Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Sarasota, FL
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 how account ownership and withdrawal timing affect financial aid and taxes.
- Account ownership matters. Ask who should hold the account to balance control, tax benefits, and impact on financial aid eligibility.
- Withdrawal timing. Confirm how they plan distributions to minimize tax consequences and maximize aid opportunities.
- Investment choices. Look for advisors who align investment risk with your child's timeline and education goals.
- Tax implications. Since Florida has no state income tax, focus on how federal taxes and property or sales taxes might influence your savings strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Rebecca G
Series 66
Sarasota, FL
LPL Financial
Rebecca Gore specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging her 10 years of experience and Series 66 designation in Sarasota, FL. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large national firm, she offers flat-fee financial planning up to $15,000 and serves clients such as retirees, executives, and business owners, providing a broad range of investment options and institutional support.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John D
Series 65
Sarasota, FL
Graham Capital Wealth Management, LLC
John Darby specializes in college savings strategies in Sarasota, FL, leveraging his five years of financial experience and a Series 65 designation to guide families through 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His background in education and work at Graham Capital Wealth Management, which manages $251.2 million with a focus on customized, long-term portfolios using ETFs and bonds, distinguishes him from other advisors by combining financial expertise with educational insight.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $354,163
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Melissa W
CFP®, Series 66
Sarasota, FL
Clarity Financial Design
Melissa Walsh specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 17 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate tax and financial aid considerations in Sarasota, FL. Her firm, Clarity Financial Design, offers a blend of passive and active investment management with flat-fee and project-based planning options, catering to both individual and high-net-worth clients, which may provide more personalized service compared to advisors with standard AUM fees.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $1,347,341
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Philip P
Series 66
Sarasota, FL
Merrill
Philip Pasho specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 20 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm in Sarasota, FL. His background in executive compensation and family wealth management, combined with a focus on established professionals and parents, distinguishes him from others by offering comprehensive planning that integrates corporate benefits and retirement considerations.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Ian S
Series 63, Series 66
Sarasota, FL
Starkel Wealth Advisors, LLC
Ian Starkel offers expertise in college savings plans with 11 years of experience and holds Series 63 and 66 designations, operating from Sarasota, FL. His independent firm uses fundamental analysis and a strategic asset-allocation approach, serving individuals and businesses, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors focusing solely on individual clients or different investment strategies.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $139,366
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