Flat-fee, 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 which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, especially how they fit your family's financial situation.
- Fee transparency. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so ask how that fee covers ongoing advice and account management.
- Pension impact awareness. In Traverse City, many families have pensions; check how your advisor integrates pension income into your college savings plan.
- Financial aid strategy. College savings can affect aid eligibility; see how the advisor plans to minimize negative impacts on your aid prospects.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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William F
Series 63, Series 65
Traverse City, MI
Up North Financial, LLC
William Flynn specializes in college savings strategies in Traverse City, MI, offering flat-fee financial planning with fees generally up to $5,000. His firm, Up North Financial, serves a diverse clientele including high-net-worth individuals and pension plans, tailoring portfolios through fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis. This combination of flat-fee structure and broad investment approach distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $602,670
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Mark F
ChFC®, Series 63
Traverse City, MI
ARK Advisors, LLC
Mark Folgmann specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee services in Traverse City, MI. With 15 years of experience at ARK Advisors, he integrates pension income considerations and employs a passive, tax-efficient investment approach using low-cost index funds and ETFs, distinguishing his comprehensive planning from other advisors.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $1,565,182
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Aaron C
Series 65
Traverse City, MI
HBW Advisory Services LLC
Aaron Castaneda specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering flat-fee services in Traverse City, MI, which suits families seeking transparent pricing. His firm, HBW Advisory Services, manages $1.75 billion with a blended investment approach and serves a diverse client base, differentiating him from advisors with narrower focuses or different fee structures.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $119,864
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Matthew S
Series 63, Series 65
Traverse City, MI
LPL Financial
Matthew Simon offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with a flat-fee structure, he serves a diverse client base and integrates wealth management and retirement planning, providing a broad perspective compared to smaller or less experienced advisors.
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, offering flat-fee financial planning in Traverse City, MI. With seven years of experience and a background as a founder and retired professional, she works through J. W. Cole Advisors, a large firm providing diverse managed account solutions and access to third-party managers, which may offer broader investment options compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $255,702
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