Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for college expenses, you need an advisor who understands how to balance saving for education with your overall financial picture. Without this focus, you might miss opportunities to optimize tax benefits or unintentionally reduce financial aid eligibility.
Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and specialized teams, which can support complex college savings strategies.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate state income taxes alongside federal benefits, especially in California's unique tax environment.
- Account type guidance. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your goals and control preferences.
- Financial aid considerations. Ensure they model how your savings choices affect potential aid eligibility and college cost planning.
- Integration with broader planning. Check how they coordinate college savings with retirement and estate plans to avoid unintended trade-offs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Iran Z
Series 66
San Luis Obispo, CA
Merrill
Iran Zaranda Velazquez specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, offering expertise in 529 plans and inheritance planning. With seven years of industry experience at Merrill Lynch, he serves diverse clients including business owners and medical professionals, providing personalized wealth management and retirement income strategies. His multilingual skills and flexible meeting options distinguish him from other advisors in Santa Maria, CA.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Richard F
Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Richard Fogal specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, offering flat-fee and monthly subscription options that can suit various client needs. With nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation, he integrates college savings planning with retirement and income strategies, supported by Empower Advisory Group's extensive resources and focus on long-term portfolio management.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Jaquelyn J
Series 66
Arroyo Grande, CA
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Jaquelyn James specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her 10 years of experience and Series 66 designation at Centaurus Financial, a large firm with extensive resources. Her approach integrates income planning and Social Security optimization, offering negotiable hourly fees and a maximum advisory fee of 2.25%, which may appeal to clients seeking flexible fee structures near Santa Maria, CA.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $213,989
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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, supported by LPL Financial's large-firm resources in Santa Maria, CA. With a flat-fee structure and experience at major firms, he offers tailored wealth management and retirement planning for business owners, distinguishing him through a blend of personalized service and broad institutional support.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Steven F
Series 66
Nipomo, CA
Edward Jones
Steven Felton specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored for government employees. With six years of experience at Edward Jones, he provides access to extensive resources and a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from nearby advisors by integrating retirement and business owner retirement plans into comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $246,728
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