Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in San Mateo, 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. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which savings vehicles they recommend for your family's situation and why, considering tax benefits and flexibility.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they adjust investment choices as your child approaches college age to balance growth and risk.
- Coordination with financial aid. Understand how your savings plan might affect eligibility for need-based aid and how the advisor plans around that.
- Fee structure clarity. Since fees can impact long-term growth, check how the advisor charges for college savings planning and management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Paul R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
Roach Investment Services
Paul Roach specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 18 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor plans for high-net-worth families in San Mateo. His firm offers flat-fee comprehensive financial planning and discretionary investment management, distinguishing him with a broad client base and a hands-on approach to customized asset allocation.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $947,931
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John L
CFP®, Series 66
San Mateo, CA
Vantage Wealth Management, LLC
John Lee specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 20 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor strategies for high-net-worth families in San Mateo. His firm, Vantage Wealth Management, manages over $1.1 billion with a customized asset-allocation approach, offering flat-fee financial planning that ranges from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on complexity, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or client focuses.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $1,757,416
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Richard Z
Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
Charles Schwab
Richard Zak's expertise in college savings plans, combined with 38 years of experience and his role at Charles Schwab, positions him well to guide families in San Mateo on 529 and UTMA accounts. His affiliation with a large firm offering multi-asset model portfolios and alternative investment due diligence, along with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 38 years
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Kalvin S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
LPL Financial
Kalvin Sid specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 22 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor strategies that align with your child's timeline and financial goals. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse advisory programs, he provides flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, distinguishing him with flexible fee structures and extensive institutional support in San Mateo, CA.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $399,489
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James W
Series 65
San Mateo, CA
Bixy Wealth LLC
James Wang specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 65 designation and experience with mid-career and established professionals in San Mateo. His firm, Bixy Wealth LLC, offers flat-fee financial planning emphasizing Modern Portfolio Theory and passive investments, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and strategic asset allocation without discretionary management.
Experience: 1 year
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