Large-firm, 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 lock in tax advantages and investment growth for your child's education expenses. A common mistake is not aligning the savings plan with your family's timeline and financial aid goals, which can reduce the benefits.
- Plan type clarity. Confirm which accounts they recommend, like 529 plans or UTMA custodial accounts, and why one fits your goals better.
- Investment options. Ask how they select funds within these plans to balance growth potential with risk over your saving horizon.
- Financial aid impact. Understand how each savings vehicle might affect your child's eligibility for aid and how the advisor plans around that.
- Large-firm resources. Advisors here often have access to broader research and tools, so check how they leverage these for your college savings strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Reagan A
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Merrill
Reagan Adjei specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging Merrill's large-firm resources to tailor strategies that align with clients' timelines and financial aid considerations. With seven years of experience and a focus on mid-career professionals and high earners, Reagan offers a 1.10% AUM fee structure and personalized portfolio adjustments to meet evolving financial goals.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Alexander T
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Charles Schwab
Alexander Trainer's expertise in college savings plans, including 529s and UTMA accounts, is supported by his nine years of experience and CFP® certification at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients. His access to Schwab's multi-asset model portfolios and alternative investment research distinguishes him from others by offering sophisticated investment options and a comprehensive advisory approach in West Des Moines.
Experience: 9 years
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Todd J
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Edward Jones
Todd Johnson specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging his CFP® certification and seven years of financial experience to tailor strategies for families in West Des Moines. Working at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to extensive research and diverse advisory programs with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Matthew G
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Matthew Gasser specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by nine years of experience and Series 63 and 66 licenses. Working with Empower Advisory Group, a large firm, he offers flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing, leveraging the firm's integrated services and long-term portfolio focus, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller firms in West Des Moines.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Scott S
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
LPL Financial
Scott Stone's 31 years of experience and ChFC® designation equip him to guide college savings strategies effectively, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, within a large firm setting in West Des Moines. His flat-fee structure and access to LPL Financial's extensive research resources differentiate him from others by offering transparent pricing and broad investment support tailored to diverse client needs.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $399,489
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