Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Staunton, VA
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. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type clarity. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's timeline and risk tolerance.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they handle state tax benefits and potential penalties for non-educational withdrawals.
- Coordination with financial aid. Good advisors consider how savings affect your child's eligibility for aid and suggest strategies accordingly.
- Investment approach. Inquire about how they adjust investments as college nears to balance growth and capital preservation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lily D
Series 66
Staunton, VA
Edward Jones
Lily Dawkins specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by her Series 66 credential and affiliation with Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm. With a 1.35% annual program fee and experience advising clients including retirees and business owners, she offers tailored strategies that consider multi-generational wealth transfer and retirement income alongside college funding needs.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Philip S
Series 63, Series 65
Staunton, VA
Well-Planned Financial LLC
Philip Swann Jr. specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, aligning them with your child's timeline and financial goals. Operating independently in Staunton, VA, he offers flat-fee and project-based financial planning, emphasizing passive portfolio construction with index funds and ETFs, which may appeal to young professionals seeking cost-effective, tailored investment approaches.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $101,023
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Benjamin I
CFP®, Series 66
Staunton, VA
LPL Financial
Benjamin Irick's 18 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts, aligning with family timelines and tax considerations. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse clientele, which may provide broader investment insights compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Michael W
Series 63, Series 65
Crozet, VA
Mutual Of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
Michael Wisinski's 28 years of experience and focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-suited for families in Staunton, VA aiming to optimize education funding. His flat-fee structure and affiliation with Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, which offers diverse investment strategies and retirement plan services, distinguish him from other advisors by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee options and broad client support.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $4,656
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Donald H
Series 66
Harrisonburg, VA
Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.
Donald Heishman specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by eight years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating from Harrisonburg, VA, his firm manages $1.23 billion for diverse clients, offering flat-fee financial planning and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, which may appeal to families seeking tailored, cost-transparent advice near Staunton.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $459,397
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