Seasoned, 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.
You need a college savings advisor when you're planning for education costs and want to use accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts effectively. Without focused experience, advisors might overlook how to balance tax benefits with your family's long-term financial goals.
- Tax-aware planning. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13, which limits property tax increases.
- Account selection insight. Confirm they explain when to use 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your child's needs and your control preferences.
- Withdrawal strategy. A seasoned advisor will help you plan distributions to minimize tax impact and preserve financial aid eligibility.
- Experience with changing rules. Education savings rules evolve; check how they stay current to protect your investments.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Martha M
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Merrill
Martha Madrid's four decades of experience at Merrill Lynch equip her to navigate complex college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a tax-aware approach suited to Oakland's financial landscape. Her focus on women professionals and integration of Merrill's investment insights and Bank of America services distinguish her from other seasoned advisors in the area.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Alicia I
CFP®, Series 66
Oakland, CA
Financially Healthy, LLC
Alicia Ivancovich brings 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in Oakland, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Her independent firm offers flat-fee financial planning and combines passive and active investment strategies, managing $57 million for about 60 clients, which may provide more personalized attention compared to larger firms.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $950,000
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Cliff S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Alameda, CA
Shum Financial Group, Inc.
Cliff Shum offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 28 years of industry experience and CFP® certification. His firm’s fundamental analysis approach with written investment policies and quarterly reviews, along with a flat-fee structure, distinguishes him from others by providing transparent, disciplined portfolio management tailored to education funding needs.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $962,415
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Minh D
CFP®, Series 66
Alameda, CA
LPL Financial
Minh Dinh brings 24 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate tax-aware strategies in the Oakland area. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, which may provide broader investment insights compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Michael L
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Veris Wealth Partners, LLC
Michael Lent's 22 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate Oakland's tax landscape and evolving education savings rules effectively. His firm, Veris Wealth Partners, emphasizes sustainable investing and serves high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and AUM-based options, distinguishing him through a values-based approach and philanthropic advisory expertise.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $7,329,329
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