Large-firm, 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.
When you're preparing to fund a child's education or planning for future expenses, setting up college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA accounts can be a key step. Without focused guidance, you might overlook how investment choices and tax implications affect your savings growth and flexibility.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your family's timeline and financial goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate state and federal tax benefits or limitations, especially given California's high income taxes.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who tailor investment options to your risk tolerance and the child's age, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Coordination with broader finances. Ensure they consider how college savings fit with your overall financial plan, including property tax protections under Proposition 13.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Alex M
Series 63, Series 66
East Palo Alto, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Alex Macapagal offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management, he provides flat-fee and subscription pricing, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm affiliations in the San Mateo area.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Tara F
Series 66
San Mateo, CA
Merrill
Tara Fowler at Merrill in San Mateo offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s, backed by 20 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. She serves mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, providing active portfolio management with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing her through a broad wealth management approach within a large firm setting.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Ashley R
Series 66
Redwood City, CA
Edward Jones
Ashley Runnicles at Edward Jones offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by a large-firm environment with $1.01 trillion in assets under management. With a Series 66 license and a focus on women professionals, she combines tailored investment strategies and a 1.35% annual program fee, distinguishing her from advisors with different client focuses or fee structures in the San Mateo area.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Christopher P
Series 66
San Mateo, CA
Charles Schwab
Christopher Patten at Charles Schwab in San Mateo specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by a large firm's resources and a multi-asset investment approach. Despite being new to the industry, he brings expertise in multi-state taxation and real estate investing, offering a 0.80% annual fee structure that may appeal to clients seeking comprehensive wealth advisory services.
Experience: 0 years
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Kalvin S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
LPL Financial
Kalvin Sid's 22 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 plans within a large firm setting in San Mateo, CA. His flat-fee structure and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners distinguish him from others by offering comprehensive wealth management tailored to diverse client needs.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $399,489
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