Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in South Carolina
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.
You might be planning for your child's education expenses and want to make the most of tax-advantaged savings options like 529 plans or UTMA accounts. Without careful planning, you could miss out on maximizing state tax benefits or coordinating savings with financial aid strategies.
- Plan type selection. Ask how they help choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your family's goals and flexibility needs.
- Tax implications. Confirm they understand South Carolina's tax rules and how contributions or withdrawals affect your state tax situation.
- Coordination with financial aid. Inquire how they factor in college savings when estimating your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Large-firm resources. These advisors often have access to extensive research and tools that can support complex college savings strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jack P
Series 63, Series 65
Irmo, SC
LPL Financial
Jack Pietra's 27 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate South Carolina's tax rules and optimize education funding strategies. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering extensive research and diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning, serving a broad client base including high-net-worth households, which may offer more tailored resources compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Katherine Y
Series 66
Beaufort, SC
Merrill
Katherine Younce specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging Merrill's large-firm resources to support complex education funding needs in South Carolina. With 11 years of experience and a focus on family wealth management, she also offers expertise in retirement income and philanthropic planning, providing a broad financial perspective that complements her personalized approach for parents and women professionals.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Kirk P
Series 63, Series 65
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Kirk Paulsen's 37 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate South Carolina's tax rules and optimize education funding strategies. As part of Money Concepts Capital Corp, a large firm managing $3.33 billion with diverse portfolio approaches, he offers access to extensive resources and a blend of investment analyses, differentiating him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or less comprehensive asset management capabilities.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $237,847
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Ricky M
Series 63
Lexington, SC
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Ricky Mantei specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging his 43 years of experience to navigate South Carolina's tax implications and financial aid coordination. As a seasoned advisor at Centaurus Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he offers flexible fee structures and additional expertise in income planning and Social Security optimization, distinguishing him from others by combining deep experience with broad financial planning capabilities.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $213,989
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John S
Series 63, Series 65
Murrells Inlet, SC
Charles Schwab
John Stilley specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging his 22 years of experience and expertise in multi-state taxation to navigate South Carolina's tax implications effectively. As a seasoned advisor at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, he offers access to extensive resources and multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 23 years
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