Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in State College, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and financial aid considerations, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's financial situation and goals.
- Investment strategy. Ask how they adjust investments as your child approaches college age to balance growth and risk.
- Financial aid impact. Check if they consider how savings accounts affect eligibility for need-based aid and how they plan accordingly.
- Tax implications. Understand how they help you maximize tax advantages specific to college savings accounts in your state.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jamie T
Series 66
State College, PA
Merrill
Jamie Tabaka specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with six years of experience at Merrill Lynch in State College, PA. She offers personalized life planning and focuses on women professionals and parents, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, which may suit families seeking tailored guidance within a large firm environment.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Nicholas A
CFP®, Series 63
State College, PA
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Nicholas Accordino Jr. specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 40 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to guide families in State College, PA. He operates within J.W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm offering diverse managed account solutions and negotiable flat fees, which may provide more flexible planning options compared to other advisors.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Rachel K
Series 66
State College, PA
Mccann Wealth Strategies,Inc.
Rachel Klinger specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 19 years of experience in State College, PA. She offers flat-fee financial planning through McCann Wealth Strategies, which serves high-net-worth individuals and trusts, providing discretionary asset management and tax planning, distinguishing her with comprehensive wealth management beyond just college savings.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $221,119
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Kelly E
Series 63, Series 65
State College, PA
LPL Financial
Kelly Ernico specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of industry experience and credentials like Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, she serves a diverse clientele and leverages extensive in-house research, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or different fee structures.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Carl K
Series 65
State College, PA
Black Knight Wealth Management, LLC
Carl Kielbasa specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his experience at Black Knight Wealth Management in State College, PA. His firm combines fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis with modern portfolio theory, offering flat-fee and negotiable financial planning fees, which may appeal to families seeking tailored investment approaches and transparent pricing.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,214,458
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