Large-firm, 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.
You might be planning for your child's education expenses or managing funds for a young family member, and need guidance on the best ways to save using college savings plans like 529s or UTMA accounts. Without focused expertise, it's easy to overlook how investment choices and tax implications affect your savings growth and future flexibility. Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and a broad range of investment options, which can influence your plan's design and management.
- Plan type selection. Confirm how they help choose between 529 plans, UTMA accounts, or other vehicles based on your goals and control preferences.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they factor in state tax benefits and potential penalties to optimize your savings strategy.
- Investment options. Explore how they tailor investment choices within the college savings accounts to match your risk tolerance and timeline.
- Coordination with financial goals. Check how they integrate college savings with your overall financial plan, including retirement and cash flow needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Paul E
CFP®, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Money Concepts Capital Corp
Paul Edmunds at Money Concepts Capital Corp in Wilmington, NC, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging over 31 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm’s large size offers diverse investment options and portfolio management strategies, while his background as a CPA and co-trustee adds tax and trust expertise, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $237,847
-
Brian M
CFP®, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Charles Schwab
Brian Mc Cormack's 32 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Wilmington families through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, leveraging Charles Schwab's extensive resources. His expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments, combined with a 0.80% AUM fee and service to high-net-worth clients, distinguishes him from other large-firm advisors in the area.
Experience: 33 years
-
Keith D
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Empower Advisory Group
Keith Dorney offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by 19 years of experience and Series 63, 65, and 66 credentials. Operating within Empower Advisory Group, a large firm known for integrated financial planning and investment management, he provides flat-fee and monthly subscription options, distinguishing him with flexible pricing and a broad approach to retirement and college savings strategies in Wilmington, NC.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $565,063
-
Joseph O
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
LPL Financial
Joseph Oliver III at LPL Financial in Wilmington, NC, specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, leveraging 29 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 designations. His flat-fee structure and affiliation with a large firm offering extensive investment options and in-house research distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $399,489
-
Lance S
Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Merrill
Lance Stanislaus at Merrill in Wilmington, NC, offers expertise in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by eight years of industry experience and Series 66 designation. His large-firm affiliation provides access to diverse investment options, and he serves mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $860,085
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Wilmington, NC
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)