CFP®-certified, 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 custodial accounts. A common mistake is not aligning your savings strategy with your family's timeline and financial aid goals, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including education savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your goals and control preferences.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits when planning your savings.
- Financial aid strategy. Check if they model how your savings affect eligibility for need-based aid and scholarships.
- Contribution flexibility. Understand their approach to adjusting contributions as your child's education timeline or costs change.
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, a CFP® professional with over 20 years of experience in Santa Monica, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, aligning them with tax and financial aid considerations. His firm serves high-net-worth individuals with comprehensive planning, employing a long-term, buy-and-hold investment approach and offering educational workshops, differentiating him through a blend of expertise in budgeting, retirement, and tax planning.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $153,127
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Daniel S
CFP®
Santa Monica, CA
Daniel M.. Stern, LLC
Daniel Stern's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored to Santa Monica's tax environment. His independent, flat-fee firm serves a small client base with personalized, hourly financial planning, emphasizing long-term, passive investing through 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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Jordan G
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
CGN Advisors, LLC
Jordan Grzesczyk offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 11 years of experience and CFP® certification in Santa Monica. His firm, CGN Advisors, LLC, provides flat-fee financial planning and tax-aware investment approaches, serving diverse clients with tailored asset allocation and collaboration with institutional managers, distinguishing him from others by combining comprehensive planning with flexible fee options.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,174,087
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Robert P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Vanguard Advisers
Robert Pothier, a CFP® in Santa Monica, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his experience with Vanguard Advisers' goal-based, algorithm-driven investment approach. Unlike some advisors, he offers access to both automated and human-supported advice with a low $100 account minimum, catering well to mid-career professionals and HENRY clients seeking tax-efficient education funding.
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 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by her CFP® certification and three years of experience in Santa Monica. Her firm offers flat-fee comprehensive financial planning and emphasizes client education with a do-it-yourself investing approach, which may appeal to mid-career professionals and small-business owners seeking personalized guidance without discretionary asset management.
Experience: 4 years
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