Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Waltham, MA
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, choosing the right college savings plan can make a big difference in how much you save and how flexible your options are. Without careful planning, you might overlook tax implications or withdrawal rules that could reduce your savings.
- Plan variety and features. Ask which 529 or UTMA accounts they recommend and why, focusing on state tax benefits and investment options.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate state-specific taxes, including any surtaxes like the 'Millionaire's tax' that could affect your savings growth.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand their approach to timing and using funds to avoid penalties and maximize tax advantages.
- Coordination with financial goals. See how they integrate college savings with your broader financial plan, balancing education funding with other priorities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Shane F
Series 66
Westwood, MA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Shane Fargo specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies within Merrill's large-firm resources to navigate tax implications and withdrawal rules effectively. With two years of experience and a focus on mid-career professionals and high earners, he combines general retirement and cash flow planning to integrate education funding into broader financial goals, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $318,381
-
Richard P
Series 66
Newton, MA
Edward Jones
Richard Passanisi Jr. specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his role at Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources and a broad client base. With four years of experience and a Series 66 designation, he offers a fee structure up to 1.35% annually and brings a unique perspective from his prior legal career, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Waltham area.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
John L
CFP®, Series 63
Arlington, MA
J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc.
John Lewis III specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 28 years of experience and CFP® certification at the large firm J.W. Cole Advisors. His firm offers diverse managed account solutions and fee-based planning with flexible flat fees, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with a broad national network and multiple investment approaches.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $255,702
-
Peter T
Series 63, Series 65
Waltham, MA
Empower Advisory Group
Peter Tziachris offers expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMAs, supported by 26 years of experience and credentials like Series 63 and 65. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm focused on employer-sponsored retirement plans, he provides flat-fee and subscription pricing, distinguishing him with a structured fee approach and a strong background in retirement and income strategies.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Douglas G
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Waltham, MA
LPL Financial
Douglas Greene's 24 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively within a large firm setting in Waltham, MA. His expertise includes tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, and he offers flat-fee financial planning, distinguishing him from advisors who may charge hourly or lack such diverse specialties.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $399,489
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Waltham, MA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)