Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Rockford, IL
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, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving goals with your overall financial picture. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without considering how college savings fit into your broader budget and timeline. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience, helping you navigate these decisions with a steady hand.
- Long-term savings strategy. Look for advisors who help you align college savings with other financial priorities, not just short-term market gains.
- Tax implications awareness. Even though Illinois doesn't tax retirement income, property taxes can impact your budget; ask how they factor this into your planning.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options to match your family's needs.
- Experience with changing costs. College expenses can rise unpredictably; see how they adjust plans to keep you on track despite inflation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
John L
Series 66
Rockford, IL
Merrill
John Larson's 26 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to guide families in Rockford, IL through long-term education funding strategies. As a Merrill Lynch advisor with expertise in tax-loss harvesting and ESG investing, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach, serving parents and values-based investors with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
William O
Series 63, Series 66
Rockford, IL
Charles Schwab
William Osborne's 41 years of experience and expertise in college savings, multi-state taxation, and private investments make him well-equipped to manage 529 plans and UTMA accounts in Rockford, IL. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller client bases or less comprehensive investment options.
Experience: 41 years
-
Bryan T
CFP®, Series 63
Beloit, WI
Edward Jones
Bryan Theis brings 25 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, helping balance these goals with broader financial priorities. Based in nearby Beloit, WI, he works with Edward Jones, a large firm offering diverse investment strategies and charges up to 1.35% annually, which may suit clients seeking seasoned guidance with access to comprehensive wealth management services.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
Anthony P
Series 63, Series 65
Rockford, IL
Keating Financial Advisory Services
Anthony Pozzi offers 30 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address Rockford families' education funding needs. His flat-fee structure and background with institutional clients provide a disciplined approach, while his independent status and expertise in retirement income and charitable giving add valuable perspectives compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $257,124
-
Matthew Y
Series 63, Series 65
Rockford, IL
LPL Financial
Matthew Young's 32 years of experience and focus on college savings strategies make him well-equipped to help families in Rockford, IL plan for education expenses using 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering both advisory and brokerage services, combined with a flat-fee structure and expertise in tax-loss harvesting, distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Rockford, IL
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”)