Independent, 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. Without careful planning, you might miss out on benefits or face unexpected tax consequences, especially with New York's estate tax rules.
- Account type selection. Confirm how they choose between 529s, UTMAs, or other vehicles based on your family's financial situation and goals.
- Contribution timing. Ask how they recommend scheduling contributions to maximize growth and tax advantages over time.
- Estate tax awareness. New York has estate tax cliffs that can cause large bills; check how they integrate college savings with your overall estate plan.
- Independent advice. Being independent means these advisors aren’t tied to specific products, so they can suggest options that fit your needs rather than a firm's lineup.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christopher M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Brooklyn, NY
Minko Wealth
Christopher Minko specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering tailored financial planning with a decade of experience and CFP® certification. Based in Brooklyn, his firm, Minko Wealth, serves both individual and high-net-worth clients using fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory, with a 1% annual AUM fee and additional expertise in trust administration and Medicaid applications through his law office.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $783,489
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Anton G
Series 63, Series 65
Hauppauge, NY
Madison Global Advisors LLC
Anton Gerdes Jr. specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 43 years of industry experience and independent status, which allows tailored advice free from product constraints. Based in Hauppauge, NY, he operates through Madison Global Advisors LLC, a firm known for asset allocation and diversification, serving both individual and institutional clients with fees up to 2% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower client focuses or less comprehensive investment approaches.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $288,210
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Walter W
CFP®, Series 63
Smithtown, NY
Arcadia Wealth Management
Walter Wisniewski Jr. specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 22 years of experience and a CFP® certification to navigate New York's tax and estate complexities. His independent, fee-only firm, Arcadia Wealth Management, emphasizes globally diversified, balanced portfolios with a focus on small-company and value exposures, catering primarily to high-net-worth established professionals, which may differ from advisors with broader or less specialized client bases.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $1,394,890
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Matthew N
CFP®, Series 63
Pittsford, NY
High Probability Advisors, LLC
Matthew Newman specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families aiming to optimize tax-advantaged education funding in New York. As a CFP®-certified independent advisor with 11 years of experience, he serves high-net-worth clients through High Probability Advisors, which uses quantitative and fundamental analysis and charges a 0.70% AUM fee, distinguishing him from others by combining expertise in wealth management and retirement planning.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $2,573,605
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Kurt F
Series 63, Series 66
Williamsville, NY
Savvy
Kurt Fetter specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in New York aiming to optimize tax-advantaged education funding. With 17 years of experience and a flat-fee structure, he serves high-net-worth clients through MHA Financial Corp, which employs a strategic asset allocation approach blending passive and active management, differentiating him from advisors focused solely on traditional investment methods.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $1,062,133
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