Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Orem, UT
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.
If you're planning for your child's education expenses, especially in a growing community like Orem where families are expanding, you need an advisor who understands the nuances of college savings plans. A common mistake is treating these savings as generic investments rather than tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for education costs.
- Plan type expertise. Confirm they know the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax benefits and withdrawal rules.
- Long-term growth focus. Ask how they balance investment risk with the timeline until college to help your savings grow steadily.
- Coordination with financial goals. See if they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, not just as a standalone goal.
- Experience with local families. Inquire about their familiarity with Orem's community trends and how that shapes their advice on education funding.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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David J
Series 63, Series 65
American Fork, UT
Kestra Private Wealth Services, LLC
David Johnston's 44 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to guide families in the Orem area. Operating through Kestra Private Wealth Services, he offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates college savings with broader retirement and business owner strategies, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on education funding.
Experience: 45 years
Avg account: $653,677
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Andrew W
Series 63, Series 65
Orem, UT
LPL Financial
Andrew Walker's 22 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to guide families in Orem, UT through education funding. His affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and a broad range of investment solutions, distinguishes him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Robert S
Series 63, Series 65
American Fork, UT
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Robert Shelton's 21 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip him to guide families in Orem and nearby areas like American Fork. Affiliated with J.W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm, he offers flat-fee planning options and integrates education funding with broader financial goals, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on investment management.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $255,702
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James T
Series 66
Alpine, UT
Merrill
James Taylor brings 23 years of experience in college savings planning, including expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 66 designation and work at Merrill Lynch. Serving mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, he offers a comprehensive approach integrating education funding with broader wealth management, differentiating him through his large-firm resources and seasoned perspective despite being based in Alpine, UT.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Wayne B
PFS™, Series 65
Orem, UT
Squire Wealth Advisors
Wayne Barben's 21 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMAs, make him well-equipped to guide families in Orem, UT through education funding strategies. His firm, Squire Wealth Advisors, manages nearly $494 million using a Modern Portfolio Theory approach with diversified, low-turnover portfolios, offering an independent, seasoned perspective with a 1.25% AUM fee and $300 hourly planning rate.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $795,451
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