Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Salem, OR
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 your overall financial picture. A common mistake is focusing only on the savings vehicles without considering tax implications or timing.
- Tax-aware planning. Look for advisors who consider Oregon's relatively high income taxes when recommending savings strategies.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options, including control and flexibility.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors at bigger firms often have access to specialized tools and research that can enhance your college savings plan.
- Long-term coordination. Ask how they integrate college savings with your broader financial goals, like retirement or debt management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Jeremiah J
Series 66
Salem, OR
Empower Advisory Group
Jeremiah James at Empower Advisory Group in Salem, OR, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His large-firm background offers access to integrated financial planning and investment management, with flat-fee and monthly subscription options, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Thomas R
CFA®, Series 66
Keizer, OR
Edward Jones
Thomas Resner at Edward Jones in Keizer, OR, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFA® and Series 66 credentials. His firm’s large scale provides access to extensive research and diverse investment strategies, while his experience with government employees and business owners offers tailored guidance for complex financial situations.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
-
Scott C
Series 63, Series 66
Salem, OR
LPL Financial
Scott Campbell's 39 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to address Salem families' education funding needs within a large-firm setting. His flat-fee structure and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners distinguish him from others by offering comprehensive, cost-transparent planning supported by LPL Financial's extensive research resources.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Kristen D
Series 65, Series 63
Portland, OR
Merrill
Kristen Danek at Merrill Lynch in Salem, OR, offers expertise in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by nine years of industry experience and a focus on tax-aware strategies within a large firm setting. Her background in wealth management and retirement planning, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee structure and specialization in serving parents and mid-career professionals, distinguishes her from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
John S
Series 63, Series 65
Salem, OR
Charles Schwab
John Smith at Charles Schwab in Salem, OR, brings 36 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, with a focus on multi-state taxation. His affiliation with a large firm provides access to extensive resources and a comprehensive wealth advisory program, serving primarily high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 36 years
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Salem, OR
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”)