Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Petaluma, 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 want an advisor who understands how to balance saving goals with your overall financial picture. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax benefits or choose the wrong savings vehicles.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate state and federal tax rules affecting 529 plans and UTMA accounts, especially in a high-tax state like California.
- Long-term flexibility. Ask how they handle changes in college plans or beneficiary needs without triggering penalties or tax consequences.
- Coordination with other goals. See if they integrate college savings with retirement and property tax considerations, including Proposition 13 limits.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, which can support more comprehensive college savings strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Charles V
Series 66
Healdsburg, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Charles Vezinaw specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, he integrates college savings with retirement planning and emphasizes long-term portfolio returns, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on savings vehicles.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Jack M
Series 66
Santa Rosa, CA
Merrill
Jack McCormick specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Merrill, a large firm offering extensive resources for tax-aware strategies in California. With over five years of experience and credentials including CFP and CRPC, he also focuses on retirement and philanthropic planning, serving mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, which may provide a broader financial perspective compared to other advisors nearby.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Michael D
Series 63, Series 65
Novato, CA
Charles Schwab
Michael Dolan's 26 years of experience and expertise in college savings, multi-state taxation, and real estate investing position him well to manage complex college funding strategies in California. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, he offers access to extensive research and integrated investment solutions, differentiating him from advisors with smaller firm resources or narrower specialties.
Experience: 27 years
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Leah P
Series 65, Series 63
Petaluma, CA
LPL Financial
Leah Ponce De Leon at LPL Financial is equipped to assist with college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, leveraging her expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners. Operating within a large firm, she offers flat-fee financial planning and benefits from extensive in-house research, distinguishing her approach from others in Petaluma with a focus on integrated wealth management and flexible fee structures.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Ryan P
Series 66
Petaluma, CA
Edward Jones
Ryan Powell specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 14 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources and over $1 trillion in assets under management. His expertise also includes estate planning and retirement strategies, offering a comprehensive approach that integrates college savings with broader financial goals, supported by a fee structure up to 1.35% annually.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $246,728
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