Large-firm, 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.
If you're planning for your child's education or future expenses, setting up college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts can help you grow funds tax-advantaged. A common mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your family's timeline and financial goals, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts. Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of investment options and resources, which may influence their approach.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's needs and timeline.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate state tax benefits and potential impacts on financial aid eligibility.
- Investment options. Explore how they select and manage investments within 529 or UTMA accounts to balance growth and risk.
- Coordination with overall planning. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial and estate plans.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Brian P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Torrance, CA
EP Wealth Advisors
Brian Parker's 27 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage college savings accounts like 529 plans and UTMA custodial accounts effectively, aligning with your family's timeline and goals. At EP Wealth Advisors, a large, fee-only firm, he employs a suitability-driven investment approach and offers comprehensive services including tax preparation and estate-document facilitation, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Gardena area.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $2,135,029
-
John K
Series 63, Series 65
Gardena, CA
LPL Financial
John Koyama specializes in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 17 years of experience and his affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment options and in-house research. He provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a broad client base, including high-net-worth households, which may offer more tailored solutions compared to advisors with narrower client focuses.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Scott S
Series 66
Torrance, CA
Edward Jones
Scott Schultheis at Edward Jones specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets. Despite having one year of industry experience, he offers a fee structure with up to 1.35% annual program fees and brings insights from prior roles at Grant Thornton and The Pool Doctor, LLC, distinguishing him from other advisors in Torrance, CA.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
-
Joy M
Series 66
El Segundo, CA
Merrill
Joy Milan specializes in college savings strategies within a large-firm setting, leveraging Merrill's broad investment options and Bank of America's banking services to tailor 529 and UTMA plans for families. With 15 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation, she also focuses on women professionals and integrates wealth management with retirement and estate planning, offering a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors in Gardena, CA.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Mark G
Series 63, Series 66
El Segundo, CA
Charles Schwab
Mark Gregory at Charles Schwab offers expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and credentials like Series 63 and 66. Operating from El Segundo, CA, he serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual fee, providing access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services, distinguishing him within large-firm advisors.
Experience: 15 years
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Gardena, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)