CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Santa Rosa, 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 your child's education expenses, you need an advisor who understands the nuances of college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings strategy with your family's long-term financial goals and tax situation.
- Tax implications in California. Confirm how they navigate state income taxes alongside Proposition 13's property tax limits to optimize your savings.
- Plan selection expertise. Ask how they choose between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your child's needs and your control preferences.
- Contribution timing. Inquire about strategies for when and how much to contribute to maximize growth and minimize tax impact.
- Financial aid impact. Understand how your savings approach might affect your child's eligibility for financial aid and how the advisor plans accordingly.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Daniel P
CFP®, Series 66
Rohnert Park, CA
Northbay Advisors
Daniel Peterson, a CFP® with 32 years of experience, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate California's tax implications and optimize education funding strategies. As president of Northbay Advisors, he offers modular flat-fee planning and integrates tax preparation services, providing a comprehensive approach that balances tax planning with personalized financial advice.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $196,871
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David M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Sebastopol, CA
Phase Change Wealth Management LLC
David Meucci's 29 years of financial experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies, including 529 and UTMA plans, with attention to California tax implications. Operating independently in Sebastopol, he offers both asset-based and hourly fee structures, blending passive and active investments, which may appeal to clients seeking flexible, tailored planning beyond just college savings.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $243,697
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Christopher S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Rosa, CA
Edward Jones
Christopher Severson's 32 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts effectively in Santa Rosa, CA. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers a comprehensive approach including retirement income strategy and ESG investing, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or smaller firms.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Alan B
CFP®, Series 63
Santa Rosa, CA
LPL Financial
Alan Berman's 42 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies in Santa Rosa, including 529 and UTMA plans. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment strategies and flat-fee financial planning, he supports a broad client base, which may provide more tailored options compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Steven K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Santa Rosa, CA
Charles Schwab
Steven Krikac's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, especially considering California's tax nuances. Working with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee and access to multi-asset portfolios and alternative investments, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or less diverse investment approaches.
Experience: 21 years
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