Large-firm, 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 choose accounts that don’t fit your family’s timeline and goals. Large-firm advisors typically have access to a broad range of resources and specialists, which can benefit complex college savings strategies.
- Account type selection. Confirm how they decide between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other options based on your child's age and your financial situation.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they help manage federal tax implications, since Tennessee doesn’t tax wages or investment income.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ensure their approach matches your risk tolerance and the expected timing of college expenses.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings affect eligibility for need-based aid and scholarships.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Jefferson C
Series 63, Series 65
Knoxville, TN
Merrill
Jefferson Cross specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, leveraging 29 years of experience and a team that includes CFP® professionals to navigate 529 plans and tax implications effectively. His focus on values-based investing and serving parents, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee and local Knoxville presence, distinguishes him by blending personalized wealth management with deep community ties and a seasoned advisory approach.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Nicholas G
Series 66
Knoxville, TN
Charles Schwab
Nicholas Gearhart at Charles Schwab in Knoxville specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his firm's large-firm resources and multi-asset portfolios. With a Series 66 designation and experience in private investments and multi-state taxation, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and serves primarily high-net-worth clients, differentiating him through access to alternative investments and comprehensive wealth advisory services.
Experience: 1 year
-
Cassandra W
Series 66
Knoxville, TN
Empower Advisory Group
Cassandra Wyrick at Empower Advisory Group in Knoxville, TN, specializes in college savings including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her Series 66 license and five years of experience. Empower's large-firm resources and flat-fee structure, with one-time fees ranging from $199 to $499 plus monthly subscriptions, offer a cost-transparent approach compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Hassan F
CFP®, Series 63
Knoxville, TN
LPL Financial
Hassan Fawaz specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 27 years of experience and CFP® certification at large firm LPL Financial in Knoxville, TN. His flat-fee financial planning and access to diversified model portfolios distinguish him from others, while his background in retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting adds valuable adjacent expertise.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Mary L
Series 66
Powell, TN
Edward Jones
Mary Lyne at Edward Jones in Powell, TN, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by her Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets, offers diverse investment strategies and a fiduciary standard, providing access to broad resources that can enhance complex college savings strategies compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $246,728
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Knoxville, TN
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”)