Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in North Bethesda, MD
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 planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands the nuances of 529 plans and UTMA accounts to help you avoid costly mistakes. A common pitfall is not aligning the savings strategy with your family's financial aid goals, which can reduce the aid you qualify for.
- Tax implications. Confirm how they navigate state and federal tax benefits tied to college savings accounts.
- Estate and inheritance tax awareness. Since Maryland has both estate and inheritance taxes, ask how they integrate college savings into your broader estate plan.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here can leverage extensive research and tools from their firms to optimize your college savings approach.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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James L
Series 66
North Bethesda, MD
Merrill
James Lobocchiaro at Merrill in North Bethesda specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging large-firm resources to navigate tax implications and estate planning in Maryland. With 2 years of experience, he also serves mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, offering a 1.10% AUM fee and a background that includes military service and real estate, providing a diverse perspective compared to other advisors.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Don M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Washington, DC
Edward Jones
Don Morton specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and experience at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources. His background as a founder and expertise in multi-generational wealth transfer and business ownership considerations provide a broader perspective compared to other advisors in North Bethesda, MD, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Ara A
Series 66
Bethesda, MD
EP Wealth Advisors
Ara Abrahamian's 23 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to handle college savings strategies involving 529 plans and UTMA accounts, especially within a large-firm setting. His firm, Divergent Planning, offers discretionary portfolio management with a focus on asset allocation and risk management, blending passive core holdings with tactical models, which may provide a nuanced approach compared to other advisors in North Bethesda, MD.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,135,029
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Vladislav R
Series 63, Series 65
North Bethesda, MD
LPL Financial
Vladislav Romanov's 30 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip him to address the complexities of tax implications and estate planning in North Bethesda, MD. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive research resources, he provides flat-fee financial planning, catering to a diverse clientele including business owners and retirees.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Nicholas G
Series 63, Series 66
Potomac, MD
Charles Schwab
Nicholas Garcia's expertise in college savings plans, combined with his 12 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses, equips him to navigate the complexities of 529 and UTMA accounts effectively. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to both advisory and discretionary managed accounts, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources or different fee structures.
Experience: 12 years
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