Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, setting up a college savings plan like a 529 or UTMA account early can make a big difference. Without careful planning, you might miss out on tax advantages or unintentionally affect your child's financial aid eligibility.
- Account type impact. Different savings vehicles have unique tax benefits and withdrawal rules; ask how each fits your family's goals.
- Contribution strategy. Understand how much and how often to contribute to balance growth potential with your current budget.
- Coordination with financial aid. Some accounts count as parental assets, others as the student's; clarify how this affects aid chances.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to extensive research and tools, which can support more informed college savings decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Steven H
Series 63, Series 66
Phoenix, AZ
Charles Schwab
Steven Hamilton's 27 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, position him well to assist families in Tempe with education funding strategies. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for its extensive research and multi-asset model portfolios, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee structure and serves primarily high-net-worth clients, differentiating him from advisors with smaller client bases or less firm support.
Experience: 27 years
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Fernando V
Series 66
Tempe, AZ
Edward Jones
Fernando Vazquez specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by Edward Jones' extensive resources and $1.01 trillion in assets under management. Although he has one year of industry experience, his background includes roles at Intel and Arizona State University, and he offers advisory programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him within large-firm advisors in Tempe.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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Andrew P
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Scottsdale, AZ
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Andrew Padgett's 33 years of experience and Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 and UTMA accounts effectively. Operating within J. W. Cole Advisors, a large SEC-registered firm with over 400 representatives, he offers flat-fee planning options and access to diverse portfolio management tools, distinguishing him from advisors with less extensive firm resources or fee flexibility.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $255,702
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Joan S
CFP®, Series 63
Tempe, AZ
Empower Advisory Group
Joan Stoddard specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, supported by 12 years of experience and CFP® certification at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm in Tempe, AZ. Her flat-fee structure and focus on long-term portfolio returns with annual rebalancing distinguish her from others who may use different fee models or investment approaches.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Benjamin S
Series 66
Tempe, AZ
LPL Financial
Benjamin Stidham's 22 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to guide college savings strategies like 529 and UTMA accounts effectively within a large firm setting. His flat-fee structure and background with major firms like Wells Fargo provide a blend of seasoned expertise and accessible pricing, distinguishing him from other advisors in Tempe focused on wealth management and retirement plans.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $399,489
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