Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Grand Rapids, MI
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 out on how these accounts interact with financial aid or state tax benefits.
- Account type trade-offs. Understand the differences between 529s and UTMA accounts, including control and tax implications.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how your savings strategy affects eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment choices. Confirm how the advisor selects investments suited to your child's age and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with pensions. In Michigan, consider how your family's pension decisions might influence college savings priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Thaddeus P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC
Thaddeus Phelps specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 28 years of industry experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate tax implications and financial aid considerations in Grand Rapids, MI. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning and discretionary investment management with a focus on individualized asset allocation and risk management, serving high-net-worth clients and trusts, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, tailored guidance beyond basic college savings.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Kimberley H
Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
LPL Financial
Kimberley Hamilton's 42 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make her well-equipped to navigate tax-advantaged strategies and financial aid considerations in Grand Rapids. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering both advisory and brokerage services, she provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, distinguishing her from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Alex T
Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Innovia Wealth, LLC
Alex Timmer specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with eight years of experience in Grand Rapids, MI. His firm, Innovia Wealth, serves high-net-worth clients with flat-fee financial planning and offers diversified investment approaches, including private equity, which may provide broader options compared to other advisors focused solely on traditional college savings plans.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $3,865,403
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Robert R
Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Kroon & Mitchell Asset Management LLC
Robert Roper specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his CPA background and Series 65 designation. Operating in Grand Rapids, MI, he offers independent advice with a fee structure of 0.90% AUM or $150 to $300 hourly, backed by Kroon & Mitchell's $193 million asset management and a long-term buy-and-hold investment approach.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $1,088,230
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Jennifer S
CFP®, Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Merrill
Jennifer Scharphorn offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 25 years of experience and CFP® certification in Grand Rapids, MI. Her affiliation with Merrill provides access to integrated investment, banking, and lending services, supporting mid-career professionals and HENRY clients with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing her through a comprehensive, adaptable wealth management approach.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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