Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Scranton, PA
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 to balance savings growth with financial aid impact or state tax benefits.
- Account type selection. Ask why they recommend a 529 plan versus a UTMA or other savings vehicle based on your family's goals and state rules.
- Contribution timing. Confirm how they advise on when and how much to contribute to maximize tax advantages and avoid gift tax issues.
- Financial aid impact. Discuss how your savings strategy might affect your child's eligibility for need-based aid and what trade-offs exist.
- Investment choices. Look for guidance on selecting age-appropriate investment options within college savings accounts to align risk with your timeline.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Timothy M
Series 66
Scranton, PA
Merrill
Timothy McNamara specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 14 years of financial experience and resources from Merrill Lynch to tailor education funding plans. His background in mortgage brokerage and focus on mid-career professionals and parents, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee and large-firm support, distinguish him from other advisors in Scranton, PA.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Michael K
Series 66
Dickson City, PA
Charles Schwab
Michael Karwaski specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by six years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating from a large firm, Charles Schwab, he offers a multi-asset model portfolio approach with access to alternative investments, charging an annual fee of 0.80%, which may suit families seeking comprehensive investment options alongside college savings planning.
Experience: 7 years
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Tyler M
Series 66
Scranton, PA
Empower Advisory Group
Tyler Mulligan offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 66 designation and affiliation with Empower Advisory Group in Scranton, PA. His firm’s large-scale, flat-fee model provides access to integrated financial planning and managed account solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Michael G
CFP®, Series 66
South Abington Township, PA
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Michael Gibson's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide families in Scranton, PA, through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Working at Money Concepts Capital Corp, a large firm managing $3.33 billion, he offers diverse investment strategies and consulting services, differentiating him with access to extensive resources and a broad client base compared to smaller local advisors.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $237,847
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James V
Series 63, Series 66
Scranton, PA
LPL Financial
James Vanwert III specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee planning and extensive research resources, he serves diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing flexible advisory services tailored to various financial goals in Scranton, PA.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $399,489
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