Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Madison, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's financial situation and education plans.
- Investment approach. Ask how they adjust investment risk as your child gets closer to college age to protect your savings from market downturns.
- Coordination with financial aid. Good advisors consider how savings impact financial aid eligibility and help you plan accordingly.
- Tax implications. Understand how they manage contributions and withdrawals to maximize tax advantages and avoid penalties.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Andrew C
Series 66
Milwaukee, WI
Merrill
Andrew Charles specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging his nine years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management. His approach integrates tax planning and financial aid considerations, tailored for mid-career professionals and high earners. Compared to others, his holistic planning and local ties to Madison, WI, offer a personalized yet broad financial perspective.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Teodor T
Series 66
Madison, WI
LPL Financial
Teodor Trandafir specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 19 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices in Madison, WI.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Thomas Z
Series 63, Series 66
Madison, WI
Empower Advisory Group
Thomas Zionkowski specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his experience at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management. His flat-fee structure with one-time and monthly subscription options offers transparent pricing, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee models in Madison, WI.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Scott K
Series 63, Series 65
Madison, WI
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Scott Kelly's 41 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials equip him to guide college savings strategies in Madison, WI, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, ValMark Advisers, emphasizes diversified, goal-based portfolios using mutual funds and ETFs, and offers flexible flat-fee arrangements, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with a broad advisory network and tailored fee options.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Andrew D
Series 66
Madison, WI
Edward Jones
Andrew Drane specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating within Edward Jones, a large firm serving over four million clients, he offers a variety of advisory programs and a comprehensive support network, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller firms in Madison, WI.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $246,728
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