Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Troy, NY
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.
You might be planning for your child's college expenses and want to use tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you could miss opportunities to maximize savings or unintentionally trigger tax consequences.
- Long-term savings strategy. Ask how they balance growth potential with risk over the years until college starts.
- Tax implications. Confirm they understand state and federal tax rules that affect college savings accounts.
- Estate planning integration. Since large gifts can impact estate taxes, check how they coordinate college savings with your overall estate plan.
- Experience with account types. Ensure they can explain the pros and cons of 529 plans versus UTMA accounts for your family's situation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Shane M
Series 63, Series 65
Latham, NY
Merrill
Shane Mahieu brings over 27 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ designation. Based in nearby Latham, NY, he leverages Merrill Lynch's large-firm resources and offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, catering to mid-career professionals and high earners with a disciplined, adaptive planning approach.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Gregory M
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, NY
Charles Schwab
Gregory Manning's 34 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate tax implications and long-term strategies effectively. Based in nearby Albany, he operates within Charles Schwab's large-firm environment, offering a 0.80% annual AUM fee and serving primarily high-net-worth clients, which may differ from advisors focusing on smaller account sizes or boutique firms.
Experience: 34 years
-
Joel F
Series 63, Series 65
Latham, NY
HBW Advisory Services LLC
Joel Fishman specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 23 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. Based in nearby Latham, NY, he offers flat-fee financial planning and asset management through HBW Advisory Services, which manages $1.75 billion and emphasizes diversification and downside protection, serving a broad client base including families and charitable organizations.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $119,864
-
Joseph G
Series 63, Series 66
Troy, NY
LPL Financial
Joseph Geis Jr. brings 29 years of experience in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 63 and 66 credentials. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm with diverse investment strategies and flat-fee planning options, he serves a broad client base including business owners and high-net-worth households in Troy, NY.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Gary S
Series 63
Albany, NY
The Affinity Group, LLC
Gary Sancilio's 29 years of experience and expertise in college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to address tax implications and long-term growth strategies effectively. Based in nearby Albany, NY, he offers a 1% AUM fee and emphasizes passive, asset-allocation strategies, distinguishing him with a disciplined, simulation-supported investment approach and additional estate planning guidance.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $96,907
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Troy, NY
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)