CFP®-certified, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Walnut Creek, CA
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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, you need an advisor who understands the nuances of college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts. A common mistake is overlooking how these accounts impact financial aid eligibility and tax implications.
- Tax implications clarity. Confirm how they explain the tax benefits and potential penalties of different college savings vehicles.
- Financial aid impact. Ask how they factor in savings plans when estimating your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ensure they tailor investment choices to your child's timeline and risk tolerance, not just general market trends.
- Coordination with overall planning. Check how they integrate college savings with your broader financial goals, including retirement and estate considerations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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John K
CFP®
Walnut Creek, CA
Saranap Wealth Advisors
John Knolle specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, with nine years at Saranap Wealth Advisors and prior experience at Mellon Capital Management. His firm offers discretionary portfolio management and financial planning, serving both individual and high-net-worth clients in Walnut Creek, CA. Compared to others, his independent status and comprehensive services, including employer workshops, provide a broader approach to integrating college savings with overall financial goals.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $1,194,954
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Daniel H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Hawley Advisors
Daniel Hawley offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 43 years of industry experience and CFP® certification in Walnut Creek, CA. His firm manages $68 million with a strategic asset allocation approach, serving high-net-worth clients and providing personalized planning with hourly fees for specialized services, distinguishing him from advisors with less comprehensive investment strategies or client focus.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $1,262,958
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Miguel O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Charles Schwab
Miguel O'Hara specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate tax implications and financial aid considerations in Walnut Creek, CA. His affiliation with Charles Schwab offers clients access to a large firm's resources, multi-asset model portfolios, and a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 15 years
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Pamela J
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Monvia Financial L.P.
Pamela Jacobs specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 24 years of experience and CFP® certification to address tax implications and financial aid impacts in Walnut Creek, CA. Her firm, Monvia Financial L.P., offers individualized planning with a flat-fee structure and integrates fundamental, technical, and cyclical investment analyses, distinguishing her approach from others in the area.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $558,654
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William H
CFP®, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
LPL Financial
William Harvey's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Walnut Creek families through college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, considering tax implications and financial aid impact. Working with LPL Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning, he supports diverse clients including business owners and high-net-worth households, providing tailored investment strategies aligned with broader financial goals.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $399,489
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