CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Tempe, AZ
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 your savings strategy with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's financial situation and education plans.
- Tax implications. Ask how they manage state and federal tax benefits, including potential impacts on financial aid eligibility.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment strategies as your child nears college age, balancing growth and risk appropriately.
- Coordination with other goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your retirement and other financial priorities to avoid unintended trade-offs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joan S
CFP®, Series 63
Tempe, AZ
Empower Advisory Group
Joan Stoddard, a CFP® with 12 years of experience in Tempe, AZ, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, aligning them with broader retirement and income planning. Working at Empower Advisory Group, she offers flat-fee and monthly subscription options, leveraging a large firm's integrated approach focused on long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, which may suit clients seeking coordinated financial planning.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Wesley K
CFP®, Series 63
Phoenix, AZ
Charles Schwab
Wesley Kelly's 17 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with expertise in multi-state taxation relevant to Tempe-area clients. Based at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth individuals, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and employs a multi-asset model portfolio approach, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or different investment methods.
Experience: 18 years
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Michelle W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Tempe, AZ
LPL Financial
Michelle Wagner's 28 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide Tempe families in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing growth and risk as children approach college age. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, she provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a broad client base, including high-net-worth households, which may offer more comprehensive resources than smaller firms.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Kelly J
CFP®, Series 63
Tempe, AZ
Deborah Wealth Advisory LLC
Kelly Johnson offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, tailored to families in Tempe, AZ. With over 16 years of experience and CFP® certification, she integrates wealth management and retirement income planning, charging a 1.00% annual fee on assets under management, which may differ from advisors with different fee structures or less comprehensive service offerings.
Experience: 16 years
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Christopher C
CFP®, Series 63
Tempe, AZ
Envision Retirement LLC
Christopher Carracedo, a CFP® professional in Tempe, AZ, specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 12 years of experience and a focus on business ownership considerations. His firm, Envision Retirement LLC, manages $79.65 million with a strategic asset allocation approach using no-load mutual funds and ETFs, charging a 1.50% AUM fee, which may appeal to clients seeking integrated financial planning and discretionary investment management.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $569,847
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