Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Virginia
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 education costs and want to make the most of tax-advantaged savings options like 529 plans or UTMA accounts. Without careful planning, you could miss out on maximizing growth or face unexpected tax consequences.
- Account type selection. Ask how they choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your family's financial and educational goals.
- Contribution timing. Confirm their approach to scheduling contributions to balance growth potential with your cash flow.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts align with your child's timeline and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with financial aid. Check if they consider how savings impact eligibility for college financial aid and strategies to minimize negative effects.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christian D
Series 63, Series 65
Lynchburg, VA
LPL Financial
Christian De Paul brings 33 years of experience and specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to guide Virginia families through education funding strategies. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and supported by in-house research, he combines seasoned expertise with flexible investment solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Steven G
Series 63, Series 66
Abingdon, VA
ON Investment Management CO
Steven Gibson's 22 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to help Virginia families plan for education costs. His firm offers flat-fee and negotiable AUM fee structures, providing flexible payment options, and serves a diverse client base with both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower service models.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $319,610
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Branden B
Series 63, Series 65
Lynchburg, VA
Merrill
Branden Brooks brings over 34 years of experience in wealth management with a focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to guide families in Virginia through tax-advantaged education funding. Affiliated with Merrill Lynch, a large firm, he offers a holistic financial planning approach and serves affluent families, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, which may differ from smaller firms or fee structures nearby.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Timothy W
CFP®, Series 66
Alexandria, VA
Wesling Financial Planning Services Corp.
Timothy Wesling's 22 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Virginia families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, balancing growth potential with tax considerations. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, he offers personalized portfolio management and integrates fundamental analysis with trading strategies, distinguishing his approach from larger firms and catering to high-net-worth clients seeking tailored financial planning.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $947,477
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Mark M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
mONETA, VA
Edward Jones
Mark Mellon brings 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to advising on college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, ensuring strategies align with educational goals and tax considerations. Operating from Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to diverse investment strategies and serves a broad client base, which may provide more comprehensive wealth management compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $246,728
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