Independent, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Shelton, WA
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 college expenses, you want an advisor who understands how to balance saving now with preserving financial aid eligibility later. Without this insight, you might save in ways that reduce your chances for scholarships or grants.
Being independent means these advisors aren't tied to any one financial company, so they can recommend a wider range of college savings options.
- Tax-aware strategies. Ask how they navigate Washington's unique tax landscape, including the capital gains tax, to optimize your savings.
- Account type guidance. Confirm they explain the pros and cons of 529 plans versus UTMA accounts for your family's situation.
- Financial aid impact. Check how they plan savings to minimize effects on your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Flexible withdrawal planning. See if they help you coordinate distributions with education expenses to avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Krista W
CFP®
Olympia, WA
SoundView Advisors
Krista Wallace specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering tax-aware guidance tailored to Washington's unique tax environment. As a CFP®-certified advisor at SoundView Advisors, she serves high-net-worth clients with a 1.25% AUM fee, emphasizing customized asset allocation and quarterly portfolio reviews, which may provide more personalized management compared to other independent advisors in the area.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $2,044,263
-
Bret W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Olympia, WA
Wilhelm Financial Services, PLLC
Bret Wilhelm offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 25 years of experience and CFP® certification. Operating independently in Olympia, WA, he focuses on high-net-worth clients with a 1.0% AUM fee, emphasizing nondiscretionary management and tailored financial planning, which distinguishes him from advisors with broader client bases or different fee structures.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $24,464,716
-
Gabbi C
CFP®
Olympia, WA
Sustain Financial Inc.
Gabbi Cerezo specializes in college savings strategies and is independent, allowing her to offer a broad range of options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts tailored to Washington families. With a background as a former teacher and CFP® certification, she focuses on educators and public service employees, providing flat-fee financial planning that balances current living with future education funding.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $586,000
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Shelton, WA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)