Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in McLean, VA
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 setting aside money for college, whether through a 529 plan or a UTMA account, you want an advisor who understands how to balance growth with your timeline. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without considering how financial aid eligibility or tax implications might be affected.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they help choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your goals and state tax benefits.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they factor in college savings when estimating your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as college approaches, not just chase high returns.
- Independent advice. These advisors operate without firm constraints, which can mean more flexibility in recommending solutions tailored to your situation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Trent T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Vienna, VA
Templer Wealth Management, LLC
Trent Templer offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 18 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to balance growth and financial aid considerations. His independent firm uses a diversified buy-and-hold approach and serves high-net-worth clients with flat-fee financial planning, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on investment returns or commission-based fees.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $2,339,069
-
Rohan P
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Tysons, VA
Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors, LLC
Rohan Patel specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFA® designation and six years of experience. Operating independently at Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors, he offers a committee-driven investment approach blending active and passive strategies, with flat-fee financial planning options, catering to high-net-worth clients near McLean, VA.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $2,545,861
-
Mario P
CFP®, Series 66
McLean, VA
Ardent Guardian Wealth Advisory, LLC
Mario Pizzamiglio specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on balancing investment risk and financial aid considerations. As a CFP®-certified independent advisor in McLean, VA, he offers fee-only services with a $12,000 annual minimum, employing a Modern Portfolio Theory approach using diversified index funds and ETFs, which may appeal to clients seeking passive investment management alongside comprehensive financial and tax planning.
Experience: 5 years
-
Timothy G
Series 63, Series 65
McLean, VA
Chatham Wealth Management. LLC
Timothy Gardner offers independent guidance on college savings strategies in McLean, VA, with expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing investment risk and financial aid considerations. With 29 years of experience at Chatham Wealth Management, he provides fee-only planning with flexible monthly and hourly options, blending passive and active investments including socially responsible choices.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $798,691
-
Vincent L
Series 65
McLean, VA
Vincent C. Lucas, C.P.A., P.C.
Vincent Lucas specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice tailored to your timeline and financial aid considerations in McLean, VA. With 20 years of experience and a focus on long-term strategies including asset allocation and diversification, his firm serves individuals and small businesses, charging 1.20% AUM or $475 hourly, which may suit clients seeking comprehensive planning beyond just college savings.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $236,250
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in McLean, VA
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”)