Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Springfield, IL
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 these accounts affect your financial aid eligibility or how to balance saving for college with other goals. Seasoned advisors bring years of experience to help you navigate these trade-offs.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they recommend between 529 plans and UTMA accounts based on your family's financial situation and college goals.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they model the effect of your savings on need-based aid to avoid surprises.
- Investment strategy. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age, not just set it and forget it.
- Coordination with other goals. See if they integrate college savings with retirement and other priorities to keep your overall plan balanced.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bradley L
Series 63, Series 66
Springfield, IL
Sunbelt Securities, Inc.
Bradley Lakner offers 25 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored to Springfield, IL families. His flat-fee financial planning and independent status at Sunbelt Securities, which manages $2 billion for diverse clients, distinguish him by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee options and broad client service capabilities.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $418,067
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Joseph S
Series 63, Series 65
Springfield, IL
Merrill
Joseph Stannard II offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, backed by 44 years of experience and a focus on tax minimization and retirement income. Based in Springfield, IL, he works within Merrill's large-firm environment, serving diverse clients such as young families and the LGBTQIA community, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Jerald B
CFP®
Springfield, IL
Wealth Management Services,LLC
Jerald Barkmeier brings 27 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in Springfield, IL, with expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm uses a strategic core-and-satellite investment approach with passive and active funds, offering flat-fee financial planning and hourly options, which may suit clients seeking personalized, fee-only services alongside retirement and tax strategy integration.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $394,751
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Daniel S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Springfield, IL
LPL Financial
Daniel Stewart brings 28 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in Springfield, IL, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he serves diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing integrated wealth management and tax-loss harvesting strategies that complement college savings goals.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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William P
CFP®, Series 66
Springfield, IL
Money Concepts Capital Corp
William Peterman brings 25 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning in Springfield, IL, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, Money Concepts Capital Corp, supports a large advisor network with $3.33 billion in assets, offering model portfolios and ongoing consulting, which may provide a broader resource base compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $237,847
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