Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals in Pasadena, 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.
If you're planning for college expenses and want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts, you need an advisor who understands how to align these savings with your broader wealth strategy. A common mistake is focusing solely on the account's tax benefits without considering how it fits into your overall financial picture.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13, which limits property tax increases.
- Account selection guidance. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial goals and control preferences.
- Coordination with estate plans. College savings can affect inheritance and gifting strategies; see how they integrate these elements.
- High-net-worth experience. Ensure they tailor strategies to your wealth level, balancing college funding with other investment priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ryan M
CFP®, Series 66
Pasadena, CA
Derive Wealth
Ryan Miyamoto specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in Pasadena, leveraging 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to integrate 529 plans and UTMA accounts within broader wealth management. His firm, Derive Wealth, uses a Core + Satellite investment approach with low-cost indexed funds and offers a fixed advisory fee model, distinguishing him from advisors with commission-based structures.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $1,130,320
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Collin S
Series 63, Series 66
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena Private Wealth, LLC
Collin Saydah specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for high-net-worth clients in Pasadena, CA. With 3 years of experience and a flat-fee structure for financial planning, he integrates education funding with broader wealth management, serving executives and business owners independently through Pasadena Private Wealth, LLC.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $2,666,436
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Christopher M
CFP®, Series 65
Pasadena, CA
Impact Fiduciary LLC
Christopher Mastro specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in Pasadena, integrating 529 plans and UTMA accounts with broader wealth management. His firm emphasizes socially responsible investing and offers flat-fee financial planning, distinguishing him with a focus on values-based portfolios and a background as a business owner and executive.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $890,805
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Joel E
CFA®
Glendale, CA
WESCAP Group
Joel Edstrom specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, leveraging 38 years of experience and a CFA® designation to navigate tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans and UTMA custodial accounts. Based in Glendale, CA, his firm employs a contrarian, value-oriented investment approach with a focus on tax awareness, offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options that differentiate him from other advisors in Pasadena.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $3,327,103
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Charles S
ChFC®, Series 63
Pasadena, CA
The Sterling Group
Charles Salembier specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth individuals in Pasadena, leveraging 33 years of experience and credentials like ChFC® to integrate 529 plans and UTMA accounts within broader wealth management. His firm, The Sterling Group, offers discretionary asset management with a flat-fee structure and focuses on customized asset allocation and ongoing portfolio monitoring, distinguishing him from advisors with less comprehensive planning approaches.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $1,677,383
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