Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Richmond, VA
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 with other financial goals. Without focused knowledge, advisors might overlook how college savings plans interact with financial aid eligibility and tax benefits.
- Plan type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax treatment and control over funds.
- Aid impact awareness. Ask how your savings strategy might affect financial aid calculations and what adjustments they recommend.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who tailor investment choices within college savings accounts to your timeline and risk comfort.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors operate independently, check how they select products without firm constraints to fit your needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Roberta K
Series 65
Richmond, VA
Alexis Advisors
Roberta Keller specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, bringing 16 years of experience and a Series 65 designation to her independent practice in Richmond, VA. Her firm, Alexis Advisors, integrates ESG investing with strategic asset allocation, offering negotiable fee structures and tailored financial planning services, which may appeal to clients seeking a comprehensive, sustainability-conscious approach to education funding.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $672,672
-
Peter B
CFP®
Richmond, VA
Opulent Wealth
Peter Byrd, a CFP® professional in Richmond, VA, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice with a 1.00% annual AUM fee. His firm, Opulent Wealth, uses a Core + Satellite investment strategy and serves both high-net-worth individuals and small businesses, providing comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management that may suit clients seeking tailored college savings guidance.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $6,137,286
-
Zachary B
CFP®, Series 65
Richmond, VA
Illumination Wealth Management
Zachary Benton specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax- and fee-sensitive investment approaches tailored to individual timelines and risk comfort. As a CFP®-certified independent advisor serving high-net-worth clients in Richmond, VA, he offers a 0.50% net worth fee structure and brings experience from multiple firms, differentiating him through a blend of active and passive investment strategies within an open architecture framework.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,273,805
-
Dustin N
CFP®, Series 66
Richmond, VA
Ascent Financial Group
Dustin Newton specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, bringing eight years of experience and CFP® certification to his independent advisory role in Richmond, VA. His firm, Ascent Financial Group, serves individual and high-net-worth clients with a diverse investment approach and offers continuous planner access, setting him apart from advisors with less comprehensive portfolio management services.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $787,423
-
Kirsten A
CFP®, Series 66
Richmond, VA
Manuka Financial
Kirsten Ashbaugh specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, offering guidance tailored to high-net-worth clients in Richmond, VA. Her firm, Manuka Financial, employs a Modern Portfolio Theory-based approach with passive investments, providing diversified, tax-efficient portfolios and discretionary management, which distinguishes her from advisors with more traditional or active strategies.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $3,894,628
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Richmond, VA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)