Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Palo Alto, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on state tax benefits or choose an investment strategy that doesn't align with your child's timeline.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes and the effects of Proposition 13 on property taxes when planning your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including control and tax implications.
- Investment timeline. Look for advisors who tailor investment choices to your child's expected college start date, balancing growth and risk.
- Large-firm resources. These advisors often have access to extensive research and tools, which can support complex college savings strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Alex M
Series 63, Series 66
East Palo Alto, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Alex Macapagal specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Based in East Palo Alto, he works with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, leveraging proprietary research and a focus on long-term portfolio returns, which may provide more structured planning compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Jane K
CFP®, Series 66
Los Altos, CA
LPL Financial
Jane Khalaf specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her 15 years of experience and CFP® certification. Working at LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources, she offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, which may provide broader insights compared to advisors focused solely on individual investors or smaller firms.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Sameera G
Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
Merrill
Sameera Gupta specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her role at Merrill, a large firm with extensive resources. With over 20 years in financial services and expertise in executive compensation and estate planning, she offers a broad perspective that benefits women professionals and business owners in Palo Alto. Her fee structure includes a 1.10% AUM charge for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Omid S
Series 63, Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
Fidelity
Omid Sajjadi offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 14 years of industry experience and a California Insurance License. As Market Leader at Fidelity's San Francisco investor centers, he leverages large-firm resources to provide tailored investment strategies aligned with your child's college timeline, distinguishing him from advisors with less institutional support or local market leadership.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Dustin S
Series 66
Los Altos, CA
Charles Schwab
Dustin Sherlock at Charles Schwab in Los Altos specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging large-firm resources to navigate multi-state taxation and investment timelines. His 0.80% AUM fee and Series 66 designation complement Schwab's focus on high-net-worth clients, offering a multi-asset model portfolio approach distinct from smaller firms in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 1 year
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