Flat-fee, 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 a clear plan, you might miss out on how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or how to balance saving with other goals. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know what to expect without surprises.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529s and UTMA accounts, including tax benefits and control over funds.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how your savings strategy might influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who discuss how investment choices within these accounts align with your timeline and risk comfort.
- Coordination with overall plan. Ensure they consider how college savings fit alongside pensions or other retirement decisions common in the Grand Rapids area.
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 and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning services in Grand Rapids, MI. With 28 years of experience and CFP® certification, he provides tailored investment management and risk strategies, serving high-net-worth clients with a focus on individualized asset allocation and comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Tyler P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Tyler Pell specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning in Grand Rapids, MI. With 25 years of experience and CFP® certification at a large firm, he provides access to diverse managed account solutions and negotiable flat fees, distinguishing him from advisors who may charge strictly by assets under management or hourly rates.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Mindy M
Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Empower Advisory Group
Mindy Minarik Prins specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee options with one-time fees ranging from $199 to $499 and monthly subscriptions of $15 or $29. Based in Grand Rapids, she brings six years of experience and works within Empower Advisory Group's integrated platform, which supports employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail brokerage accounts, providing a broad financial planning context beyond just college savings.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $565,063
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John V
Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Innovia Wealth, LLC
John Vande Guchte specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning with fees typically not exceeding $75,000. Serving high-net-worth clients in Grand Rapids, he brings 10 years of experience and integrates estate planning and private investments, differentiating him through a comprehensive approach tailored to affluent families balancing college savings with broader wealth management.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $3,865,403
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Casey T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
LPL Financial
Casey Tjalsma offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of experience and CFP® certification in Grand Rapids. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm, he provides flat-fee financial planning, blending wealth management and retirement plan knowledge, which may benefit clients seeking coordinated long-term financial solutions.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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