Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Salinas, CA
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 goals with your overall financial picture. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to optimize tax benefits or coordinate with other savings.
- Tax-efficient strategies. Look for advisors who explain how 529 plans and UTMA accounts differ in tax treatment and impact your financial aid eligibility.
- Coordination with other goals. Confirm how they integrate college savings with retirement planning and debt management to avoid conflicting priorities.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors operate without firm constraints, ask how they select savings vehicles that best fit your unique situation rather than promoting proprietary products.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Scott B
CFA®
Carmel, CA
CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC
Scott Brubaker offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and a CFA® designation. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, he works through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, which emphasizes strategic asset allocation and comprehensive planning, making him a strong choice for clients seeking coordinated wealth and tax strategies in the Salinas area.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,730,668
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Alex B
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Hollister, CA
RLS Private Wealth Consulting, Inc.
Alex Baier specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 10 years of experience and CFP® certification. Operating independently through RLS Private Wealth Consulting, he offers family office services and comprehensive planning with a focus on coordination and education, differentiating him from advisors who may offer proprietary investment products or discretionary management.
Experience: 11 years
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Martin O
Series 63
Carmel Valley, CA
Plan B Investments, Inc.
Martin O'Malley Jr. offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 37 years of industry experience and an independent approach through Plan B Investments, Inc. His firm serves high-net-worth individuals and small businesses, emphasizing written financial plans and using outside investment managers, which may provide a broader range of options compared to advisors tied to proprietary products.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $256,022
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Catherine H
Series 63, Series 65
Monterey, CA
Hawley Personal Finance
Catherine Hawley specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 14 years of experience and a focus on integrating education funding with retirement and estate planning. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, her firm emphasizes long-term, buy-and-hold investment approaches and fundamental analysis, distinguishing her from advisors who may use proprietary products or different fee models.
Experience: 15 years
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Fred S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Salinas, CA
ON Investment Management CO
Fred Sprinz offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, backed by 48 years of industry experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to handle tax-efficient strategies and integration with retirement planning. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure up to $5,000 annually, he provides personalized advice through a small San Francisco-based firm, distinguishing him from advisors tied to larger institutions or proprietary products.
Experience: 49 years
Avg account: $319,610
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