Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Roanoke, 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 the specific rules and benefits of 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Without this expertise, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose the wrong savings vehicle for your family's needs. Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and a broad range of investment options, which can benefit your college savings strategy.
- Plan selection insight. Confirm how they evaluate different college savings accounts to match your financial goals and state tax considerations.
- Contribution strategy. Ask how they recommend balancing gift tax limits and funding schedules to maximize growth.
- Withdrawal timing. Understand their approach to coordinating distributions with tuition payments to avoid penalties.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings impact your child's eligibility for aid and scholarships.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Linda K
Series 63, Series 65
Roanoke, VA
LPL Financial
Linda Knighton offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 29 years of industry experience and a large-firm platform at LPL Financial in Roanoke, VA. She provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, including high-net-worth households, which may offer broader investment options compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kevin M
Series 63, Series 65
Roanoke, VA
Charles Schwab
Kevin Mc Farland specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 29 years of experience and a large-firm platform at Charles Schwab in Roanoke, VA. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with a multi-asset investment approach and offers both non-discretionary and discretionary advisory services, differentiating him through access to alternative investments and integrated wealth management solutions.
Experience: 30 years
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Brandon L
CFP®, Series 66
Roanoke, VA
Janney Montgomery Scott
Brandon Lacroix offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his 21 years of experience and CFP® certification at the large firm Janney Montgomery Scott in Roanoke, VA. His flat-fee options and focus on high-net-worth clients differentiate him, along with his background in wealth management and personalized investment strategies tailored to executive and founder clients.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $406,735
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Shabnam G
Series 66
Roanoke, VA
Edward Jones
Shabnam Gideon specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by Edward Jones' extensive resources as a large firm in Roanoke, VA. With a Series 66 designation and a background including nine years at Focus Lab, she offers a comprehensive approach to contribution strategies and withdrawal timing, charging up to 1.35% annually, which may differ from other advisors' fee structures and experience levels.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Gordon A
Series 66
Roanoke, VA
Merrill
Gordon Andrews specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 13 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm in Roanoke, VA. His approach integrates wealth management and retirement planning, with a focus on mid-career professionals and high earners, offering a 1.10% AUM fee and access to broad financial services through Bank of America connections.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $860,085
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