Seasoned, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and your overall financial picture, which can lead to missed opportunities or unexpected tax consequences.
- Account type suitability. Ask why they recommend a 529 plan versus a UTMA account based on your goals and control preferences.
- Investment strategy over time. Confirm how they adjust investments as your child approaches college age to balance growth and risk.
- Coordination with financial aid. Discuss how savings might affect your child's eligibility for aid and how they plan around that.
- Experience with Illinois tax context. Since Illinois has no tax on retirement income but high property taxes, see how they factor state-specific considerations into your plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Michael H
Series 63, Series 65
Downers Grove, IL
LPL Financial
Michael Hankes brings over 40 years of experience specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate Illinois-specific tax considerations and investment strategies aligned with your child's timeline. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, he stands out by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee structures and a broad client service approach.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
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 through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering state-specific tax factors. His flat-fee structure and background as a founder/business owner differentiate him by offering transparent pricing and insights into business-related financial planning alongside college savings strategies.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $4,656
-
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, with attention to state-specific tax considerations. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee structure and combines discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or different fee models.
Experience: 25 years
-
Todd O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Peoria, IL
Edward Jones
Todd Osing's 31 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Illinois families in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering state-specific tax factors. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a broad range of advisory strategies and serves diverse client types, which may provide more comprehensive support compared to smaller or less experienced advisors.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
Timothy O
Series 63, Series 65
Quincy, IL
O'Connor Financial Group LLC
Timothy O'Connor's 34 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to guide Illinois families through tax-advantaged education funding. His firm manages $235 million in assets, offers flat-fee planning options, and employs diversified, risk-based portfolios, distinguishing him with a comprehensive approach that balances investment strategy and state-specific considerations.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $773,972
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Illinois
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)