Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Sunnyvale, CA
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 preparing to fund a child's education, choosing the right college savings plan can make a big difference in how much you save and how flexible your options are. Without careful planning, you might overlook tax benefits or investment choices that align with your family's goals.
- Plan type expertise. Confirm the advisor understands differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax treatment and control over funds.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13's property tax limits.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who can explain how investment choices within college savings plans affect growth and risk.
- Withdrawal strategy. Ensure they help plan for qualified education expenses to avoid penalties and maximize tax advantages.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Melissa D
Series 63, Series 66
Sunnyvale, CA
Charles Schwab
Melissa Drago's 24 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, equip her to navigate tax implications and investment options effectively in Sunnyvale, CA. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, she offers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment strategies, distinguishing her from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 25 years
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Trevor L
Series 63, Series 65
Sunnyvale, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Trevor Lawson specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing through Empower Advisory Group, a large firm with integrated recordkeeping and administrative platforms. With four years of experience and credentials Series 63 and 65, he also brings a unique perspective from his part-time EMT work, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on finance.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Valerie T
CFP®, Series 66
Fremont, CA
LPL Financial
Valerie Tu's 21 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip her to guide families in Sunnyvale through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering tax implications and investment choices. Affiliated with LPL Financial, she benefits from extensive research support and serves a diverse clientele, including high-net-worth households, which may offer broader insights compared to advisors focused solely on individual investors.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John C
Sunnyvale, CA
Conway Partners
John Conway in Sunnyvale, CA, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with expertise in tax planning and wealth management tailored for high-net-worth clients. His firm uses diversified portfolios with ETFs and independent managers, applying Modern Portfolio Theory, and offers flat-fee options, distinguishing him from advisors with traditional AUM fee structures.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $1,755,204
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Priya S
Series 66
Sunnyvale, CA
Fidelity
Priya Sagar specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging her 7 years of experience and Series 66 designation to navigate tax-efficient investment strategies in Sunnyvale, CA. Working at Fidelity, a large firm, she offers comprehensive wealth management and estate planning services tailored for parents, distinguishing her with access to extensive resources and a broad financial planning approach.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $234,793
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