CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in San Diego, 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 preparing to fund a college education, you need an advisor who understands the nuances of education savings plans and how they fit into your broader financial picture. A common mistake is focusing solely on investment returns without considering tax implications and withdrawal timing.
- Plan type expertise. Confirm they can explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other vehicles, helping you pick the right one for your goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes and the effects of Proposition 13 on your property tax when planning savings.
- Withdrawal strategy. Ensure they help you coordinate distributions to minimize taxes and maximize financial aid eligibility.
- CFP® certification. Each advisor here has formal training in comprehensive financial planning, which supports thoughtful college savings guidance.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Matthew C
CFP®, Series 66
San Diego, CA
Kaiyo Wealth LLC
Matthew Cobas offers expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and nine years of experience. Based in San Diego, he serves high-net-worth clients through Kaiyo Wealth LLC, which emphasizes Modern Portfolio Theory and ESG-focused investments, charging a 1.00% AUM fee, distinguishing him with a comprehensive and tailored approach.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $2,792,165
-
Christine S
CFP®, Series 65
San Diego, CA
Vistica Wealth Advisors, LLC
Christine Skoczek's 22 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide San Diego clients through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, integrating tax planning with education funding. Her firm, Vistica Wealth Advisors, emphasizes passive, index-based investing with ESG options and offers flat-fee financial planning, catering to high-net-worth individuals seeking comprehensive, tax-aware strategies.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $2,033,086
-
Peter F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Diego, CA
LPL Financial
Peter Fink's extensive 62 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate the complexities of college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs in San Diego. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he also brings expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, providing a broad financial perspective beyond education savings.
Experience: 62 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Rafael M
CFP®
San Diego, CA
Next Gen Financial Planning
Rafael Melendez specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and five years of experience in San Diego. His firm, Next Gen Financial Planning, offers flat-fee financial planning and uses a passive, evidence-based investment approach, distinguishing him from advisors who may charge asset-based fees or employ active management strategies.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $310,617
-
Gregory B
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Diego, CA
Belpointe Asset Management LLC
Gregory Banner's 38 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide San Diego clients through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering tax implications and withdrawal strategies. His firm, Belpointe Asset Management LLC, offers flat-fee, independent financial planning with active and passive portfolio management, serving individuals and corporations, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors focused solely on individual clients.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $705,312
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in San Diego, CA
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”)