Flat-fee, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Rhode Island
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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or tax situation.
- Account type trade-offs. Ask how they weigh 529 plans versus UTMA accounts for your family's goals and state tax benefits.
- Contribution timing. Confirm their approach to when and how much to contribute to maximize growth and minimize gift tax issues.
- Financial aid impact. Check if they model how your savings strategy influences your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Flat-fee clarity. Since these advisors charge a set fee, understand exactly what services are included to avoid surprises.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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James C
ChFC®, Series 63
Cranston, RI
LPL Financial
James Celico's extensive 44 years of experience and specialization in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-equipped to guide Rhode Island families on tax-advantaged education funding. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and access to a broad range of advisory services.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Todd C
CFP®, Series 63
Smithfield, RI
Wealth Management Resources, Inc.
Todd Casazza specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited for families in Rhode Island aiming to optimize education funding. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning with fixed fees ranging from $250 to $3,000 and a $150 initial setup for 529 plans, providing clear cost expectations compared to advisors charging based on assets under management.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $599,905
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Robert M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Plainville, MA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Robert Macarthur's 31 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Rhode Island families through college savings strategies involving 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His affiliation with ValMark Advisers, Inc., which offers diversified, goal-based model portfolios and robust back-office support, distinguishes him by combining flat-fee clarity with access to multi-asset allocation expertise and institutional resources.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Susan G
CFP®, Series 65
Saunderstown, RI
South County Wealth Planning
Susan Gardiner specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making her well-suited for families in Rhode Island focused on education funding. She offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning starting at $3,500 and ongoing services from $500 per month, providing clarity on costs. With six years of experience, CFP® certification, and a disciplined investment approach emphasizing tax efficiency, she serves high-net-worth clients independently from Saunderstown, RI.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $881,497
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Bradley W
Series 63, Series 65
Barrington, RI
Empower Advisory Group
Bradley Whelan specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 14 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 designations. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on employer-sponsored retirement plans, he offers flat-fee options with one-time fees ranging from $199 to $499 and monthly subscriptions of $15 or $29, providing clear cost structures compared to other advisors.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $565,063
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