Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in South Dakota
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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how these accounts affect financial aid or your overall investment strategy.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they help choose between 529s, UTMAs, or other options based on your family's financial situation and goals.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they factor in college savings when estimating your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment strategies as your child gets closer to college age, balancing growth and risk appropriately.
- Large-firm resources. These advisors often have access to extensive research and tools, which can support more informed college savings decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Douglas H
Series 63, Series 66
Sioux Falls, SD
Empower Advisory Group
Douglas Hortness specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and credentials like Series 63 and 66 licenses. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management, he offers flat-fee and monthly subscription options, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and access to extensive research and administrative resources in South Dakota.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Dustin S
Series 66
Dell Rapids, SD
LPL Financial
Dustin Steckler specializes in college savings plans such as 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research resources. His flat-fee structure and experience with retirement plans for business owners add value for clients seeking comprehensive wealth management. Located in Dell Rapids, SD, Dustin's background in education and community involvement offers a local perspective that may differentiate him from other advisors in South Dakota.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $399,489
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Christopher L
Series 66
Sioux Falls, SD
Edward Jones
Christopher Larson specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by seven years of financial industry experience and a Series 66 designation. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, he works at Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm with extensive resources and a broad client base, offering advisory programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, which may provide more comprehensive support compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Lonnie S
Series 66
Sioux Falls, SD
Charles Schwab
Lonnie Struckman specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by 28 years of experience and his role at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients with comprehensive wealth advisory services. Compared to others, he offers a 0.80% annual fee structure and access to multi-asset model portfolios and alternative investments, providing a broad investment approach tailored to evolving college savings needs in South Dakota.
Experience: 28 years
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Renee B
Series 63, Series 65
Sioux Falls, SD
Merrill
Renee Bruggeman offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by over 30 years of experience and a focus on tax minimization and retirement income strategies. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, a large firm, she provides access to extensive resources and personalized service, catering especially to mid-career professionals and high earners, with a fee structure of 1.10% AUM for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $860,085
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