Large-firm, 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 want an advisor who understands how to balance saving goals with your overall financial picture. Without expertise in college savings plans, you might miss opportunities to maximize tax advantages or coordinate with other investments.
- Plan options knowledge. Confirm they can explain differences between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other vehicles, helping you pick the right fit for your goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits when recommending savings strategies.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to extensive research and tools; check how they leverage these to support your college savings plan.
- Coordination with financial goals. Ensure they consider how college savings fit alongside retirement and other priorities, not as an isolated decision.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lauren S
Series 66
Carmel, CA
Charles Schwab
Lauren Stiteler's expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, combined with her 18 years of experience and Series 66 designation, equips her to address complex tax considerations in California. Working with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she offers a 0.80% AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing her through comprehensive investment management options.
Experience: 18 years
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Kyle C
Series 63, Series 66
Scotts Valley, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Kyle Certo's expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, aligns well with the needs of families in Santa Cruz, CA, seeking large-firm resources. His flat-fee structure and four years of experience at Empower Advisory Group, which serves employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail clients, offer a blend of accessible pricing and integration with Empower's administrative platforms, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $565,063
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John A
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
LPL Financial
John Anzaldua specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 33 years of experience and resources from LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research capabilities. He offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, providing flexibility and seasoned guidance in Santa Cruz, which may differ from advisors with different fee structures or less firm support.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Romeo M
Series 66
Santa Cruz, CA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Romeo Margot Picquendar specializes in college savings plans within a large firm setting in Santa Cruz, CA, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts alongside wealth management and estate planning. With three years of industry experience and a 0.30% annual AUM fee, Romeo collaborates with Merrill Lynch specialists to integrate college savings into broader financial goals, distinguishing him through a comprehensive, team-supported approach.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $318,381
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Anthony R
Series 63, Series 65
Capitola, CA
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Anthony Rovai's extensive 32 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials equip him to navigate college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively within the Santa Cruz area. His affiliation with Money Concepts Capital Corp, a large firm managing diverse portfolios using fundamental and technical analysis, offers clients access to robust research and tailored financial planning, distinguishing him from other advisors in the region.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $237,847
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