Large-firm, 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 college expenses, you want to make sure your savings strategy fits your family's timeline and financial goals. Without focused guidance, it's easy to overlook how different account types affect financial aid or tax benefits.
- Account type trade-offs. Understand how 529 plans differ from UTMA accounts in terms of control, tax treatment, and impact on financial aid.
- Contribution timing. Ask how the advisor recommends scheduling contributions to maximize growth and minimize tax consequences.
- Coordination with overall finances. Confirm how they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, including retirement and estate considerations.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to extensive research and tools, which can support more informed college savings decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kylie K
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Merrill
Kylie Kerr specializes in college savings strategies within a large firm setting in Walnut Creek, CA, offering expertise in 529 plans and UTMA accounts alongside family business and retirement planning. Her collaborative approach at Merrill includes access to mortgage and alternative investment specialists, providing a comprehensive financial planning experience with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $860,085
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David R
Series 63, Series 65
Lafayette, CA
Empower Advisory Group
David Ramirez specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 24 years of experience and a large-firm environment at Empower Advisory Group. His flat-fee structure and focus on integrating college savings with retirement and debt management distinguish him from others, while his location in Lafayette offers convenient access near Walnut Creek.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Tyler P
CFP®, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Charles Schwab
Tyler Paik Nicely specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 11 years of experience and CFP® certification at Charles Schwab's Walnut Creek office. His background in private investments and real estate, combined with Schwab's large-firm resources and a 0.80% AUM fee, offers a comprehensive approach for families balancing college funding with broader financial goals.
Experience: 12 years
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Adam Z
Series 66
Danville, CA
Sanctuary Advisors, LLC
Adam Zielske specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by Sanctuary Advisors' large-firm resources and diverse investment approaches. With a flat-fee structure and experience advising business owners, he integrates college savings with broader financial and estate planning, offering a comprehensive perspective compared to other advisors in Walnut Creek, CA.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $1,618,113
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William H
CFP®, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
LPL Financial
William Harvey specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 19 years of experience and CFP® certification. Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm with extensive research resources, he offers flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to families seeking transparent costs and integrated wealth management alongside retirement and tax-loss harvesting expertise.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $399,489
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