Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Warwick, RI
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. A common mistake is not understanding how different account types affect financial aid eligibility and tax benefits.
- Account type impact. Ask how 529 plans compare to UTMA accounts in terms of control, tax treatment, and effect on financial aid.
- Contribution flexibility. Confirm how easy it is to adjust contributions or change beneficiaries as your child's plans evolve.
- Investment options. Look for advisors who explain how investment choices within these accounts can affect growth and risk over time.
- Coordination with financial aid. Ensure they consider how your savings strategy interacts with expected family contribution calculations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bradley W
Series 63, Series 65
Barrington, RI
Empower Advisory Group
Bradley Whelan specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 14 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Empower Advisory Group, a large firm with a flat-fee structure, he offers integrated financial planning linked to employer-sponsored retirement plans, emphasizing long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing, which may provide a disciplined approach compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Laura M
CFP®, Series 66
Bristol, RI
Charles Schwab
Laura Mc Dowell specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 17 years of experience at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients with multi-asset allocation and alternative investments. Her CFP® certification and focus on multi-state taxation provide added value compared to advisors without such credentials or firm resources.
Experience: 17 years
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Matthew S
Series 66
Riverside, RI
Edward Jones
Matthew Schmitz at Edward Jones in Riverside, RI, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 66 designation and a focus on passive and ESG investing. Edward Jones, a large firm with over 23,700 advisors and $1.01 trillion in assets, offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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John S
Series 63, Series 65
Warwick, RI
LPL Financial
John Sulyma's 36 years of experience and expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, make him well-equipped to address your family's education funding needs in Warwick, RI. Affiliated with large firm LPL Financial, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse clientele, providing access to extensive investment options and in-house research support that may enhance your savings strategy.
Experience: 36 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Nelson D
Series 63, Series 66
Providence, RI
Merrill
Nelson Dias specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by over 20 years of experience and a focus on personalized wealth management at Merrill, a large firm. His expertise extends to tax minimization and retirement planning, serving parents and professionals with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him through comprehensive financial solutions and a client-centered approach.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $860,085
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