CFP®-certified, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how these accounts interact with financial aid or state tax benefits.
- Account type guidance. Confirm how they choose between 529s, UTMAs, or other savings vehicles based on your family's goals and state rules.
- Coordination with financial aid. Ask how they help balance savings so it doesn't reduce your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment strategy for education. Look for advisors who adjust investments as college approaches, managing risk and growth appropriately.
- Tax implications. Ensure they explain how contributions and withdrawals affect your taxes, including any state-specific benefits or penalties.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kevin K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Traverse City, MI
LPL Financial
Kevin Kelly's 44 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide families in Traverse City, MI, through college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions, he provides flat-fee financial planning and serves a broad client base including high-net-worth households, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or fee structures.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Erik F
CFP®, CFA®
Traverse City, MI
Falconer Group
Erik Falconer offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs, backed by 15 years of experience and dual CFP® and CFA® credentials in Traverse City, MI. His firm uses a core-and-satellite investment approach emphasizing passive index funds, serving high-net-worth clients with a 1.10% AUM fee and $250 hourly rate for limited engagements, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment styles.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $2,627,463
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Daniel M
CFP®, Series 66
Traverse City, MI
Charles Schwab
Daniel Mc Namara's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide families in Traverse City, MI, through college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts. At Charles Schwab, he supports high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, blending non-discretionary advice and discretionary managed accounts, which may offer more comprehensive investment options compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 19 years
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Mark H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Traverse City, MI
Up North Financial, LLC
Mark Herman offers expertise in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 34 years of experience and CFP® certification in Traverse City, MI. His firm, Up North Financial, LLC, serves high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients with tailored portfolios and a flexible fee structure featuring both asset-based and flat fees, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower client focuses or fee models.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $602,670
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