Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Marion, IL
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 careful planning, you might miss out on how these accounts affect financial aid or how to balance saving with other goals.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, especially how they fit your family's financial picture.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they model savings to minimize reducing your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as college nears, not just set it and forget it.
- Experience with local costs. Since property taxes can be high in Illinois, check if they consider local economic factors when planning your savings.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Curtis W
Series 63, Series 65
Marion, IL
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Curtis Wharton brings 28 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address tax-advantaged education funding in Marion, IL. Affiliated with J. W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm, he offers flat-fee planning options and integrates portfolio management with local economic considerations, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $255,702
-
Lisa E
Series 63, Series 65
Marion, IL
LPL Financial
Lisa Emling's 33 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip her to address the complexities of tax-advantaged education funding in Marion, IL. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, she also brings insights from her role in local economic development, which may benefit clients considering regional financial factors.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Jarrod M
Series 63, Series 66
West Frankfort, IL
Edward Jones
Jarrod Meacham brings 22 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, serving clients near Marion, IL from West Frankfort. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him through extensive resources and a fiduciary standard.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $246,728
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Marion, IL
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)