Seasoned, 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 how to balance saving with other financial goals. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without considering how withdrawals might affect financial aid or taxes.
- Tax implications. Ask how they manage distributions to minimize state and federal taxes, especially given Maryland's estate and inheritance taxes.
- Account types. Confirm they can explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other savings vehicles to match your family's needs.
- Long-term coordination. Look for advisors who integrate college savings with your overall financial plan, including retirement and estate considerations.
- Experience matters. Seasoned advisors here bring decades of insight into navigating changing education costs and tax rules.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ara A
Series 66
Bethesda, MD
EP Wealth Advisors
Ara Abrahamian brings 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address North Bethesda families' education funding needs. 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 appeal to clients seeking a sophisticated investment approach alongside financial planning.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,135,029
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Debora M
CFP®
Bethesda, MD
Councilor Wealth LLC
Debora May's 29 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide North Bethesda families through college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, while considering tax implications and financial aid. Her firm, MBI LLC, serves high-net-worth clients with a blend of fundamental and technical analysis, offering flat-fee financial planning and personalized investment policies, distinguishing her from advisors with less comprehensive approaches.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $1,578,084
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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 funding education in North Bethesda, MD. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement planning for business owners, providing a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Scott M
Series 63, Series 65
North Bethesda, MD
Merrill
Scott Mcgraw offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, backed by 32 years at Merrill Lynch in North Bethesda, MD. His approach integrates multi-generational wealth transfer and estate planning, serving parents and executives, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him within a large firm setting.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Meredith W
Series 66
Bethesda, MD
XML Financial Group
Meredith Wade offers seasoned expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 22 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Located near North Bethesda, MD, she provides flat-fee and hourly fee options through XML Financial Group, which serves diverse clients with a multi-advisor team approach and access to alternative investments, distinguishing her from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $1,102,008
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