Flat-fee, 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 balance education costs with other financial goals, like retirement or home buying. Without careful planning, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose the wrong savings vehicle for your family's needs. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know what to expect without surprises.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options, including tax benefits and control features.
- Contribution strategy. Ask how they recommend timing and amount of contributions to maximize growth and flexibility.
- Coordination with other goals. See if they consider your overall financial picture, ensuring college savings don’t crowd out retirement or emergency funds.
- State tax considerations. Illinois doesn’t tax retirement income, but property taxes can be high; check how they factor this into your plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Michael H
Series 63, Series 65
Downers Grove, IL
LPL Financial
Michael Hankes specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering flat-fee financial planning that helps families in Illinois balance education funding with other goals. With over 40 years of experience at LPL Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he combines seasoned expertise with access to extensive research and investment solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or less comprehensive resources.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Shane S
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Mutual Of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
Shane Swanson specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning with fees ranging from $500 to $25,000, which provides cost predictability for Illinois families. With 31 years of experience and CFP® and ChFC® credentials, he also brings expertise in business ownership and retirement plans, making him a versatile choice for clients balancing education funding with broader financial goals.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $4,656
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Thomas W
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmette, IL
Northpoint Advisory LLC
Thomas Wiscomb specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering flat-fee financial planning typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, which may be reduced with asset management engagement. Based in Wilmette, IL, he brings 19 years of experience and serves high-net-worth clients through Northpoint Advisory LLC, employing a core/satellite investment approach that emphasizes principal protection and tax efficiency, distinguishing him from other advisors in Illinois.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $5,100,214
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Sandra H
CFP®
Downers Grove, IL
Capstone Financial Advisors Inc
Sandra Higgins specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning that helps balance education funding with other goals. Based in Downers Grove, IL, she brings CFP® certification and access to private investments and in-house tax services through Capstone Financial Advisors, which serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,675,828
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Abigail H
Series 66
Buffalo Grove, IL
Phase III Advisory Services, LTD
Abigail Hoon specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering flat-fee financial planning that can be quoted based on complexity, which suits families seeking predictable costs in Illinois. Her firm, Phase III Advisory Services, manages $162 million across 366 clients with a blend of fundamental and technical portfolio analysis, providing a comprehensive approach beyond just college savings.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $436,669
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