CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Lansing, MI
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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without focused guidance, you might miss how to balance these savings with other financial goals or overlook state-specific benefits.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education funding.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your family's needs.
- Coordination with pensions. In Michigan, many families have pensions; ask how college savings fit alongside these retirement benefits.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Financial aid impact. Check if they consider how savings accounts affect eligibility for financial aid and how to optimize for it.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joni P
CFP®, Series 66
Dewitt, MI
Edward Jones
Joni Preston's 12 years at Edward Jones equip her to guide Lansing families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, integrating these with retirement and philanthropic goals. Her CFP® certification and experience at a large firm offering diverse advisory programs distinguish her from others, while her focus on ESG investing and serving LGBTQIA clients adds valuable perspective.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Justin M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Haslett, MI
Effective Assets
Justin Martello's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Lansing families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing these with other financial goals. His firm, Effective Assets, emphasizes ESG investing and offers flat-fee financial planning, serving a diverse client base including high-net-worth households, which may appeal to clients seeking personalized, socially responsible strategies.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,240,574
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David H
CFP®, Series 66
East Lansing, MI
LPL Financial
David Hart's CFP® certification and 11 years of experience equip him to guide Lansing families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing these with retirement plans for business owners. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves diverse clients and integrates tax-loss harvesting strategies, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Christian R
CFP®, Series 66
East Lansing, MI
Merrill
Christian Ragsdale is well-equipped to assist with college savings in Lansing, MI, leveraging his CFP® certification and eight years of experience in wealth management and college savings strategies. His role at Merrill, a large firm, allows him to coordinate with attorneys and CPAs, offering a holistic approach that balances education funding with retirement and tax strategies, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
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