Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Santa Cruz, 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.
Saving for college often starts when you want to make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without focused guidance, you might miss how state tax rules or property tax protections like Proposition 13 affect your savings strategy.
- Account type selection. Ask why they recommend a 529 plan versus a UTMA account based on your family's financial and tax situation.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm they understand California's high income taxes and how Proposition 13 limits property tax increases for homeowners.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within college savings accounts align with your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Withdrawal planning. Discuss how they help coordinate distributions to minimize tax consequences and maximize financial aid eligibility.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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John A
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
LPL Financial
John Anzaldua's 33 years of experience and expertise in college savings, wealth management, and tax-loss harvesting equip him to navigate California's tax landscape for effective 529 and UTMA planning. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment options and flat-fee financial planning, he serves a broad client base including high-net-worth households, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or fee structures.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Michael W
Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
WealthDevs
Michael Wunsch specializes in college savings strategies in Santa Cruz, leveraging his Series 65 designation and five years of experience to guide families through 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, WealthDevs, offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax planning with a passive investment approach using index funds and ETFs, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment styles.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $849,282
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Amanda C
Series 66
Carmel, CA
Charles Schwab
Amanda Cradeur specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with expertise in multi-state taxation and real estate investing, which is valuable for families navigating California's tax landscape. Based in Soquel, CA, she works at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual fee and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, providing diverse portfolio options.
Experience: 2 years
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Jennipher L
CFP®, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
Wildflower Financial LLC
Jennipher Lommen specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a decade of experience and CFP® certification in Santa Cruz, CA. Her firm, Wildflower Financial LLC, serves high-net-worth clients using a passive, globally diversified investment approach with low-cost index funds, offering flat-fee comprehensive financial life planning that includes tax-efficient strategies and non-discretionary management.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $693,304
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Romeo M
Series 66
Santa Cruz, CA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Romeo Margot Picquendar specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his expertise in wealth management and estate planning. Operating within a large firm, he offers a 0.30% annual AUM fee and serves executive and founder clients, providing personalized investment strategies that consider tax impacts and withdrawal planning in Santa Cruz, CA.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $318,381
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