Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Oakland, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you need an advisor who understands how to balance saving goals with your overall financial picture. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax-advantaged accounts or inadvertently affect financial aid eligibility.
Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and specialized teams, which can support complex college savings strategies.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they recommend using 529 plans versus UTMA accounts, as each has different tax and control implications.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits when advising on savings.
- Financial aid considerations. Ensure they understand how your savings choices might influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Coordination with broader goals. Check how they integrate college savings with retirement and other financial priorities to avoid unintended trade-offs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Timothy A
CFP®, Series 65, Series 66
Moraga, CA
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Timothy Alford's expertise in college savings and retirement income strategy, combined with his CFP® certification and eight years of experience, equips him to address complex college funding needs in the Oakland area. Working at Money Concepts Capital Corp, a large firm with over 400 advisors and $3.33 billion in assets, he offers access to extensive resources and diverse investment approaches, differentiating him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $237,847
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Corey H
CFP®, Series 66
Petaluma, CA
Edward Jones
Corey Hayashi specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 16 years of experience and CFP® certification at Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets. His expertise extends to wealth management and retirement income strategy, serving intergenerational families and business owners near Oakland, CA, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Timothy S
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Merrill
Timothy Score's extensive 31 years at Merrill Lynch, a large firm, equip him to handle complex college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to tax impacts and financial aid considerations in Oakland, CA. His expertise spans wealth management and retirement planning, and he serves executive and founder clients, offering a comprehensive approach with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Minh D
CFP®, Series 66
Alameda, CA
LPL Financial
Minh Dinh's 24 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle college savings strategies effectively, especially within a large firm like LPL Financial that offers extensive investment resources. His flat-fee structure and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners provide a broader financial planning perspective compared to other advisors in the Oakland area.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Crystal D
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Oakland, CA
Charles Schwab
Crystal Dykstra specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, leveraging 19 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate complex tax and financial aid considerations in Oakland, CA. Her affiliation with Charles Schwab provides access to extensive resources and alternative investment research, supporting high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller client bases or less comprehensive firm support.
Experience: 19 years
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