Large-firm, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on benefits or face unexpected tax consequences that reduce your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's financial situation and goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13, which limits property tax increases.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who adjust investment choices based on your child's age and your risk tolerance, not just generic fund picks.
- Coordination with financial goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, balancing education funding with retirement and other priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joseph A
Series 66
Salinas, CA
Edward Jones
Joseph Arellano Jimenez specializes in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by Edward Jones' extensive resources as a large firm. With a Series 66 designation and experience in business ownership and real estate investing, he offers a broad perspective on integrating education funding with overall wealth management, charging up to 1.35% annually in program fees.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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Haley H
Series 63, Series 66
Prunedale, CA
LPL Financial
Haley Hitchman specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 66. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with a strong research team, she offers flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent costs alongside comprehensive wealth management and retirement plan expertise.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Paul G
Series 66
Monterey, CA
Merrill
Paul Gregory III offers expertise in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, leveraging 28 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Based in nearby Monterey, CA, he leads a team at Merrill that handles complex financial situations, providing tailored guidance for parents and couples. His fee structure includes a 1.10% AUM charge for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him with a seasoned approach to integrating college savings with broader financial goals.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Candice S
Series 63, Series 66
Pacific Grove, CA
Charles Schwab
Candice Sagehorn's 33 years of experience and expertise in college savings, multi-state taxation, and private investments equip her to handle complex college funding strategies in Salinas, CA. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and integrates discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller client bases or less comprehensive service models.
Experience: 33 years
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Edward L
Series 63, Series 66
Salinas, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Edward Lopez specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting in Salinas, CA, leveraging 23 years of experience and credentials like Series 63 and 66. His firm, Empower Advisory Group, focuses on integrated financial planning and investment management, offering flat-fee and monthly subscription options, which may appeal to clients seeking structured, long-term portfolio management alongside college funding.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $565,063
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