Large-firm, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without focused guidance, you might miss how investment choices and contribution timing affect your savings growth and financial aid eligibility.
- Tax-advantaged account knowledge. Confirm how they explain the benefits and limits of 529 and UTMA accounts for your family's situation.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they tailor investment options to your child's age and your risk tolerance within these accounts.
- Financial aid impact. Understand how they consider your savings plan's effect on potential financial aid eligibility.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, which can influence planning options and support.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Tais D
Series 66
San Diego, CA
Charles Schwab
Tais De Rada specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging six years of experience and a Series 66 designation to guide families in San Diego. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, Tais offers access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options with a 0.80% annual AUM fee.
Experience: 7 years
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Eric A
Series 66
La Mesa, CA
Merrill
Eric Anderson's expertise in college savings, combined with his 11 years at Merrill, a large firm, equips him to navigate tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans effectively. His background in wealth management and retirement income strategy, along with his collaborative approach involving legal and tax professionals, distinguishes him from others by offering comprehensive planning during significant life transitions.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $860,085
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David H
Series 66
San Diego, CA
Edward Jones
David Harding specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, supported by eight years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to extensive resources and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, which may suit founders and business owners seeking tailored investment approaches in San Diego.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Brady F
Series 66
San Diego, CA
LPL Financial
Brady Foley specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 and UTMA accounts, leveraging 26 years of experience and resources from LPL Financial, a large firm known for its research and model portfolios. His flat-fee and hourly fee structures offer flexible planning options, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with tailored financial planning services in San Diego.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Grant K
VerifiedSeries 7, Series 66
La Mesa, CA
OSAIC
Grant Knox offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 33 years of industry experience and a large-firm environment at OSAIC. His flat-fee structure and credentials, including Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, distinguish him from others, while his background as a Southern California native and Certified Plan Fiduciary adds local insight and specialized retirement plan knowledge.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $398,336
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