Seasoned, 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 now with preserving financial aid eligibility later. Without this insight, you might save in ways that reduce your chances for scholarships or grants.
Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience, helping you navigate complex rules around 529 plans and UTMA accounts to fit your family's unique situation.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits when recommending savings vehicles.
- Financial aid strategy. Confirm they consider how different accounts affect your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Account flexibility. Inquire about their approach to choosing between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your goals and control preferences.
- Long-term planning. See if they integrate college savings with your overall financial roadmap, not just as a standalone goal.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Martin O
Series 63
Carmel Valley, CA
Plan B Investments, Inc.
Martin O'Malley Jr. offers 37 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of saving for education in the Salinas area. His firm, Plan B Investments, serves high-net-worth individuals and small businesses with written financial plans and uses outside investment managers, differentiating him through a collaborative investment approach and a negotiable hourly fee structure.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $256,022
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Paul G
Series 66
Monterey, CA
Merrill
Paul Gregory III brings 28 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, serving families in the Monterey area near Salinas. As a managing director at Merrill, a large firm, he leads a team that integrates retirement and college savings planning, offering a 1.10% AUM fee and expertise with executive and business owner clients, which may provide a broader financial perspective compared to other advisors.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Michael W
Series 63, Series 65
Marina, CA
LPL Financial
Michael Willis brings over 31 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Marina, CA with LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax considerations, which may benefit families balancing savings with financial aid eligibility.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Fred S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Salinas, CA
ON Investment Management CO
Fred Sprinz brings 48 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate Salinas, CA's financial aid and tax considerations. His CFP® certification and flat-fee structure at Embarcadero Financial Group offer transparent pricing, while his independent status and focus on retirement and income planning provide a comprehensive approach beyond just college savings.
Experience: 49 years
Avg account: $319,610
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Edward L
Series 63, Series 66
Salinas, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Edward Lopez offers 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of saving for education in Salinas, CA. His affiliation with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on integrated financial planning and investment management, provides clients with flat-fee options and a comprehensive approach that includes retirement and income strategies alongside college savings.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $565,063
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