CFP®-certified, 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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, setting up college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts can help you manage future costs effectively. Without focused guidance, you might overlook tax benefits or the best account types for your family's financial situation.
- Tax implications. Confirm how the advisor navigates state and federal tax rules to maximize your savings and minimize surprises.
- Account selection. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your goals and control preferences.
- Investment options. Understand how they choose investment portfolios within these accounts to balance growth potential and risk.
- Coordination with overall planning. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial and estate plans, especially considering California's property tax rules.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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William P
CFP®, Series 66
Redwood City, CA
FocusYou
William Pitney, a CFP® with over two decades of experience in Redwood City, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, integrating these with broader financial and estate planning. His firm, FocusYou, uses a passive, buy-and-hold investment approach with third-party managers and offers flat-fee financial planning, distinguishing him from advisors who may rely on asset-based fees or discretionary portfolio management.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $844,803
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Barbara S
CFP®
Redwood City, CA
Steinmetz Financial Planning
Barbara Steinmetz offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her CFP® certification and 36 years of experience in Redwood City, CA. Her independent, fee-only firm serves high-net-worth clients with flat fees ranging from $3,500 to $15,000, and integrates tax planning and real estate investing insights, distinguishing her from advisors with less comprehensive service scopes.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,092,296
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Terrence P
CFP®, Series 65
Redwood City, CA
Griffin Black, LLC
Terrence Palazzolo is a CFP®-certified advisor in Redwood City specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with seven years of experience and expertise in equity recipients and concentrated stock management. His firm, Griffin Black, LLC, serves high-net-worth clients including executives and entrepreneurs, offering flat-fee holistic wealth management and tailored financial planning focused on Silicon Valley tech and biotech professionals.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $2,035,707
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John S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Menlo Park, CA
Charles Schwab
John Sheehan Jr., a CFP® with 31 years of experience, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, serving clients near Redwood City from Menlo Park. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, he offers access to a large-firm's integrated wealth advisory services with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, catering primarily to high-net-worth individuals seeking comprehensive investment and tax planning.
Experience: 31 years
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Thomas L
CFP®, Series 65
San Carlos, CA
Vested Financial Planning, LLC
Thomas Lo is a CFP®-certified advisor specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with 12 years of experience and a focus on high-net-worth clients. Operating from San Carlos, CA, his firm uses a blend of passive portfolio construction and fundamental analysis, offering flat-fee financial planning typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, which may appeal to those seeking comprehensive, fee-transparent services nearby.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $4,247,966
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