Flat-fee, 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 lock in education costs before tuition rises or when you receive a financial gift meant for education. Without a clear plan, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose the wrong savings vehicle for your goals. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know your costs upfront without surprises.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings accounts they recommend and why, such as 529 plans or UTMA accounts, based on your family's needs.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they help you navigate California's high income taxes and the benefits of Proposition 13 for property owners.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who adjust investments as your child nears college age, balancing growth and risk appropriately.
- Fee transparency. Since these advisors work on a flat-fee basis, clarify what services are included to avoid unexpected charges.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Richard F
Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Richard Fogal offers flat-fee college savings planning with Empower Advisory Group, leveraging nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm supports employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail clients, emphasizing long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, which may provide a disciplined investment approach compared to smaller firms or hourly advisors in the Santa Maria area.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Zachary S
Series 65, Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Phase Line Financial
Zachary Seidman specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning with negotiable pricing, which suits families seeking transparent costs in Santa Maria, CA. His firm combines passive and active investment strategies under Modern Portfolio Theory, serving individuals and high-net-worth clients, differentiating him through a tailored approach and experience as a founder and licensed insurance agent in nearby Arroyo Grande.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $415,175
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Karen C
Series 65
Arroyo Grande, CA
Financial Gravity Family Office Services, LLC
Karen Cassidy offers expertise in college savings with a focus on flat-fee financial planning, making costs predictable for families in Santa Maria. Her firm combines fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis for investment management, and she brings additional value through her leadership in an accounting and tax services business, which may benefit clients seeking integrated financial and tax strategies.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $344,089
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Alid G
Series 66
Santa Maria, CA
LPL Financial
Alid Gonzalez specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning through LPL Financial in Santa Maria, CA. With experience at major firms and a Series 66 designation, he supports diverse clients using research-backed investment strategies, distinguishing him from others by combining flat fees with large-firm resources and a focus on tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Daniel H
CFP®, PFS™
San Luis Obispo, CA
Elemental Wealth Advisors, LLC
Daniel Herron offers flat-fee, project-based financial planning with fees ranging from $2,100 to $10,000, making him suitable for college savings planning in Santa Maria, CA. His firm emphasizes client-specific investment policies and primarily passive strategies, with a focus on small-business and plan-sponsor advisory services, differentiating him through combined financial planning and accounting expertise and a background as a founder and business owner.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $544,890
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