Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in San Jose, 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 balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you’re considering tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without seasoned guidance, you might overlook how investment choices and contribution timing affect your savings growth and tax benefits.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your financial situation and goals.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate California’s tax environment, including how Proposition 13 might influence your overall planning.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age, not just a fixed approach.
- Coordination with financial aid. Inquire how they factor in potential financial aid eligibility when planning contributions and withdrawals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Cary A
Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
Kera Capital Partners
Cary Allison offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, backed by 34 years of experience and a firm managing over $1.3 billion. His approach combines fundamental and quantitative analysis with active management, catering to high-net-worth clients in San Jose, and provides flexible fee options including flat consulting fees and hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional fee structures.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $3,764,036
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C W
Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
Merrill
C Warthen specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 33 years of experience and a comprehensive approach to wealth management in San Jose, CA. Affiliated with Merrill Lynch, a large firm, they offer extensive resources and focus on multi-generational wealth transfer, retirement income strategy, and tax minimization, distinguishing them from advisors with narrower scopes or smaller firm affiliations.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $860,085
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John C
Series 66
San Jose, CA
LPL Financial
John Callan brings 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for families in San Jose. His affiliation with LPL Financial, a large national firm, provides access to extensive research and operational support, while his flat-fee structure offers transparent pricing compared to hourly alternatives.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John K
CFP®, Series 63
Campbell, CA
Kessler Financial Services
John Kessler brings 38 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate San Jose's tax environment and investment strategies. His flat-fee structure and independent status, combined with expertise in retirement and tax planning, differentiate him by offering comprehensive, cost-transparent advice tailored to evolving education funding needs.
Experience: 38 years
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Nicolas T
Series 66
San Jose, CA
The Wealth Consulting Group
Nicolas Tabellion brings 22 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for clients in San Jose, CA. His flat-fee structure and independent advisory approach, combined with expertise in ESG investing and tax-loss harvesting, distinguish him from others by offering personalized, socially responsible investment options alongside comprehensive wealth management.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $466,923
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