Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in New York
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 make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your child's timeline and potential financial aid impact.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your family's financial situation and goals.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate state and federal tax benefits, including potential estate tax effects if your savings exceed exemption limits.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child nears college age, balancing growth and preservation.
- Financial aid impact. Discuss how your savings strategy might affect eligibility for need-based aid and what adjustments they suggest.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Steven B
Series 63, Series 66
New York City, NY
Charles Schwab
Steven Becker's expertise in college savings and multi-state taxation suits families aiming to optimize 529 and UTMA accounts in New York. With 29 years of experience at major firms like Charles Schwab and Fidelity, he offers a disciplined investment approach through Schwab's multi-asset portfolios and a 0.80% annual AUM fee, catering mainly to high-net-worth clients seeking comprehensive wealth advisory services.
Experience: 29 years
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Katie C
Series 63, Series 65
Amherst, NY
LPL Financial
Katie Catanzaro specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 18 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Amherst, NY, she offers flat-fee financial planning through LPL Financial, a large firm providing extensive research support, which may appeal to clients seeking structured advisory services with transparent fees.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Anton G
Series 63, Series 65
Hauppauge, NY
Madison Global Advisors LLC
Anton Gerdes Jr. offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 44 years of industry experience and a focus on asset allocation and diversification. Based in Hauppauge, NY, he operates independently with a fee structure up to 2% annually, serving both individual and institutional clients, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors focused solely on retail clients.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $288,210
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Lambros V
Series 63, Series 65
Poughkeepsie, NY
Merrill
Lambros Violaris specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 33 years of experience to tailor investment approaches that consider tax implications and financial aid impact. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, he operates within Merrill's large-firm environment, offering seasoned guidance with additional expertise in retirement income and executive compensation, which may benefit clients seeking comprehensive wealth management.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Walter W
CFP®, Series 63
Smithtown, NY
Arcadia Wealth Management
Walter Wisniewski Jr. offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 22 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm, Arcadia Wealth Management, emphasizes globally diversified, balanced portfolios with a focus on market efficiency, serving high-net-worth clients with a 2% annual AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors with different investment approaches or client focuses.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $1,394,890
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