CFP®-certified, 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 make education affordable without burdening your or your child's future finances. A common mistake is not aligning savings plans with your family's unique tax situation and financial goals, which can reduce the benefits of your contributions. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education savings.
- Plan type guidance. Confirm which accounts they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, and why one fits your goals better.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits when planning your savings.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand how they advise using saved funds to minimize taxes and maximize financial aid eligibility.
- Coordination with overall finances. See how they integrate college savings with your broader financial picture, including retirement and debt management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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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 UTMA accounts, with a focus on multi-state taxation and real estate investing, making him well-suited for families in San Luis Obispo navigating complex tax environments. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and combines non-discretionary advisory with access to discretionary managed accounts, providing a broad range of investment options.
Experience: 5 years
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Zachary W
CFP®, Series 63
San Luis Obispo, CA
Phillip B. White Co., Inc
Zachary White's CFP® certification and 11 years of experience equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts in San Luis Obispo, CA. His firm uses a core-and-satellite investment approach and offers negotiable flat fees, serving high-net-worth clients with personalized financial planning and insurance brokerage services, distinguishing him from advisors with more limited fee structures or client focuses.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $1,269,660
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Ryan O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Orcutt, CA
LPL Financial
Ryan Olson's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts in San Luis Obispo, CA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, providing a broad approach beyond just education savings.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Andrew P
CFP®, Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Edward Jones
Andrew Paul specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by his CFP® certification and seven years of experience in financial advising at Edward Jones. His background as a founder and business owner, combined with expertise in retirement plans and estate planning, offers a comprehensive approach that integrates education savings with broader financial goals, distinguishing him from other advisors in the San Luis Obispo area.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Daniel H
CFP®, PFS™
San Luis Obispo, CA
Elemental Wealth Advisors, LLC
Daniel Herron is a CFP® and PFS™ with six years of experience, specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts in San Luis Obispo, CA. His firm, Elemental Wealth Advisors, emphasizes client-specific investment policies and passive strategies, serving individuals and small businesses with flat-fee and project-based financial planning, which may appeal to those seeking tailored, cost-transparent advice.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $544,890
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