Investing in education, whether for yourself or a loved one, is a meaningful goal. But navigating the details of saving, investing, timing, and tax implications can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At HFG Trust, college planning is more than setting up a savings account. It’s about creating a clear, thoughtful strategy that supports your broader financial picture. Whether you’re just getting started or recalibrating after a few tuition bills, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
What is College Planning?
College planning blends financial strategy with life planning. It’s the process of aligning your personal goals with smart financial decisions to support future education expenses—and doing so while protecting your lifestyle and long-term financial well-being.
Our role is to help you answer the big questions. When should we start saving? How much do we need? What if our situation changes? We evaluate your full financial landscape—income, assets, tax strategy, estate plans—and build a personalized plan that adapts as your life evolves.
For some, it’s about creating a college savings plan early. For others, it’s navigating financial aid, balancing multiple children’s needs, or integrating education costs into a legacy strategy. No matter your path, we provide fiduciary guidance that puts your family first.
What Makes HFG Trust Different
At HFG Trust, everything we do is designed to simplify your financial life. With a fiduciary-first philosophy and a full team of experts under one roof, we offer clarity, confidence, and continuity.
Fiduciary-First, Fee-Only Advice
Independent guidance that puts your goals first—always, with no commissions or conflicts.
Truly Comprehensive Services
One advisory relationship for planning, investing, tax, trust services, and more.
Local Roots, National Expertise
Proudly based in Kennewick, serving the Tri-Cities and clients across the country.
Decades of Trusted Experience
Over 40 years of helping individuals and families simplify life and plan for what’s next.
Credentialed, Collaborative Team
Advisors, trust officers, and planners who work together to deliver truly personalized strategies.
Long-Term, Relationship-Driven Approach
We’re not here for transactions—we’re here to guide you for life’s biggest financial decisions.
Trusted and Highly Rated
A Financial Process That Starts With You
At HFG Trust, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our process starts with listening. We take time to understand your goals, values, and current circumstances before offering any advice. That includes how college planning fits into your life today and what it means for the future.
We then create a strategy that brings everything together: college savings plans, 529s, financial aid planning, tax-smart strategies, and long-term investment coordination. As fiduciaries, we focus solely on what’s best for you. No products to push. Just real advice from real people who care.
A Smarter Path Starts with a Simple Calculation
Understanding the real cost of college is a smart first move—but it’s just the beginning.
A college cost calculator gives you a clearer picture of what your education (or your child’s) could actually cost. It helps you estimate tuition, room and board, financial aid, and out-of-pocket expenses. Suddenly, what once felt uncertain becomes measurable.
But once you have that insight, what do you do with it?
That’s where a financial advisor comes in.
They can help you:
- Build a personalized savings strategy
- Explore the best options for loans, grants, and tax benefits
- Balance college planning with other long-term financial goals
- Create a clear, actionable plan to avoid debt surprises
Local Roots. National Perspective.
Headquartered in Kennewick, WA, HFG Trust proudly serves the Tri-Cities—Pasco, Richland, and surrounding communities, as well as clients throughout Oregon and California. Whether you’re a pre-retiree in Richland, a growing business owner in Pasco, or a high-net-worth family in Kennewick, we bring local insight backed by national expertise.
Kennewick, WA
Headquarters offering full-service wealth management and fiduciary guidance in the heart of the Tri-Cities. Our advisors help families integrate college planning into their broader financial goals.
Berkeley, CA
Holistic wealth and estate planning for clients across California and beyond. College planning here reflects both affordability, strategy, and long-term tax efficiency.
Roseburg, OR
Personalized financial advice and fiduciary planning for individuals, families, and business owners. College savings strategies tailored to your life stage and financial goals.
Insights That Move You Forward
Explore timely articles, market commentary, and practical guidance from the HFG Trust team. From retirement strategies to business transitions and college planning, our expert resources are designed to simplify financial decisions and build long-term confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is working with a financial advisor for college planning worth it?
Yes, especially when the advisor takes a holistic, fiduciary-first approach. Financial advisors for college planning can help you avoid common missteps like overfunding 529s, unintentionally reducing financial aid eligibility, or neglecting your own retirement planning. A great advisor doesn’t just tell you how to save. They show you why, when, and how much based on your full financial picture. At HFG Trust, we align your college planning strategy with your long-term goals so you’re not choosing between your child’s future and your own. The result is less stress, more clarity, and a plan that truly fits your life.
When should I start a college saving plan?
The earlier, the better. Even modest contributions can grow significantly with time. But if you’re getting a later start, you’re not alone. There are still smart strategies we can help you implement.
What’s the best college saving plan for my family?
It depends on your goals and tax situation. Many families benefit from 529 plans, but we also evaluate Coverdell accounts, custodial options, and nontraditional paths to make sure the strategy fits your life.
Do you offer financial aid planning or FAFSA guidance?
Yes. We help clients navigate FAFSA timing, expected family contributions, and how to position assets to protect eligibility for aid.
Can I balance college planning with retirement savings?
Absolutely. We help clients align priorities so both education and retirement goals are supported, not sacrificed. The key is having a plan that accounts for the full financial picture.
Ready to Simplify Your Financial Life?
We’re here to listen, guide, and help you move forward on your terms. Let’s build your financial future together—college, retirement, and beyond.
