Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Gardena, 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 lock in tuition costs or prepare for education expenses without jeopardizing your financial stability. A common mistake is choosing savings plans without understanding how they impact financial aid or tax benefits.
- Plan type differences. Ask how 529 plans compare to UTMA accounts in terms of control, tax treatment, and impact on financial aid eligibility.
- Tax implications. Confirm how contributions and withdrawals affect your state and federal taxes, especially given California's tax environment.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these plans align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with overall finances. Ensure the advisor considers how college savings fit with your broader financial goals, including retirement and estate planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Benjamin N
Series 66
El Segundo, CA
Merrill
Benjamin Norrie specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering 18 years of experience and a Series 66 designation while working at Merrill's large firm in El Segundo, CA. His expertise extends to wealth management and retirement income strategy, providing a comprehensive approach that balances education funding with broader financial goals and tax considerations.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Diana L
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Torrance, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Diana Law's 16 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to tax implications and financial aid impact. Based in nearby Torrance, CA, she offers flat-fee and monthly subscription options through Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management services.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $565,063
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John K
Series 63, Series 65
Gardena, CA
LPL Financial
John Koyama specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, leveraging 17 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses to navigate tax implications and investment options in Gardena, CA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and extensive advisory resources, he combines personalized planning with institutional support, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with different fee models.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kayla S
Series 66
El Segundo, CA
Charles Schwab
Kayla Schmit at Charles Schwab in El Segundo, CA, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by her Series 66 credential and expertise in multi-state taxation. Serving a large client base with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, she offers access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options, differentiating her through the resources of a large firm.
Experience: 0 years
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Scott S
Series 66
Torrance, CA
Edward Jones
Scott Schultheis specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering guidance on tax implications and investment options tailored to education timelines. Based in nearby Torrance, CA, he works with Edward Jones, a large firm serving over four million clients, and charges up to 1.35% annually, providing access to extensive resources and managed solutions compared to smaller local advisors.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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