Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, setting up a college savings plan like a 529 or UTMA account can feel overwhelming. The biggest mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your family's timeline and financial goals, which can lead to missed growth opportunities or unexpected tax consequences.
- Plan flexibility. Ask how the advisor adjusts savings strategies if your child's college plans change or if you want to use funds for other qualified expenses.
- Tax implications. Confirm they understand state tax benefits and potential penalties tied to 529 and UTMA accounts in Rhode Island.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how different investment choices within these accounts impact risk and growth over time.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they consider how college savings fit alongside your retirement and other financial priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Erik P
Series 66
Providence, RI
Merrill
Erik Pelletier specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering expertise in tax-efficient strategies and cash flow management tailored to Rhode Island families. With a background in engineering and three years of industry experience at Merrill, a large firm, he brings a structured approach and serves mid-career professionals and high earners, differentiating himself through his technical insight and focus on multi-generational wealth transfer.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Paolo C
CFP®, Series 66
Greenville, RI
Edward Jones
Paolo Catucci specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-suited to help Rhode Island families align their education funding with financial goals. As a CFP®-certified advisor at Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm, he brings seven years of experience and offers a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him with both expertise and access to broad investment options.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $246,728
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James C
ChFC®, Series 63
Cranston, RI
LPL Financial
James Celico's 44 years of experience and specialization in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-equipped to guide Rhode Island families through education funding strategies. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and supported by in-house research, he also provides flat-fee financial planning and has expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Bradley W
Series 63, Series 65
Barrington, RI
Empower Advisory Group
Bradley Whelan specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by 14 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on employer-sponsored retirement plans, he offers flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees alongside expertise in retirement and debt management.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Michael R
Series 66
Providence, RI
Charles Schwab
Michael Rozzero specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by his expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments, which is crucial for navigating Rhode Island's tax benefits and investment options. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, he offers access to multi-asset portfolios and integrated services, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or less comprehensive offerings.
Experience: 3 years
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