 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, he offers expertise in retirement income, estate planning, and tax-loss harvesting, serving mid-career professionals and high earners with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him through broad financial planning capabilities and seasoned insight.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Micky K
Series 63, Series 66
Johns Creek, GA
Charles Schwab
Micky Kim Cowger specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Operating from Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she offers access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options, differentiating her with robust firm resources and a 0.80% annual AUM fee.
Experience: 7 years
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