Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you need an advisor who understands how to balance saving for education with other financial goals. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts.
Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of resources and tools, which can benefit your college savings strategy.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your family's financial situation and goals.
- Investment options. Ask about the range and flexibility of investment choices within college savings accounts and how they align with your risk tolerance.
- Coordination with other plans. See how they integrate college savings with pensions or other retirement plans common in the auto industry region.
- Fee structure clarity. Understand how fees are charged within large firms and how that impacts your overall savings growth.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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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 strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 25 years of experience and CFP® certification at the large firm J.W. Cole Advisors in Grand Rapids. His flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, combined with expertise in retirement plans for business owners, offer flexible, comprehensive guidance compared to other advisors in the area.
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 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering integrated financial planning and investment management, she provides flat-fee and monthly subscription options, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fee structures alongside coordinated retirement and education savings planning in Grand Rapids, MI.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Michael R
Series 63, Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Merrill
Michael Ryan specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting in Grand Rapids, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored for mid-career professionals and high earners. His approach integrates education planning with broader retirement and business exit strategies, supported by Merrill's extensive resources and a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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James H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
LPL Financial
James Hamilton Jr. offers expertise in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, leveraging 32 years of experience and CFP® certification to guide clients in Grand Rapids, MI. His flat-fee structure and background as a founder and retired professional provide a distinctive approach compared to other advisors, supported by LPL Financial's broad investment solutions and in-house research.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Allan S
CFP®, Series 66
Battle Creek, MI
Eagle Strategies (NY Life)
Allan Sherwood offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and affiliation with Eagle Strategies, a large firm providing diverse investment options and retirement plan consulting. His background in education and prior experience at Edward Jones add a unique perspective, while his fee structure includes tiered AUM fees and flexible hourly or subscription options, distinguishing him from other advisors in Grand Rapids.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $235,446
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