CFP®-certified, 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 lock in education costs before tuition rises or when you receive a financial windfall to invest. Without a focused approach, you might miss out on tax-advantaged savings or choose plans that don't fit your family's timeline.
- Plan type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, and why one suits your goals better.
- Tax impact awareness. California's high income taxes and property tax rules can affect your savings strategy; ask how they factor these in.
- Investment alignment. Ensure they tailor investment choices to your child's age and your risk comfort, not just generic portfolios.
- Withdrawal strategy. Discuss how they plan distributions to minimize taxes and maximize aid eligibility when college starts.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Paul K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Campbell, CA
LPL Financial
Paul King brings 37 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for families near Santa Cruz. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, he serves a broad client base including high-net-worth households, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Zachary B
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Scotts Valley, CA
Edward Jones
Zachary Brown's 20 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, especially with his involvement in the Pacific Collegiate Foundation's Endowment Fund Committee in Santa Cruz. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers diverse investment solutions and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources or less specialized committee experience.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
Sharon B
CFP®, Series 65
Scotts Valley, CA
Sage Financial Advisors Inc.
Sharon Bargetto's 23 years of experience and dual CFP® and CPA credentials equip her to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and tax planning tailored to California's tax environment. Operating from Scotts Valley with Sage Financial Advisors, she offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving high-net-worth clients with a comprehensive approach that integrates portfolio management and tax services.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,306,329
-
Susan L
CFP®, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
Wynn Capital Management, LLC
Susan Landry's CFP® certification and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip her to address Santa Cruz families' education funding needs effectively. Her firm, Wynn Capital Management, emphasizes a research-based, globally diversified investment approach with low-cost funds and options strategies, catering to high-net-worth clients with a 1.40% AUM fee and flexible hourly planning rates.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,146,196
-
Jennipher L
CFP®, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
Wildflower Financial LLC
Jennipher Lommen is a CFP® with 10 years of experience in Santa Cruz, specializing in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making her well-suited for families planning education funding. Her firm, Wildflower Financial LLC, serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee subscription model and employs a passive, globally diversified investment approach focused on tax efficiency, distinguishing her from advisors with asset-based fees or active management styles.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $693,304
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Santa Cruz, 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”)