Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Iowa
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 ease the future financial burden of tuition and related expenses. Without careful planning, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose accounts that don't fit your family's needs.
- Account type clarity. Confirm whether they recommend 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your goals and flexibility needs.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate state and federal tax benefits or consequences tied to college savings accounts.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they consider college savings alongside other priorities like retirement or emergency funds, not in isolation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Valerie S
Series 66
Charles City, IA
LPL Financial
Valerie Smits specializes in college savings plans such as 529s and UTMA accounts, making her well-suited to help Iowa families plan for education expenses. Working at LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources and research support, she offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, which may provide broader perspectives compared to advisors focused solely on individual investors.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Joseph J
Series 66
Burlington, IA
Edward Jones
Joseph Jolin Sr. specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited to help Iowa families plan for education expenses. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management and tax-efficient services, he offers a program fee up to 1.35% annually and brings experience from multiple financial firms, providing a broad perspective compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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Heidi C
Series 66
Davenport, IA
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Heidi Collins specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 20 years of industry experience and a Series 66 credential, making her well-equipped to guide families in Iowa through tax-advantaged education funding. Working with J. W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm with over 400 advisers, she offers flat-fee financial planning and access to diverse managed account solutions, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or different fee structures.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Scott M
Series 63, Series 66
Mitchellville, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Scott Mergen specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by over a decade of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 66. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on employer-sponsored retirement plans, he offers flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing, emphasizing long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, which may provide a structured approach compared to other advisors in Iowa.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Andrew R
Series 66
Pisgah, IA
Charles Schwab
Andrew Richter specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Working with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual fee structure and access to both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options, including alternative investments, which may provide broader portfolio diversification compared to other advisors in Iowa.
Experience: 13 years
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