Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Tacoma, 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.
You might be planning for your child's education expenses or managing multiple college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. Without careful planning, you could miss opportunities to optimize tax benefits or coordinate savings with financial aid strategies.
- Tax-aware planning. Ask how they navigate Washington's unique tax landscape, including federal taxes and the state's capital gains tax on investments.
- Account coordination. Confirm how they help balance different savings vehicles to maximize growth and minimize overlap.
- Education cost forecasting. Look for advisors who model future college expenses realistically, considering inflation and potential financial aid.
- Experience with withdrawals. Inquire about strategies for timing distributions to avoid penalties and preserve financial aid eligibility.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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John G
Series 63, Series 65
Tacoma, WA
Gould Capital, LLC
John Gould III brings 29 years of experience to college savings planning in Tacoma, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts. His firm, Gould Capital, LLC, offers a value-based investment approach and serves a diverse client base including estates and trusts, with a 1.50% AUM fee and flexible consulting fees, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on individual clients or standard fee structures.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $1,092,501
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Robert H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Gig Harbor, WA
Advisory Alpha, LLC
Robert Harkson brings 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, serving clients near Tacoma from Gig Harbor. His firm, Advisory Alpha, LLC, offers flat-fee and negotiable pricing with a broad range of managed strategies, catering to both individual and high-net-worth investors, which may provide more tailored options compared to advisors with narrower client focuses.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $269,985
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Michael B
Series 63, Series 66
Lakewood, WA
Edward Jones
Michael Batt offers seasoned expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years in the industry and Series 63 and 66 designations. Based in nearby Lakewood, WA, he operates within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, providing comprehensive wealth management and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, which may suit clients seeking broad financial services alongside education planning.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Sam L
Series 66
Tacoma, WA
Merrill
Sam Lantow brings 24 years of experience in wealth management with a focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to handle education funding needs in Tacoma, WA. His large-firm background at Merrill Lynch, combined with expertise in retirement income strategy and charitable giving, offers a comprehensive approach that balances tax minimization and long-term planning for families and military clients.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Mark R
Series 63, Series 65
Tacoma, WA
LPL Financial
Mark Richter offers extensive expertise in college savings with 40 years of industry experience and a focus on 529 plans and UTMA accounts in Tacoma, WA. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm providing both discretionary and non-discretionary management, he negotiates flat fees and hourly rates, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent and flexible fee structures compared to other advisors.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $399,489
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