Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Gainesville, 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.
- Account type trade-offs. Ask how they choose between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your goals and control preferences.
- Financial aid impact. Confirm they model how your savings accounts influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Tax implications. Florida has no state income tax, but federal taxes and property taxes still matter; check how they optimize for these.
- Coordination with other goals. See if they integrate college savings with your overall financial plan, including retirement and estate considerations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Frank B
Series 66
Gainesville, FL
LPL Financial
Frank Buchanan IV specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 19 years of experience at LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources. His flat-fee financial planning and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners offer a comprehensive approach that integrates college savings with broader wealth management goals in Gainesville, FL.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Travis C
Series 63, Series 66
Gainsville, FL
Empower Advisory Group
Travis Crenshaw specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by eight years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, he can integrate college savings with retirement and debt management, providing a broad approach compared to advisors focused solely on savings plans.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Zane S
Series 66
Gainesville, FL
Charles Schwab
Zane Shelley at Charles Schwab in Gainesville, FL, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 10 years of experience and a Series 66 license. His affiliation with a large firm offers access to extensive resources and a broad range of investment options, with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, catering primarily to high-net-worth clients.
Experience: 10 years
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Howard T
Series 63, Series 66
Gainesville, FL
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Howard Timberlake's 31 years of experience and affiliation with J.W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm, equip him to handle complex college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts in Gainesville, FL. He offers flexible fee structures such as flat fees and hourly rates, and his background as a founder and retired professional adds practical insight compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Luke C
Series 66
Orlando, FL
Merrill
Luke Chauncey specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by Merrill's large-firm resources in Gainesville, FL. With 3 years of experience and a 1.10% AUM fee, he also serves mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, integrating elder care and wealth management to coordinate college savings with broader financial goals.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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