Independent, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you need an advisor who understands the specific rules and benefits of accounts like 529 plans and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without this expertise, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose the wrong account type for your goals. Independent advisors here operate without firm constraints, which can mean more personalized attention to your unique situation.
- Tax implications awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes and the impact of Proposition 13 on property tax for homeowners saving for college.
- Account selection guidance. Ask how they decide between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other savings vehicles based on your family's financial and educational goals.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ensure they tailor investment choices within these accounts to your timeline and risk tolerance, not just generic market trends.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings affect eligibility for financial aid and scholarships when planning your college funding.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Jonathan L
Series 66
Soquel, CA
Kingsview Wealth Management, LLC
Jonathan Lubell specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 26 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, serving clients independently from Soquel, CA. His firm, Kingsview Wealth Management, offers flat-fee financial planning and combines advisor-led planning with model-based investment strategies, differentiating him through access to proprietary ETFs and alternative investments.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $703,115
-
Sharon B
CFP®, Series 65
Scotts Valley, CA
Sage Financial Advisors Inc.
Sharon Bargetto's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to navigate college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively, especially within California's tax landscape. Operating independently at Sage Financial Advisors, she offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax preparation expertise, serving high-net-worth clients with tailored investment approaches and comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,306,329
-
Michael W
Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
WealthDevs
Michael Wunsch specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with a focus on tax planning and estate guidance tailored to Santa Cruz residents. His firm, WealthDevs, uses a passive investment approach with index funds and ETFs, offering flat-fee financial planning and personal tax preparation, which may appeal to clients seeking integrated tax and investment services alongside college funding advice.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $849,282
-
Thomas W
Series 66
Santa Cruz, CA
Wynn Capital Management, LLC
Thomas Wynn specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 23 years of experience and a Series 66 designation in Santa Cruz, CA. His firm offers a diversified, global investment approach with options for socially responsible mandates and customizable strategies, catering to high-net-worth clients with a 1.40% AUM fee and hourly planning rates, distinguishing him from other independent advisors in the area.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,146,196
-
Jennipher L
CFP®, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
Wildflower Financial LLC
Jennipher Lommen specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 10 years of experience and CFP® certification in Santa Cruz, CA. Her firm, Wildflower Financial LLC, serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee subscription model, focusing on tax-efficient, passive investment management using low-cost index funds and ETFs, which may offer a more tailored and cost-transparent approach compared to other advisors.
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”)