Flat-fee, 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. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how these accounts interact with financial aid or state tax benefits.
- Account type trade-offs. Understand the differences between 529s and UTMA accounts, especially how control and tax treatment vary.
- Contribution timing. Ask how the advisor recommends scheduling contributions to maximize growth and minimize impact on financial aid.
- Investment options. Confirm they explain the range of investment choices within college savings plans and how they align with your timeline.
- Flat-fee clarity. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know costs upfront without surprises tied to your account size.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Daniel S
CFP®
Santa Monica, CA
Daniel M.. Stern, LLC
Daniel Stern specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning in Santa Monica, CA. With 23 years of experience and CFP® certification, he provides independent, hourly-based advice focused on long-term, passive investing using low-cost index funds and ETFs, serving a small client base for personalized attention.
Experience: 23 years
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Jordan G
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
CGN Advisors, LLC
Jordan Grzesczyk specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning in Santa Monica, CA. With 11 years of experience and CFP® certification, he works at CGN Advisors, which serves diverse clients using tax-aware investment strategies and collaborates with institutional managers, providing a broad approach compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,174,087
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Lisa J
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Cycle Financial Planning LLC
Lisa Junghahn specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee comprehensive financial planning options in Santa Monica, CA. Her approach emphasizes client education and do-it-yourself investing with low-cost ETFs, serving mid-career professionals and small-business owners, which distinguishes her from advisors who may manage assets directly or use different fee structures.
Experience: 4 years
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John B
CFP®, Series 66
Venice, CA
MDRN Wealth
John Boyd specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning with fees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 based on complexity. Located near Santa Monica in Venice, CA, he brings eight years of experience and integrates fundamental analysis with modern portfolio theory, differentiating himself through a comprehensive approach and independent advisory services.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $986,179
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Christopher F
Series 63
Santa Monica, CA
LPL Financial
Christopher Fuchs specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee financial planning in Santa Monica, CA. With 31 years of experience at LPL Financial, a large firm providing diverse investment solutions and insurance products, he serves a broad client base including business owners and retirees, distinguishing him with extensive expertise and a comprehensive service approach.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $399,489
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