Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Traverse City, MI
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 the savings plan with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type fit. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they match your family's financial situation and education plans.
- Investment approach. Ask how they adjust investment risk as your child gets closer to college age to protect your savings from market swings.
- Financial aid impact. Understand how your savings strategy might affect eligibility for need-based aid and what steps they take to minimize negative effects.
- Coordination with other goals. Check how they balance 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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Mark F
ChFC®, Series 63
Traverse City, MI
ARK Advisors, LLC
Mark Folgmann specializes in college savings strategies in Traverse City, MI, with 15 years of experience and credentials including ChFC® and Series 63. His firm, ARK Advisors, LLC, offers flat-fee, independent financial planning focused on passive, tax-efficient investing using low-cost index funds and ETFs, which may appeal to families seeking a long-term, cost-conscious approach to education funding.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $1,565,182
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Daniel M
CFP®, Series 66
Traverse City, MI
Charles Schwab
Daniel Mc Namara specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 19 years of experience and CFP® certification in Traverse City, MI. Affiliated with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and integrates non-discretionary advisory with access to discretionary managed accounts, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 19 years
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Aaron C
Series 65
Traverse City, MI
HBW Advisory Services LLC
Aaron Castaneda specializes in college savings strategies like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by HBW Advisory Services' $1.75 billion in assets and a blended investment approach that adjusts risk based on client needs. His flat-fee and independent status, combined with experience serving diverse clients including families and charitable organizations, distinguishes him from other advisors in Traverse City, MI.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $119,864
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Matthew S
Series 63, Series 65
Traverse City, MI
LPL Financial
Matthew Simon's 24 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to guide families in Traverse City, MI. His affiliation with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, distinguishes him from others by combining seasoned expertise with flexible fee structures and broad client services.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Michelle B
Series 63, Series 66
Traverse City, MI
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
Michelle Berry specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by seven years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Operating within J. W. Cole Advisors, a large firm with over 400 representatives, she offers flat-fee financial planning and access to diverse managed account solutions, distinguishing her approach from others in Traverse City, MI.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $255,702
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