Seasoned, 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 a seasoned advisor, you might miss how to balance these savings with other financial goals or misunderstand tax implications.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes and the protections of Proposition 13 on property taxes when planning your savings.
- Account choice guidance. Ask why they recommend 529 plans versus UTMA accounts based on your family's financial situation and college funding timeline.
- Long-term flexibility. Inquire how they plan for changes in college costs or your child's education path without locking you into rigid savings strategies.
- Experience with diverse families. Seasoned advisors here have worked with a range of income levels and can tailor advice to your unique circumstances.
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 brings over 20 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for high-net-worth families in Santa Monica. His firm emphasizes long-term, buy-and-hold investment approaches and offers comprehensive financial planning with a 1.25% AUM fee, distinguishing him through a blend of seasoned expertise and educational client workshops.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $153,127
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Daniel S
CFP®
Santa Monica, CA
Daniel M.. Stern, LLC
Daniel Stern offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 23 years of experience and CFP® certification in Santa Monica. His independent, flat-fee firm serves a small client base, emphasizing long-term, passive investing with low-cost index funds, which may appeal to families seeking personalized, cost-effective planning compared to larger firms.
Experience: 23 years
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Maarten R
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
LPL Financial
Maarten Rietveld's 41 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate Santa Monica's tax landscape effectively. His affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering both advisory and brokerage services, combined with a flat-fee structure and focus on diverse client types, distinguishes him from other seasoned advisors in the area.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Arielle B
CFP®, CFA®, Series 63
Los Angeles, CA
Good Balance FP LLC
Arielle Bittoni's 22 years of experience and dual CFP® and CFA® credentials equip her to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, for families in the Santa Monica area. Her independent firm employs a passive, evidence-based investment approach with flat-fee financial planning, serving a select high-net-worth clientele, which may offer more personalized attention compared to larger firms.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $1,473,625
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Robert M
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Merrill
Robert Maguire offers 33 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored for mid-career professionals and HENRY clients in Santa Monica. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he combines expertise in retirement and Medicare planning with a 1.10% AUM fee, providing comprehensive wealth management beyond just education funding.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $860,085
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