Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in San Rafael, 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 your child's education expenses, choosing the right college savings plan can make a big difference in how much you save and how flexible your options are. Without focused guidance, you might overlook important tax benefits or restrictions tied to specific accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts.
- Tax implications. Ask how each plan affects your state and federal taxes, especially in California where property tax rules like Proposition 13 can influence your overall financial picture.
- Account flexibility. Confirm how easily funds can be used for different education expenses or transferred if your child's plans change.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain the variety of investment choices within college savings accounts and how they align with your risk tolerance and timeline.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors operate independently, ask how they select plans and investments without firm constraints that might limit your options.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Rania G
CFP®
San Rafael, CA
Clarity Wealth Partners
Rania Ghawi specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice in San Rafael, CA, with a CFP® certification and a focus on cash flow and Social Security optimization. Her firm, Clarity Wealth Partners, provides flat-fee project-based planning and discretionary portfolio management with ESG options, distinguishing her through a blend of fee transparency and sustainable investing strategies.
Experience: 2 years
-
Heidi M
Series 63
San Rafael, CA
Shira Ridge Wealth Management
Heidi Morshead offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 18 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating independently at Shira Ridge Wealth Management in San Rafael, she serves high-net-worth clients with a focus on tax-aware strategies and comprehensive financial planning, differentiating her through personalized portfolio management and a $323 million discretionary asset base.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,314,217
-
Paul C
CFP®, Series 65, Series 66
San Rafael, CA
Attune Financial Planning, LLC
Paul Cordero specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice from his San Rafael-based firm, Attune Financial Planning. With 14 years of experience and CFP® certification, he employs a passive, tax-efficient investment approach and serves clients nearing or in retirement, providing flat-fee financial planning tailored to individual tax situations and risk tolerance.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $564,412
-
Andrew Z
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
San Rafael, CA
The Wealth Consulting Group
Andrew Zittell offers independent guidance on college savings plans in San Rafael, leveraging 37 years of experience and ChFC® credentials. His firm uses a tailored investment process with diverse custodial platforms, providing flat-fee and hourly options, which may appeal to clients seeking flexible, fee-based wealth management alongside expertise in ESG investing and tax-loss harvesting.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $466,923
-
Christopher R
CFP®, Series 65
San Rafael, CA
Aptus Financial, LLC
Christopher Rose specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent, flat-fee financial planning in San Rafael, CA. His firm, Aptus Financial, focuses on early- to mid-career professionals and medical trainees, using a tax-aware, passive investment approach with low-cost index funds and ETFs, which may appeal to clients seeking cost-effective, long-term strategies.
Experience: 4 years
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 Rafael, 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”)