Flat-fee, 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 the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how state tax rules and account features affect your savings growth and withdrawal flexibility. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know your costs upfront without surprises.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your family's financial and gifting goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits into your college savings strategy.
- Withdrawal planning. Understand their approach to timing distributions to minimize tax and maximize financial aid eligibility.
- Fee transparency. Verify that their flat fee covers all services related to your college savings plan, avoiding hidden charges.
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 in San Luis Obispo, offering flat-fee comprehensive financial plans that include guidance on 529 and UTMA accounts. His background in corporate finance and role at Harris Farms provide practical financial insight, while his firm emphasizes a passive, asset-allocation approach without discretionary management, distinguishing him from advisors with active investment styles or hourly fee structures.
Experience: 0 years
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Richard F
Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Richard Fogal specializes in college savings plans with nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation, offering flat-fee options ranging from $199 to $499 plus monthly subscriptions. Based in Arroyo Grande, CA, he works with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on integrated financial planning and investment management, which may provide additional support for retirement and income strategies beyond college savings.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Zachary W
CFP®, Series 63
San Luis Obispo, CA
Phillip B. White Co., Inc
Zachary White specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 11 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate San Luis Obispo's tax environment. His firm uses a core-and-satellite investment approach and offers negotiable flat fees, serving high-net-worth clients with personalized planning and insurance brokerage services, distinguishing him from others with a broader service scope.
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 San Luis Obispo families through college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with attention to California tax implications. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning, serving diverse clients including business owners and retirees, which may provide broader wealth management insights compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Daniel H
CFP®, PFS™
San Luis Obispo, CA
Elemental Wealth Advisors, LLC
Daniel Herron offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning with fees ranging from $2,100 to $10,000, making him suitable for college savings planning in San Luis Obispo. His firm emphasizes client-specific investment policies and passive strategies, with a focus on small-business and plan-sponsor advisory services, differentiating him through combined financial planning and accounting expertise and a background as a founder and business owner.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $544,890
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