Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Santa Clara, 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 now with managing your overall financial picture. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to optimize tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts.
Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of resources and tools, which can benefit your college savings strategy.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits when recommending savings vehicles.
- Account coordination. Ask how they integrate college savings plans with your other investments and financial goals.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand their approach to timing distributions to minimize tax consequences and maximize aid eligibility.
- Plan flexibility. Check if they can adjust strategies as your child's education plans or financial situation change.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Michael V
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Fidelity
Michael Valenzuela at Fidelity in San Jose offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his background in tax planning and passive investing. With four years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation, he brings a large-firm's resources to coordinate education funding with broader financial goals, differentiating him through a focus on client education and communication.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Daryl D
Series 63, Series 66
San Jose, CA
Merrill
Daryl Dehn specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, leveraging Merrill Lynch's extensive resources to integrate 529 plans and UTMA accounts with broader wealth management and retirement income planning. Based in nearby San Jose, he brings 12 years of experience and a focus on personalized financial strategies, including equity compensation and financial coaching, which may offer a more holistic approach compared to other advisors in Santa Clara.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Tevin M
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Edward Jones
Tevin Mercer specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by Edward Jones' extensive resources as a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets under management. With five years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation, he offers a fee structure up to 1.35% annually and serves clients from San Jose, providing a blend of personalized attention and broad firm capabilities.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Deborah K
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Clara, CA
LPL Financial
Deborah Krumwiede specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 30 years of industry experience and her role at LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources. She offers flat-fee and hourly fee structures, providing flexibility compared to other advisors, and integrates both discretionary and non-discretionary management approaches to tailor strategies for clients in Santa Clara, CA.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Hanyu Z
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Clara, CA
Charles Schwab
Hanyu Zhao's expertise in college savings plans, combined with nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation, equips him to navigate tax-advantaged accounts like 529s and UTMAs effectively in Santa Clara. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a multi-asset investment approach and a 0.80% AUM fee, Zhao offers access to broad resources and tailored strategies compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 10 years
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