Seasoned, 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, especially with vehicles like 529 plans or UTMA accounts, you want an advisor who understands how to balance growth with your timeline. A common mistake is focusing too much on investment returns without considering how tax rules and state-specific factors affect your savings.
- Tax-aware planning. In California, high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits can impact your overall strategy; ask how they incorporate these into your plan.
- Account type guidance. Different college savings accounts have unique rules and benefits; confirm they explain which suits your goals best.
- Withdrawal timing. The timing of distributions affects taxes and financial aid; see how they help you plan for this critical phase.
- Experience with long horizons. Seasoned advisors here have decades of navigating changing education costs and regulations, which can help you avoid costly missteps.
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 brings over three decades of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for Santa Cruz residents. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment options and flat-fee financial planning, he also specializes in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans, providing a broad spectrum of services beyond college savings.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Jonathan L
Series 66
Soquel, CA
Kingsview Wealth Management, LLC
Jonathan Lubell's 26 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate the complexities of tax-aware planning in California. His firm, Kingsview Wealth Management, manages $6.7 billion and offers a blend of advisor-led and model-based strategies, with flat fees for planning, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee options and access to alternative investments.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $703,115
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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 handle college savings strategies in Santa Cruz, CA, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Her dual expertise in tax planning and financial advising, combined with Sage Financial Advisors' $219 million AUM and flat-fee options, distinguishes her by integrating tax-aware planning with comprehensive portfolio management for high-net-worth clients.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,306,329
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Thomas W
Series 66
Santa Cruz, CA
Wynn Capital Management, LLC
Thomas Wynn offers 23 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for Santa Cruz residents. His firm emphasizes diversified, global portfolios with low-cost funds and integrates options and ESG investing, providing a unique blend of tax-aware planning and socially responsible investment options compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,146,196
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Scott B
Series 63
Aptos, CA
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Scott Bloom's 43 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate the complexities of tax-aware planning and withdrawal timing in Santa Cruz. Operating from Centaurus Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he offers negotiable hourly fees and combines investment management with tax service expertise, distinguishing him from other seasoned advisors nearby.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $213,989
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