Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Knoxville, TN
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. Without careful planning, you might miss opportunities to reduce federal taxes or coordinate savings with financial aid strategies.
- Account type selection. Ask why they recommend a 529 plan versus a UTMA account based on your goals and control preferences.
- Federal tax impact. Confirm how they help manage federal tax consequences, since Tennessee has no state income tax on investment earnings.
- Savings timeline. Discuss how they adjust strategies depending on when your child will attend college and your expected contributions.
- Financial aid considerations. Check if they factor in how savings accounts affect eligibility for need-based aid.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bryan S
Series 63, Series 65
Knoxville, TN
Empower Advisory Group
Bryan Sodomora offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 11 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm, he provides flat-fee options and integrates financial planning with investment management, which may appeal to clients seeking coordinated retirement and college savings advice in Knoxville, TN.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Gail H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Knoxville, TN
LPL Financial
Gail Hatfield specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her CFP® certification and eight years of experience in Knoxville, TN. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, she also brings expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, providing a broad approach compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Jefferson C
Series 63, Series 65
Knoxville, TN
Merrill
Jefferson Cross specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 29 years of experience at Merrill Lynch in Knoxville, TN. His approach integrates wealth management, retirement planning, and tax minimization, supported by a large team and a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him with comprehensive family-focused financial guidance and a strong local connection.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Patrick E
CFP®, Series 66
Knoxville, TN
Uprise Advisers LLC
Patrick Elliott's 17 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Knoxville families in optimizing college savings through 529 plans or UTMA accounts, considering tax impacts and financial aid. His firm, Uprise Advisers LLC, offers fixed pricing and online financial planning without asset management, differentiating him with a modern portfolio theory approach and a focus on individual clients.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $0
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Jessica S
Series 65
Knoxville, TN
Ferris Wheel Finance, Inc.
Jessica Shular specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making her well-suited for families in Knoxville aiming to optimize tax-advantaged education funding. Her firm, Ferris Wheel Finance, offers flat-fee comprehensive planning and manages $35.7 million for a diverse client base, providing both ongoing portfolio management and educational workshops that distinguish her approach from others.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $138,673
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