Independent, 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 (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without careful planning, you might miss out on how to balance savings growth with financial aid impact or state tax benefits.
- Account type guidance. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, especially how they fit your family's financial situation.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they adjust investments as your child approaches college age to manage risk and growth.
- Financial aid considerations. Check if they factor in how your savings affect eligibility for need-based aid.
- Independent advice. Being independent means they aren’t tied to specific products, so they can suggest options that best fit your goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Elizabeth J
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Iowa Wealth Management, LLC
Elizabeth Johnson specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with nine years of experience in West Des Moines, IA. She offers independent advice with a flat-fee structure and manages accounts using both fundamental and technical analysis, distinguishing her from others by combining personalized planning with a data-driven investment approach.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $835,621
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Bill N
CFA®
Springfield, MO
Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors, LLC
Bill Nguyen offers independent guidance on college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, backed by his CFA® credential and experience at Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors. His firm’s committee-driven investment approach blends active and passive strategies, with flat-fee and hourly options, catering to high-net-worth clients and business owners, which may suit families seeking tailored, fee-transparent planning beyond typical advisory models.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,545,861
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Dean K
Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Desla Wealth Management
Dean Khatib specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 15 years of experience and a Series 66 designation in West Des Moines. His firm, Desla Wealth Management, offers independent advice with tailored portfolio management and flexible fee options, distinguishing him from others by serving a broad client base including individuals and business entities.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $667,382
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Justin V
Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Compass Financial Services
Justin Van Houten offers independent advice on college savings strategies in West Des Moines, specializing in 529 plans and UTMA accounts with seven years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His background includes active portfolio management and life insurance analysis, and he operates with a negotiable AUM fee up to 1.75%, distinguishing him from others by combining investment expertise with personalized planning flexibility.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $364,349
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Lisa C
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Advisory Alpha, LLC
Lisa Carlson offers independent guidance on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, backed by 10 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating through Advisory Alpha, LLC in West Des Moines, she provides flat-fee financial planning and access to diverse investment strategies managed by an internal team, distinguishing her from advisors tied to specific products or fee models.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $269,985
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