Independent, 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.
When you're planning for your child's education expenses, choosing the right college savings advisor can help you navigate the variety of account types like 529 plans and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts. Without focused guidance, you might overlook tax benefits or investment options that best fit your family's timeline and goals. Independent advisors here operate without ties to specific financial firms, aiming to provide advice based solely on your needs.
- Account type expertise. Confirm they understand the differences between 529 plans and UTMA accounts, including tax implications and control over funds.
- Investment strategy alignment. Ask how they tailor investment choices to your child's age and your risk comfort.
- State tax considerations. Since North Carolina has a flat income tax, check how they factor this into your savings plan.
- Withdrawal planning. Ensure they help you plan for qualified education expenses to avoid penalties and maximize benefits.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Steven S
CFP®, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Counterweight Private Wealth
Steven Swierkowski specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored strategies that consider your child's age and risk tolerance. As a CFP®-certified independent advisor at Counterweight Private Wealth in Wilmington, NC, he serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and integrates both fundamental and technical analysis in portfolio management, differentiating him from others with a focus on comprehensive asset allocation.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,381,462
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Meredith K
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
Lumina Wealth Management, LLC
Meredith Koenig specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice in Wilmington, NC, with 17 years of experience and flat-fee financial planning options. Her firm, Lumina Wealth Management, employs a comprehensive investment approach including ETFs and individual securities, serving a diverse client base with both discretionary and non-discretionary management, which may provide broader portfolio options compared to other advisors.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $987,101
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Peter S
CFP®, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Shammas Financial Planning
Peter Shammas specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering tailored advice that considers tax implications and investment strategies aligned with your child's age. As an independent, CFP®-certified advisor in Wilmington, NC, he provides flat-fee, project-based financial planning with eight years of experience and a background at Fidelity, distinguishing him from advisors with broader or ongoing management services.
Experience: 8 years
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David P
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Bolivia, NC
Liberty Square Wealth Partners LLC
David Pope specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, offering independent advice tailored to Wilmington-area families. His firm manages $476 million with a long-term investment approach using ETFs and mutual funds, and he provides flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent costs and personalized strategies.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $908,147
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Scott W
Series 63, Series 65
Carolina Beach, NC
SCW Wealth Management, LLC
Scott Wardrop specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 30 years of experience to tailor strategies that consider tax implications and investment alignment with your child's timeline. Operating independently from Carolina Beach, NC, his firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management, blending modern portfolio theory with fundamental and technical analysis, which may appeal to families seeking a disciplined, diversified approach.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $292,683
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