Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in West Des Moines, IA
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 make the most of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your child's timeline and your overall financial goals, which can reduce the benefits.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your family's timeline and risk tolerance.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate state and federal tax benefits or limitations specific to your situation.
- Withdrawal strategy. Understand their approach to timing distributions to minimize impact on financial aid eligibility.
- Coordination with other goals. Check how they balance college savings with retirement and other priorities to avoid unintended trade-offs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Pingping L
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Merrill
Pingping Larson specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging her seven years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, to tailor plans that align with clients' timelines and financial goals. She also focuses on women professionals and integrates wealth management, retirement income, and philanthropic planning, offering a comprehensive approach with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Kurt S
Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
LPL Financial
Kurt Steinkamp's 24 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to guide college savings strategies using 529 plans and UTMA accounts in West Des Moines. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and in-house research, he provides flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to families seeking transparent costs alongside expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Lisa C
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Advisory Alpha, LLC
Lisa Carlson's expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, is supported by her 10 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating in West Des Moines, IA, she offers flat-fee and negotiable pricing through Advisory Alpha, LLC, which emphasizes diverse investment strategies and serves both individual and high-net-worth clients, distinguishing her with a broad service approach and flexible fee options.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $269,985
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Aaron M
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Charles Schwab
Aaron Moberg specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 14 years of experience and ChFC® credentials to navigate tax implications and withdrawal timing effectively. Operating within Charles Schwab's large-firm environment, he serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% AUM fee, offering access to multi-asset portfolios and alternative investments, which may provide broader financial planning options compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 15 years
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Matthew G
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Matthew Gasser specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by nine years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and integrated retirement plan services, he combines tax-aware planning with a focus on long-term portfolio returns, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower scopes or different fee models.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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