Top college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Wilmington, NC
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 your savings strategy with your child's timeline and your family's financial situation, which can reduce the benefits of these accounts.
- Account type suitability. Confirm which college savings vehicles they recommend and why, ensuring they fit your goals and risk tolerance.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate state tax benefits and potential penalties for non-educational withdrawals.
- Investment approach. Look for advisors who adjust investment risk as your child approaches college age, not those who keep a static portfolio.
- Coordination with financial aid. Inquire how they factor in savings impact on financial aid eligibility and strategies to optimize it.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Daniel O
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
Empower Advisory Group
Daniel O Hara offers expertise in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by 30 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for flat-fee structures and a focus on employer-sponsored retirement plans, he combines seasoned insight with a disciplined investment approach tailored to long-term portfolio returns.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Peter S
CFP®, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Shammas Financial Planning
Peter Shammas specializes in college savings strategies, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, with eight years of experience and CFP® certification in Wilmington, NC. His independent, fee-only firm offers flat-fee, project-based planning and focuses on limited-scope engagements, differentiating him from advisors who provide ongoing investment management or custody services.
Experience: 8 years
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Brian M
CFP®, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Charles Schwab
Brian Mc Cormack specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging 32 years of experience and CFP® certification to tailor plans that align with your child's timeline and family finances. Based in Wilmington, NC, he operates within Charles Schwab's large-firm environment, offering a 0.80% AUM fee and access to model portfolios supported by in-house research, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm resources.
Experience: 33 years
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Patrick K
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
LPL Financial
Patrick Kalbaugh specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 63 and 65 licenses and five years of industry experience in Wilmington, NC. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm managing over $819 billion in assets, he offers flat-fee financial planning and consulting, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or smaller firm affiliations.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Joshua K
Series 65
Wilmington, NC
Lumina Wealth Management, LLC
Joshua Kleinstuber specializes in college savings strategies including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, supported by his Series 65 designation and experience at Lumina Wealth Management in Wilmington, NC. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning ranging from $500 to $5,000 and employs a diverse investment approach with ETFs, mutual funds, and individual securities, catering to a broad client base including trusts and corporations.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $987,101
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