CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Illinois
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. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and your family's financial situation, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which savings vehicles they recommend for your goals and why, considering factors like flexibility and tax treatment.
- Investment strategy. Ask how they balance growth potential with risk as your child approaches college age.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings impact eligibility for need-based aid.
- State tax implications. Since Illinois has no tax on retirement income but high property taxes, see how they factor state-specific rules into your plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Shane S
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Mutual Of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
Shane Swanson's 31 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Illinois families in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing growth and risk effectively. His flat-fee structure and independence, combined with expertise in business ownership and retirement plans, distinguish him by offering comprehensive financial planning beyond just college savings, suitable for clients seeking broad wealth management support.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $4,656
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Ross H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Springfield, IL
KEB Wealth Advisors
Ross Hager's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Illinois families in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing growth and risk effectively. At KEB Wealth Advisors, he supports high-net-worth clients with an evidence-based investment approach and offers flexible fee options, including AUM and hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on standard fee structures or less diverse client bases.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $1,878,329
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Steven D
CFP®, Series 66
La Grange, IL
LPL Financial
Steven Davis is equipped to assist with college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his 16 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor strategies that align with your child's timeline and financial goals. Operating from LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research support, he offers flat-fee financial planning and specializes in wealth management and tax-loss harvesting, providing a comprehensive approach compared to smaller or hourly-fee advisors nearby.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Sandra H
CFP®
Downers Grove, IL
Capstone Financial Advisors Inc
Sandra Higgins is equipped to assist with college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging her CFP® certification and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and general tax planning to optimize savings strategies. Based in Downers Grove, IL, she operates with a flat-fee structure at Capstone Financial Advisors, a firm known for serving high-net-worth individuals and offering access to private investments and in-house tax services, which may provide broader financial planning benefits compared to other advisors.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,675,828
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Kenneth Z
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Kenneth Zimmer's 25 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Illinois families in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee structure and expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 25 years
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