Seasoned, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, 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 tax implications and timing of withdrawals.
- Tax-aware planning. Ask how they navigate federal taxes alongside Washington's unique capital gains tax to optimize your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options to match your family's needs.
- Withdrawal strategy. Inquire about their approach to timing distributions to minimize tax impact and preserve financial aid eligibility.
- Experience with education costs. Look for advisors who consider tuition inflation and potential scholarships when recommending savings targets.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Stephen B
Series 63, Series 66
Lakewood, WA
LPL Financial
Stephen Bowden brings 44 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax-aware planning and withdrawal timing in Lakewood, WA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management, he provides flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John G
Series 63, Series 65
Tacoma, WA
Gould Capital, LLC
John Gould III brings 29 years of experience and specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax-aware planning and withdrawal timing for education expenses. Operating from Tacoma, WA, his firm uses proprietary value-based analysis and offers flexible consulting fees, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with tailored portfolio management services.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $1,092,501
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Robert H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Gig Harbor, WA
Advisory Alpha, LLC
Robert Harkson brings 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax-aware strategies and withdrawal timing. Based in nearby Gig Harbor, he offers flat-fee and negotiable pricing through Advisory Alpha, LLC, which serves diverse clients with comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on investment returns.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $269,985
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Michael B
Series 63, Series 66
Lakewood, WA
Edward Jones
Michael Batt offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 66 designations. Operating within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he provides tax-aware planning and wealth management services in Lakewood, WA, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from smaller or less experienced advisors.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Sam L
Series 66
Tacoma, WA
Merrill
Sam Lantow brings 24 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, serving clients from Tacoma and across Western Washington. His expertise extends to retirement income and charitable giving, supported by multiple certifications and a large-firm background at Merrill, offering a comprehensive approach compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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