Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Tennessee
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. Without careful planning, you might miss opportunities to reduce federal taxes or choose the wrong account type for your family's needs. Large-firm advisors here bring resources and experience that can help you navigate these choices.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they help you pick between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other options based on your goals and control preferences.
- Tax impact focus. Since Tennessee has no state income tax, ask how they optimize federal tax benefits and consider local sales and property taxes in your savings plan.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who tailor investment choices within college savings accounts to your timeline and risk comfort.
- Coordination with financial goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial picture, including retirement and cash flow needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Casey M
Series 66
Johnson City, TN
LPL Financial
Casey Middleton specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 12 years of experience and a Series 66 designation to guide Tennessee families through tax-advantaged strategies. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive resources and a flat-fee structure, he also offers expertise in retirement plans and tax-loss harvesting, providing a broader financial planning perspective compared to advisors focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Dennis P
Series 63, Series 65
Franklin, TN
Charles Schwab
Dennis Pompa Jr. specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 31 years of experience to help Tennessee families optimize federal tax benefits and select suitable account types. As a seasoned advisor at Charles Schwab, he serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, offering access to multi-asset model portfolios and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 31 years
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Craig B
CFP®, Series 66
Maryville, TN
Edward Jones
Craig Bales specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his eight years of experience and CFP® certification to guide families in Tennessee through tax-advantaged education funding. As part of Edward Jones, a large firm with over 23,700 advisors and $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to extensive resources and a variety of investment strategies, with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Blake S
Series 66
Nashville, TN
Empower Advisory Group
Blake Schnell specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm with integrated financial planning and investment management services. His flat-fee structure and experience with employer-sponsored retirement plans provide a unique blend of affordability and institutional resources, distinguishing him from other advisors in Tennessee focused solely on college savings.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Jason P
Series 66
Franklin, TN
Merrill
Jason Patrick's extensive 25 years in financial services and his focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-equipped to guide Tennessee families through tax-advantaged education funding. As a Senior Vice President at Merrill, a large firm, he combines wealth management expertise with a disciplined approach, serving primarily parents and executives, and offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him from other advisors in the region.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $860,085
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