Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals 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.
If you're planning for college expenses and want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, you need an advisor who understands how to align these savings with your broader wealth strategy. A common mistake is focusing solely on the account mechanics without considering how your high-net-worth status affects gift tax limits and financial aid implications.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate state and federal tax rules that affect college savings, especially given California's unique property tax limits.
- Account selection strategy. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial goals and control preferences.
- Coordination with estate planning. High-net-worth clients often use college savings as part of wealth transfer; check how the advisor integrates these plans with your estate strategy.
- Financial aid considerations. Inquire how they model the effect of savings on potential aid eligibility to avoid surprises later.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kenneth G
CFP®
San Rafael, CA
Meritas Wealth Management, LLC
Kenneth Gott specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in San Rafael, CA, with 19 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm, Meritas Wealth Management, emphasizes long-term, diversified portfolios using passive investing and offers flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and integration of tax and estate planning considerations.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,820,952
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Craig S
Series 63, Series 65
Ross, CA
Winship Wealth Partners
Craig Slayen specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, integrating 529 and UTMA accounts with broader estate and tax planning. Based in Ross, CA, he offers flat-fee financial planning and employs a research-driven investment approach combining passive index funds with active management, distinguishing him from advisors who may focus solely on account mechanics or charge asset-based fees.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $3,029,647
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Heidi M
Series 63
San Rafael, CA
Shira Ridge Wealth Management
Heidi Morshead specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in San Rafael, CA, with 18 years of experience and expertise in tax planning, estate guidance, and equity compensation. Her firm, Shira Ridge Wealth Management, manages $323 million in assets, offering diversified, tax-aware portfolio management and flexible fee options including a 1% AUM fee and hourly planning rates.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,314,217
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Benjamin S
Series 63, Series 65
San Rafael, CA
Stewart Wealth Management, Inc.
Benjamin Stewart specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients in San Rafael, CA, leveraging 24 years of experience and expertise in 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and tax-loss harvesting. His firm employs a strategic asset allocation with global diversification using low-cost institutional funds, offering flat-fee financial planning and consulting services that differentiate him from advisors with traditional AUM-based fees.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,680,758
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Benjamin S
CFP®, Series 65
Mill Valley, CA
Miller Avenue Advisors LLC
Benjamin Sampson specializes in college savings strategies for high-net-worth clients, leveraging his CFP® certification and six years of experience to navigate tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans and UTMA. Based in Mill Valley, CA, he offers a flat annual fee structure and integrates discretionary asset management with private placement investments, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $3,502,155
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