Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in La Crosse, WI
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.
When you're planning for college expenses, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving with other financial goals. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without considering how savings fit into your overall family budget and timeline. Seasoned advisors bring years of experience to help you navigate these trade-offs.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax benefits and control features.
- Contribution strategy. Ask how they recommend timing and amounts of contributions to maximize growth while keeping flexibility.
- Financial aid impact. Ensure they consider how savings accounts affect eligibility for college financial aid.
- Coordination with other goals. Look for advisors who integrate college savings with retirement and other priorities, not treating them in isolation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kristy P
Series 63, Series 65
Onalaska, WI
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Kristy Peters offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of industry experience and a flat-fee structure. Based in nearby Onalaska, WI, she works with ValMark Advisers, which emphasizes diversified, goal-based portfolios and serves a broad client base, providing a comprehensive approach that integrates college savings with overall financial planning.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Mark B
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
Onalaska, WI
Interactive Financial Advisors
Mark Bertrang brings 38 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options. Based in nearby Onalaska, WI, he integrates college savings with broader financial goals using model-based portfolio strategies and tools like Modern Portfolio Theory, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on investment returns.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $183,947
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Bradley M
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Onalaska, WI
LPL Financial
Bradley Mills brings 26 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses. Operating from Onalaska, WI with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates college savings with broader wealth management and retirement planning for business owners.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Daniel G
Series 63, Series 65
Galesville, WI
Merrill
Daniel Gardner brings over 30 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to guide families in La Crosse, WI. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he integrates college savings with retirement and wealth management, serving women professionals and executives, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Troy B
Series 66
Onalaska, WI
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Troy Betthauser brings 25 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of funding education in La Crosse, WI. Operating within the large firm J. W. Cole Advisors, he offers flat-fee planning options and integrates college savings strategies with broader financial goals, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on investment returns.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $255,702
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