CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Lakewood, WA
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 how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or trigger unexpected taxes.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate federal tax benefits alongside Washington's unique capital gains tax to optimize your savings.
- Financial aid strategy. Confirm they understand how different accounts influence aid calculations and can help balance savings with aid eligibility.
- Account selection guidance. Look for advice on choosing between 529s, UTMA, or other vehicles based on your family's goals and timeline.
- Withdrawal planning. Ensure they explain how to use funds efficiently to avoid penalties or tax surprises when paying for education.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Nils W
CFP®, Series 66
Tacoma, WA
Ares Financial Consulting LLC
Nils Wickman is well-equipped to assist with college savings in Lakewood, WA, leveraging his CFP® certification and 18 years of experience, including expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, Ares Financial Consulting LLC, uses a Modern Portfolio Theory approach and offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and personalized financial planning.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $843,432
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Julie W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Tacoma, WA
Julie A. Wurst, CFP, LLC
Julie Wurst offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her 11 years of experience and CFP® certification. Located near Lakewood in Tacoma, she provides flat-fee financial planning with a focus on passive, globally diversified index investing, serving high-net-worth clients and small businesses, which distinguishes her from advisors with different fee structures or investment approaches.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $2,866,290
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Christopher P
CFP®, Series 66
University Place, WA
LPL Financial
Christopher Panagiotu is CFP®-certified with 11 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax impacts and financial aid strategies in Lakewood, WA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee planning and diverse investment solutions, he serves a broad client base including business owners and retirees, providing a comprehensive approach compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Robert H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Gig Harbor, WA
Advisory Alpha, LLC
Robert Harkson's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Based in Gig Harbor, WA, he offers flat-fee and negotiable pricing through Advisory Alpha, LLC, serving both individual and high-net-worth clients with a broad range of managed investment strategies and specialty solutions.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $269,985
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Derek D
CFP®, CFA®, Series 65
Tacoma, WA
Stolz & Associates, Ps
Derek Dzingle's CFP® certification and focus on college savings align well with families in Lakewood, WA seeking guidance on 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His experience at Stolz & Associates, a firm managing $282 million with a 1.25% AUM fee, offers clients diversified, long-term investment strategies alongside comprehensive financial planning and estate guidance.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $1,429,885
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