Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Santa Monica, 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. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your family's financial situation and future education costs, which can lead to unexpected tax consequences or insufficient funds.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they consider California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits when planning your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the pros and cons of 529s versus UTMA accounts based on your goals and control preferences.
- Education cost forecasting. Look for advisors who model future college expenses realistically, including inflation and potential financial aid.
- Investment strategy fit. Ensure they tailor investment choices within these accounts to your timeline and risk tolerance, not just generic portfolios.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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George G
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
Guttman Financial Planning
George Guttman specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, leveraging 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to address tax impacts and education cost forecasting in Santa Monica. His independent firm emphasizes long-term, buy-and-hold investment approaches and serves high-net-worth individuals, differentiating him with comprehensive financial planning and educational workshops beyond typical college savings advice.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $153,127
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Daniel S
CFP®
Santa Monica, CA
Daniel M.. Stern, LLC
Daniel Stern specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, with 23 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate California's tax considerations and education cost forecasting. His independent, flat-fee firm serves a small client base with personalized, hourly financial planning and a long-term, passive investment approach using low-cost index funds and ETFs, distinguishing him from advisors with larger client loads or different fee structures.
Experience: 23 years
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Robert P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Vanguard Advisers
Robert Pothier specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his CFP® certification and licenses. Operating through Vanguard Advisers in Santa Monica, he offers a goal-based, algorithm-driven investment approach with access to Vanguard funds and ETFs, suitable for mid-career professionals and HENRY clients seeking tailored, tax-aware education funding solutions.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $416,078
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Lisa J
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Cycle Financial Planning LLC
Lisa Junghahn specializes in college savings strategies including 529 and UTMA accounts, offering tailored guidance that considers tax impacts and education cost forecasting for families in Santa Monica. Her independent firm uses a flat-fee structure and emphasizes client education with a do-it-yourself investing approach, differentiating her from advisors who may manage assets directly or charge hourly fees.
Experience: 4 years
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John M
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
LPL Financial
John Masterson specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 37 years of experience and expertise in tax-loss harvesting to navigate California's tax landscape effectively. Operating within LPL Financial's large firm environment, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse clientele, providing tailored investment strategies aligned with clients' timelines and risk tolerance.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $399,489
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