CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Michigan
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 balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you have children or grandchildren approaching school age. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without considering tax advantages and withdrawal rules specific to college savings accounts.
- Account type clarity. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, and why one fits your family’s needs better.
- Tax impact understanding. Ask how they manage tax benefits and penalties tied to these accounts to avoid unexpected costs.
- Pension coordination. Since Michigan has many auto industry pensions, check how they integrate college savings with your overall retirement and pension planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Thaddeus P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC
Thaddeus Phelps specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 28 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax benefits and withdrawal rules effectively. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning through Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC, focusing on individualized asset allocation and risk management, which distinguishes him from other advisors by combining college savings expertise with broader estate and tax planning services.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Nickolas S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Novi, MI
ON Investment Management CO
Nickolas Sanchez's 18 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Michigan families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing tax benefits and withdrawal rules. His independent, flat-fee approach at On Investment Management CO, which serves diverse clients including retirement plan sponsors, distinguishes him by offering personalized strategies integrating college savings with broader retirement and pension planning.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $319,610
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David P
CFP®
Waterford, MI
Patterson Advisors
David Patterson's 16 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Michigan families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing tax implications and withdrawal rules. His independent firm serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure, emphasizing goal-based planning and diversified portfolios using low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, which may appeal to those seeking personalized, comprehensive financial strategies beyond just college savings.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $0
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Nicholas D
CFP®, Series 65, Series 63
Farmington Hills, MI
Center for Financial Planning Inc
Nicholas Defenthaler is a CFP®-certified advisor in Southfield, MI, specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, with 12 years of experience and a focus on integrating these with broader retirement and wealth management strategies. His firm, Center for Financial Planning Inc, serves clients with higher asset levels using tailored asset allocations and diversified strategies, offering both flat-fee financial planning and a 1.20% AUM fee, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, personalized guidance in Michigan.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $1,314,674
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Jason H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
LPL Financial
Jason Huber's 27 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Michigan families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing tax benefits and withdrawal rules. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and specializes in wealth management and retirement plans for business owners, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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