Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Kiryas Joel, NY
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 your savings strategy with your family's financial situation and future education costs, which can lead to missed opportunities or unexpected tax consequences.
- Account type selection. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your goals and timeline.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they help you avoid surprises from estate tax cliffs or state-specific tax rules.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investments as your child nears college age, balancing growth and risk.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings affect eligibility for scholarships or aid programs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Douglas S
Series 66
Fishkill, NY
LPL Financial
Douglas Sternemann's 12 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves diverse clients and integrates advisory services with insurance and credit products, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Maria K
Series 63
Goshen, NY
Compass Capital Corporation
Maria Kondracki Dwyer offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 48 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating from Goshen, NY, she provides hourly financial planning through Compass Capital Corporation, which emphasizes asset allocation and efficient-frontier portfolio optimization, serving a diverse client base including trusts and small businesses.
Experience: 49 years
Avg account: $520,864
-
Raul B
Series 63, Series 65
Warwick, NY
Magellan Financial Solutions LLC
Raul Berina specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his expertise in wealth management and real estate investing. Operating from Warwick, NY, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves high-net-worth clients, differentiating himself with a focus on capital preservation and risk management through a blend of fundamental and technical analysis.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $898,992
-
James B
Series 66
Middletown, NY
Merrill
James Bannon specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering tailored portfolio adjustments as children approach college age to balance growth and risk. Based in Middletown, NY, he brings expertise in retirement and elder care planning, serving mid-career professionals and HENRY clients through Merrill's large-firm resources with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Derek D
Series 66
Middletown, NY
Kestra Private Wealth Services, LLC
Derek Dimino specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider tax impacts and investment adjustments as children approach college age. Based in Middletown, NY, he operates independently with a flat-fee structure through Kestra Private Wealth Services, a firm managing over $10 billion in assets, which may provide a broad range of advisory resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $653,677
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Kiryas Joel, NY
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”)