Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Milpitas, CA
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.
You might be planning for your child's education expenses or managing funds in a 529 plan or UTMA account. Without focused guidance, you could miss opportunities to optimize tax benefits or align savings with your education timeline.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how the advisor navigates California's high income taxes and leverages strategies like Proposition 13 to manage property tax implications.
- Account type selection. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial goals and flexibility needs.
- Investment alignment. Ensure they tailor investment choices to your child's age and anticipated college start date, balancing growth and risk appropriately.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors operate independently, check how they prioritize your interests without firm product constraints.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Chengkuo C
Series 65
San Jose, CA
Redwood Money
Chengkuo Chen specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice from San Jose, CA, near Milpitas. His firm, Redwood Money, manages $60 million with a passive investment approach using low-cost index ETFs, and he provides flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, which may suit clients seeking transparent fees and goal-based asset allocation.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $809,325
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Jennifer B
CFP®
San Jose, CA
Intentional Wealth Partners
Jennifer Bush offers independent, CFP®-certified guidance on college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, with a decade of experience and a flat-fee structure ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Based in nearby San Jose, she specializes in supporting women through life transitions, providing personalized strategies that consider tax impacts and investment alignment for education timelines.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $395,671
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Brandon A
CFP®
San Jose, CA
Amaral Financial Planning
Brandon Amaral specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax planning and cash flow management, making him well-suited for families in Milpitas, CA. His independent, flat-fee practice emphasizes long-term, passive investing and integrates tax preparation and representation services, distinguishing him from advisors who may not offer combined financial and tax support.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $366,522
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Richard H
CFP®, PFS™, Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Richard Hillsbery's 20 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored to California's tax environment. His affiliation with ValMark Advisers, Inc. offers access to diversified, goal-based portfolios, while his flat-fee and hourly options provide flexible cost structures compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Ryan D
Series 65
Santa Clara, CA
Viridian Way LLC
Ryan Dearkland specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice from his Santa Clara-based firm, Viridian Way LLC. With a flat-fee structure up to $20,000 and six years of industry experience, he integrates fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory, focusing on tailored strategies for business owners and high-net-worth clients, which may provide a broader financial planning perspective compared to others.
Experience: 1 year
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