Seasoned, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving with other financial goals. Without this expertise, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax benefits or unintentionally reduce financial aid eligibility.
- Tax-advantaged account knowledge. Confirm they can explain how 529 plans and UTMA accounts differ in tax treatment and impact on your overall strategy.
- Long-term savings horizon. Ask how they adjust contributions and investment choices as your child approaches college age to avoid market timing risks.
- Financial aid impact. Ensure they consider how your savings accounts affect eligibility for need-based aid and can suggest ways to optimize this.
- Experience with local tax rules. Since California has high income taxes and unique property tax limits, check how they incorporate these factors into your college savings plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Ryan O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Orcutt, CA
LPL Financial
Ryan Olson's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, in San Luis Obispo. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves diverse clients and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement planning, providing a broad perspective compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Jeff S
Series 63, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
Merrill
Jeff Showers brings over 40 years of experience in wealth management and college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for families in San Luis Obispo. Affiliated with Merrill Lynch, a large firm, he serves mid-career professionals and parents, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, combining deep local knowledge with a broad retirement and education planning expertise.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Bruce W
CFP®, Series 63
San Luis Obispo, CA
Phillip B. White Co., Inc
Bruce White's 44 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs effectively in San Luis Obispo, considering local tax nuances. His firm employs a core-and-satellite investment approach and offers negotiable flat fees, serving high-net-worth clients with personalized financial planning and investment management.
Experience: 45 years
Avg account: $1,269,660
-
Kevin N
Series 63
San Luis Obispo, CA
NWM Advisors, LLC
Kevin Nichols offers extensive expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 33 years of industry experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating in San Luis Obispo with NWM Advisors, LLC, he manages $329 million in assets using a strategic asset allocation approach that blends fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, catering to high-net-worth clients with fees up to 1.5% annually.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $1,671,222
-
Lance P
Series 63, Series 65
San Luis Obispo, CA
Lance Parker Wealth Management
Lance Parker offers 27 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for clients in San Luis Obispo, CA. His firm emphasizes global asset allocation and serves individuals and high-net-worth clients with a 1.50% AUM fee and negotiable hourly planning rates, distinguishing him through a blend of long- and short-term investment approaches and personalized financial planning.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $436,567
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in San Luis Obispo, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)