Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Redwood City, 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 balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you’re considering tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your overall financial goals and tax situation, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California’s high income taxes and Proposition 13’s property tax limits when planning your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529s and UTMA accounts, including control and tax treatment.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who tailor investment choices to the child’s age and your risk tolerance, not just generic portfolios.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they integrate college savings with your retirement and other priorities to avoid unintended trade-offs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Royce S
Series 63, Series 66
Redwood City, CA
LPL Financial
Royce Stewart specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 36 years of experience and a flat-fee structure that may appeal to families balancing education costs with other financial goals. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he also brings expertise in retirement plans for business owners, providing a broader financial planning perspective compared to other advisors in Redwood City.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Barbara S
CFP®
Redwood City, CA
Steinmetz Financial Planning
Barbara Steinmetz specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, integrating these with retirement and tax planning to address California's unique tax environment. Her independent, fee-only firm in Redwood City offers flat fees and serves high-net-worth clients, differentiating her with a comprehensive approach and a blend of fundamental and technical investment analyses.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,092,296
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David Y
Series 63, Series 65
Redwood City, CA
Charles Schwab
David Yu's 28 years of experience and expertise in college savings, multi-state taxation, and private investments make him well-equipped to navigate Redwood City's tax landscape and optimize 529 and UTMA plans. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or less comprehensive investment resources.
Experience: 28 years
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Ashley R
Series 66
Redwood City, CA
Edward Jones
Ashley Runnicles specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored investment strategies that consider your child's age and risk tolerance. Working with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, she provides access to diverse advisory programs and serves women professionals, charging up to 1.35% annually in program fees.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Kyla S
Series 65
Redwood City, CA
Griffin Black, LLC
Kyla Sy Cip specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, serving high-net-worth clients in Redwood City with a flat-fee structure. Her firm, Griffin Black, LLC, focuses on Silicon Valley tech and biotech professionals, offering holistic wealth management that integrates investment strategies with clients' broader financial goals and risk tolerance.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $2,035,707
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