CFP®-certified, 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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, setting up and managing college savings accounts like 529 plans or UTMA accounts can feel overwhelming. A common mistake is not aligning these savings vehicles with your overall financial goals and tax considerations.
- Tax implications awareness. Confirm how the advisor navigates state and federal tax benefits or limitations specific to college savings accounts.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they tailor investment choices within 529 or UTMA accounts to your child's age and your risk tolerance.
- Withdrawal planning. Understand their approach to timing distributions to minimize tax impact and maximize financial aid eligibility.
- Coordination with broader goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your retirement and other financial plans 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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Alexander T
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Charles Schwab
Alexander Trainer's expertise in college savings, including 529 and UTMA accounts, is supported by his CFP® certification and nine years of experience in West Des Moines. Working with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and access to multi-asset model portfolios and alternative investments, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 9 years
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Todd J
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Edward Jones
Todd Johnson's CFP® certification and seven years of financial experience equip him to manage college savings accounts like 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively in West Des Moines, IA. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive approach that includes estate planning and retirement strategies, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or smaller firms.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Sydney K
CFP®
Springfield, MO
Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors, LLC
Sydney Koopmann, a CFP® professional in Springfield, MO, specializes in college savings plans including 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by her firm's committee-driven investment approach that blends active and passive strategies. Her flat-fee and hourly fee options, combined with experience serving high-net-worth clients and coordinating financial planning with tax and accounting services, distinguish her from other advisors in the region.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,545,861
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Guy L
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Compass Financial Services
Guy Leman's 12 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage college savings accounts like 529 plans with attention to tax implications and investment strategies tailored to your child's needs. His affiliation with Compass Financial Services offers active portfolio management and wealth planning, differentiating him through a diversified investment approach and services for a broad client base including trusts and estates.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $364,349
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Robert H
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
LPL Financial
Robert Hallgren, a CFP®-certified advisor in West Des Moines, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 16 years of experience and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and benefits from robust in-house research, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm support or different fee structures.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $399,489
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