Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Urbana, IL
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 strategy with your child's timeline and potential financial aid impact.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which savings vehicles they recommend and why, considering your goals and your child's age.
- Investment approach. Ask how they adjust investment risk as college nears to protect your savings from market swings.
- Financial aid awareness. Check if they consider how savings accounts affect your child's eligibility for aid.
- State tax implications. Since Illinois has no tax on retirement income but high property taxes, ask how this influences your overall college savings plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Neil R
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
Urbana, IL
Edward Jones
Neil Richardson specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 20 years of experience and CFP® and ChFC® credentials. Operating within Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers a range of advisory programs and a fiduciary standard, which may provide more comprehensive wealth management options compared to smaller firms or less credentialed advisors.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Scott W
Series 65
Champaign, IL
Willenbrock Financial Planning
Scott Willenbrock offers expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, with 17 years of experience and a Series 65 designation. His independent, fee-only firm uses a diversified, low-cost index fund approach tailored to clients' timelines and risk tolerance, and his background as a University of Illinois physics professor provides a unique perspective compared to other advisors in the Urbana area.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $472,215
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Xinhong L
CFP®, Series 66
Champaign, IL
Financial Planning, Asset Management
Xinhong Liu specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with nine years of experience and CFP® certification, serving clients near Urbana from Champaign, IL. His independent firm offers personalized financial planning and asset management with a 1.5% AUM fee, focusing on diversified portfolios and retirement planning, which may appeal to families seeking comprehensive wealth management alongside college funding.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $525,312
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Ronald E
Series 63, Series 65
Champaign, IL
Charles Schwab
Ronald Endsley specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 41 years of experience and expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments. Operating from Charles Schwab in Champaign, IL, he serves primarily high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, differentiating himself through a large-firm platform and a blend of discretionary and non-discretionary investment services.
Experience: 41 years
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Scott C
Series 65
Champaign, IL
Cline Financial Concepts, LLC
Scott Cline specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with 20 years of experience and a Series 65 designation. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning and discretionary investment management focused on long-term, low-cost diversified funds, serving high-net-worth clients in the Champaign area, which may provide a more personalized approach compared to other advisors nearby.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $562,661
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