Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals in San Francisco, 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.
If you're planning for college expenses and want to use tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, you need advisors who understand how to align these savings with your broader wealth. A common mistake is focusing only on the account type without considering how it fits into your overall financial picture, especially for high-net-worth families.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes and the effects of Proposition 13 on property taxes when advising on college savings.
- Account selection strategy. Ask why they might recommend a 529 plan versus a UTMA account based on your family's financial goals and control preferences.
- Coordination with estate planning. College savings can affect your estate and gift tax planning; check how they integrate these aspects.
- Investment approach. Inquire about how they adjust investment choices within college savings accounts as your child approaches college age.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Stephen M
Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Sutro Advisors
Stephen Miles specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth families in San Francisco, leveraging 24 years of experience and a background at Charles Schwab. His firm, Sutro Advisors, emphasizes passive investment portfolios with index funds and ETFs, offering a disciplined approach that integrates tax considerations and estate planning, distinguishing him from advisors with more active or less comprehensive strategies.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $673,105
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Kathleen H
CFP®, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Applied Advisor
Kathleen Hentges specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth families in San Francisco, leveraging 22 years of experience and CFP® certification to integrate 529 and UTMA accounts with broader estate and tax planning. Her independent firm offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning focused on pre-retired professionals, using a buy-and-hold approach with no-load mutual funds and ETFs, distinguishing her from advisors with ongoing portfolio management fees.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $0
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Heather L
CFP®
San Francisco, CA
Clarity Financial
Heather Liston specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth families in San Francisco, integrating 529 and UTMA accounts with broader estate and tax planning. Her independent firm offers flat-fee comprehensive plans and emphasizes passive, low-turnover investment approaches, distinguishing her from advisors who may manage investments directly or use different fee structures.
Experience: 9 years
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Milo H
CFP®, Series 63
San Francisco, CA
Hanke & Apolonio Wealth Advisors LLC
Milo Hanke's 42 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide high-net-worth families in San Francisco through college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to tax impacts and estate planning. His firm manages $145 million in assets using fundamental analysis and tailored investment policies, offering flat-fee financial planning and educational seminars that distinguish him from other advisors.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $1,689,771
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Michael C
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Hilltop Advisors, LLC
Michael Coholan specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth families in San Francisco, leveraging 23 years of experience and ChFC® credentials to integrate 529 and UTMA accounts within broader financial and estate plans. His firm, Hilltop Advisors, employs a long-term, buy-and-hold investment approach with mutual funds and ETFs, offering flat fees typically between $10,000 and $40,000, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and personalized service.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $3,750,000
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