Seasoned, 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 goals with your overall financial picture. A common mistake is focusing only on the savings vehicles without considering how they fit into your family's tax situation and long-term plans. Seasoned advisors bring years of experience navigating these trade-offs.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits when recommending savings strategies.
- Account type guidance. Ask why they might choose a 529 plan over a UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) account, based on your family's needs.
- Coordination with financial goals. See how they integrate college savings with retirement and other priorities, not treating it as an isolated goal.
- Experience with changing rules. Inquire about how they stay current on evolving tax laws and education funding options that affect your savings plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Thomas V
Series 63
San Jose, CA
Retirement Capital Strategies, Inc.
Thomas Vaughan brings 37 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, making him well-equipped to navigate Santa Clara's tax environment and education funding complexities. His firm uses a passive, index-based investment approach and offers flat-fee planning options, serving both individual and high-net-worth clients, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, cost-transparent financial strategies.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $1,144,206
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Salvatore S
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Merrill
Salvatore Saso offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 29 years of experience at Merrill Lynch in San Jose, CA. His approach integrates tax minimization and retirement income planning, providing a comprehensive perspective that balances education funding with broader family wealth and legacy considerations.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Cary A
Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
Kera Capital Partners
Cary Allison's 33 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMAs, equip him to navigate the complexities of funding education in Santa Clara, CA. His firm, Kera Capital Partners, manages over $1.3 billion using both fundamental and quantitative analysis, offering flat-fee consulting and serving high-net-worth clients, which distinguishes him from advisors with narrower scopes or different fee structures.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $3,764,036
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Andrew T
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Clara, CA
Charles Schwab
Andrew Tang's 24 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, within Santa Clara's tax environment. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a comprehensive approach integrating college savings with broader financial goals, supported by a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to discretionary managed accounts.
Experience: 25 years
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Deborah K
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Clara, CA
LPL Financial
Deborah Krumwiede's 30 years of experience and focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs make her well-equipped to address the complexities of funding education in Santa Clara, CA. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options, she supports a diverse client base with both discretionary and non-discretionary management, providing flexibility compared to smaller or commission-based advisors.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $399,489
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