Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Waco, TX
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 lock in education costs before tuition rises or when you receive a financial gift meant for education. Without a focused approach, you might overlook how investment choices and tax benefits interact over time.
- Plan type clarity. Confirm which accounts they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts, and why one fits your goals better.
- Tax impact understanding. Since Texas has no state income tax, ask how they optimize federal tax advantages and consider property tax effects on your overall plan.
- Investment strategy alignment. Look for advisors who tailor investment options to the child's age and your risk comfort, not just generic portfolios.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, so ask how that benefits your college savings plan specifically.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Francisco Z
Series 63, Series 66
Waco, TX
Empower Advisory Group
Francisco Zaragoza specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his 10 years of experience and credentials to tailor strategies that align with your child's age and risk tolerance. Working at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm, he offers flat-fee and subscription pricing, combining broad research resources with a focus on long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, distinguishing him from other advisors in Waco.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Carter H
Series 63, Series 65
Waco, TX
Merrill
Carter Harris specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting in Waco, TX, leveraging Merrill Lynch's extensive resources and open-architecture platform to tailor investment options for education planning. With 40 years of experience and a focus on high-net-worth business owners and families, he offers a comprehensive approach that includes alternative investments and retirement income strategy, differentiating him through his seasoned expertise and broad service scope.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Bryan B
Series 66
Waco, TX
Edward Jones
Bryan Bronstad specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his eight years of experience and Series 66 designation to tailor strategies for families in Waco, TX. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources, he offers a fee structure up to 1.35% annually and brings additional expertise in retirement and business owner planning, providing a broader financial perspective compared to other advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Richard A
Series 63, Series 66
Waco, TX
LPL Financial
Richard Abbe's 40 years of experience and focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-suited for managing education funding in Waco, TX. Affiliated with large firm LPL Financial, he offers flat-fee financial planning and leverages extensive in-house research and diverse investment options, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources or different fee structures.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $399,489
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William C
Series 65
Waco, TX
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
William Curtiss specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and a Series 65 credential. Operating within J.W. Cole Advisors, a large firm with over 400 representatives, he offers flat-fee financial planning and access to diverse managed account solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources or different fee structures.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $255,702
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