Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in San Luis Obispo, 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 have children or grandchildren approaching college age. A common mistake is underestimating how financial aid formulas and tax rules affect your savings strategy.
- Account type selection. Different plans like 529s and UTMAs have unique tax benefits and ownership rules; ask which fits your family’s situation best.
- Tax impact awareness. California’s high income taxes and property tax limits can influence your choice; confirm how advisors factor these into planning.
- Financial aid considerations. Understand how savings accounts affect aid eligibility and how to minimize negative impacts.
- Investment approach. College savings require a timeline-sensitive strategy; check how advisors adjust investments as college nears.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Paul C
PFS™, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
WealthMap Planning
Paul Crosbie specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMAs, offering flat-fee comprehensive financial planning in San Luis Obispo. His background in corporate finance and role at Harris Farms provide a unique perspective, while his firm emphasizes a passive, asset-allocation approach without discretionary management, differentiating him from advisors with active investment styles or hourly fee structures.
Experience: 0 years
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Sam R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
Charles Schwab
Sam Rodgers specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, with expertise in multi-state taxation and real estate investing, which can help navigate California's tax landscape for education funding. Based in San Luis Obispo and affiliated with Charles Schwab, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and serves primarily high-net-worth clients, providing access to both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts supported by multi-asset model portfolios.
Experience: 5 years
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Ryan O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Orcutt, CA
LPL Financial
Ryan Olson brings 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in San Luis Obispo, specializing in 529 and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing access to extensive research and tailored investment strategies as college approaches.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Jeff S
Series 63, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
Merrill
Jeff Showers specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging over 40 years of experience at Merrill Lynch to address tax impacts and financial aid considerations in San Luis Obispo. His large-firm background, focus on parents and mid-career professionals, and a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Lance P
Series 63, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
Lance Parker Wealth Management
Lance Parker offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by 27 years of experience and a focus on wealth management in San Luis Obispo. His firm uses a global asset allocation strategy with both long- and short-term trading, providing non-discretionary asset management and flexible financial planning services, which may appeal to clients seeking personalized, independent advice.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $436,567
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