CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Santa Maria, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without focused guidance, you might miss how state tax rules or property tax limits affect your savings strategy.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits into your college savings plan.
- Account choice rationale. Confirm why they recommend 529s versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial and educational goals.
- Withdrawal flexibility. Understand how they plan for using funds in ways that align with college expenses and potential changes in your child's plans.
- Coordination with financial goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial picture, including retirement and other priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bruce A
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Maria, CA
LPL Financial
Bruce Altheide's 38 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 and UTMA accounts in Santa Maria, CA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Andrew P
CFP®, Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Edward Jones
Andrew Paul, a CFP® professional based near Santa Maria, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, with seven years of experience and a background as a founder and business owner. Working at Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers a comprehensive approach integrating college savings with broader financial goals, charging up to 1.35% annually in program fees.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Daniel H
CFP®, PFS™
San Luis Obispo, CA
Elemental Wealth Advisors, LLC
Daniel Herron, a CFP® and PFS™ with six years of experience, offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, serving clients from San Luis Obispo near Santa Maria. His firm emphasizes client-specific investment policies with primarily passive strategies and supports small-business and plan-sponsor advisory services, differentiating him through combined financial planning and accounting expertise and a flat-fee, project-based pricing model.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $544,890
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