Check Capital Management

Check Capital Management

Reviews Summary

Clients consistently praise Check Capital Management for its long-term investment strategy, strong performance, and personalized service. Many highlight the firm's profit-based fee structure as a major advantage. Advisors are described as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and communicative, providing peace of mind during market volatility. Long-term clients report satisfaction with portfolio growth, often outperforming benchmarks. The firm's focus on well-established companies and value investing resonates with clients, who appreciate the stability and integrity of the approach. Customer service is frequently noted as exceptional, with advisors making clients feel valued regardless of account size.

About This Listing

Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals

Contact Information

Address

575 Anton Blvd # 500

Costa Mesa, California 92626

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-5PM
Tuesday 8AM-5PM
Wednesday 8AM-5PM
Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

My husband and I have been with Check Capital since 2015 and we were assigned to Chris Ballard whom we love working with on our investment portfolio. They always keep us very informed and we are happy to say that their choices have made our retirement grow! We feel Chris is very attentive to our requests and needs and always seeking for ways to make it even better.

We have worked with Check Capital for the past 9 years. During that time, through the ups and downs of the market they have been rock solid. Our financial advisor, Chis Ballard, has been amazing to work with. Market volatility can be daunting, but Chris has provided education and perspective, and as a result we have more peace of mind regarding our investments, which have performed well. Chris is personable, and a knowledgeable professional with the highest level of integrity...we trust him implicitly.

After several years of retirement, and never being quite satisfied when using some big name financial institutions to develop and manage my investments portfolio, I was referred to Check. I am, for the most part, a value shopper - always checking worth versus the price to be paid. Complementing my outlook, Check looks to invest only in companies with solid fundamentals, valuing them, buying and selling them, according to their worth rather than by the day-to-day dynamics of the markets. Their selection res

I've been a client at Check Capital Management for nearly nine years now, working with Chris Ballard from the start. I'm extremely happy with the CCM investment philosophy and strategy, my portfolio performance relative to common benchmarks, the profit-based fee and their excellent communications. Working with Chris has really been such a pleasure for me; he brings a lot of integrity to his work and as a result I trust his advice and recommendations, and I've never been disappointed.

What attracted me to Check Capital seven years ago was its strategy of finding and investing for the long term in a manageable number of well run, well established companies available at attractive share prices; a strategy I first learned when I helped start a club of individual investors 30 years ago. The fact my Check Capital account has grown impressively, despite the market ups and downs since I joined, shows this approach still works. I appreciate Check Capital's efforts to keep me informed through the

Steve Check was referred to us by our CPA over thirty years ago. Working with Check Capital is the best financial decision we've made. His two bucket approach to investing has removed the angst of day to day concerns with how our portfolio is performing affording us the opportunity to keep the bulk of our assets working for us while secure our near term financial needs are readily available. His staff has grown through the years, but the culture and investment strategy remains basically the same. All st

A coworker introduced me to Check Capital in 2018 and I am very satisfied client for over 5 years. I am invested in two of their strategies, the Quality Growth Program and the Private Program. My quality growth account has done well on a risk adjusted return basis. I had reservations about the Private Program at first however it has turned out to be very successful for me. I highly recommend you allocate some funds to it. I like the option to choose a profit based fee which is very reasonable. It's the

I've been doing business with this firm for more than two years and must say that the service, as well as my portfolio returns, have been stellar. Communications have been detailed and thorough, portfolio management has been well thought out and executed. When I call, I am answered by my account advisor, Jeremy Saltzberg, who's been with me the entire time since I opened my account. These people know what they're talking about and are willing to spend as much time with clients as necessary. This is my "

Check treats its customers like family and has a strong personal interest in ensuring its clients are fully satisfied with Check?s investment performance and customer service. My experience over the past 7 years has lived up to my expectations, and getting to know Check?s leadership better over time has only increased my confidence in the firm.

I've had most of my retirement investment money with Check Capital for over 10 years. My portfolio manager is Jeremy Saltzberg. Both he and Check Capital are professional, protective of our money and our investments!! Five star rating!

I've been with Check Capital Management for 8 years. I value their long term investment strategy and subscribe to their ownership approach with investing. The staff is great with communication and I look forward to many years of asset growth with the company.

Chris Ballard has helped me figure out how to handle my investments and financial decisions for many years now. I have total confidence in his honesty and decision making. For me, letting him analyze how to manage my investments, allows me space to focus on living my life and grow my business. He is easy to talk with and personable as well.

Chris, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Check Capital and what you've done for us over the years. We're a tiny fish in your pond, but you've never made us feel that way. Have a great weekend

Great company following a great investment philosophy. Their profit based fee structure just can't be beat. Highly recommend!

Our investments have preformed very well over time and growth was as anticipated. Timing is always a factor and long term investing requires patience.

They are there to protect your assets. Grow them when possible maximizing return minimizing exposure. Very stable company.

Have been with them for over 15 years. Very happy with performance as my investments have out performed those of other investment companies.

I really like the concept of no fees til there's a profit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.