*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
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.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
9221 Corbin Ave #190
Northridge, California 91324
CPE was a great investment. Brian is very knowledgeable in different ways to safe and pay for the kids college. Irene kept my son informed of deadlines as well as gave him a list of colleges that would be a good fit for him base on his career choice and personality. He chose a private school we never thought he would attend and he is Happy with his choice. All the staff is friendly and patient. They answer all.our questions. We are definitely going to return for our next student.
College Planning Experts is a great value. They helped our son navigate his way through picking a college, applying, finding scholarships. Their college application expert is excellent, giving students step by step instructions each month and checking in with them each month to make sure they are keeping up, so they can meet all deadlines in the college application process. Brian is a great resource when it comes to planning how to best pay for college. We fell into that gray area where we make too much mon
I learned so much about the necessary steps prior to applying for college & especially the financial aid process from College Planning Experts? webinar. Especially during this unprecedented time of Covid & doing school virtually, our high school counselors seem to be overwhelmed & don't have enough time to help students with very specific college planning questions. It was THE MOST informative session & really saved our family from making huge mistakes prior to my son?s senior year. Brian is very profession
I've known Brian for over 10 years now. My husband and I met him at a free seminar for college planning for my oldest son when it was time to start looking into colleges for him. We have had Brian?s help and guidance getting all three of our sons through college. When my husband passed away he helped me with my personal financial planning. He meets with me regularly, is very knowledgeable, professional and his staff are always courteous and helpful.
We have been working with College Planning Experts since our daughter?s sophomore year, and our daughter couldn't be more prepared. Everything has gone very smoothly and their guidance has been invaluable. Irene is amazing and having her be the one keeping our daughter on track has saved our sanity, I'm sure! We have been very happy with our decision to use CPE!
College Planning Experts was a right choice and investment for our daughter?s admission process. We worked with them, right from her 9th grade and our daughter was well prepared for this complex college addmission process by CPE. They provided us the right Guidance, Suggestions & Strategies vis-?-vis shortlisting Colleges, Career choices, getting the right Scholarship. We could afford a Pvt college. Irene kept us informed of all the deadlines and pushed her to meet them, so that we were never late. Kristen
We were beyond overwhelmed with the process, financial aid applications, to even finding the best fit for college. After speaking with Brian and his team, we knew we were in experienced hands. He broke everything down into manageable time frames that took a ton of stress off our family. Thank you for the support and guidance.... we will be long term clients and be able to embrace the process the 2nd and 3rd time around thanks to CPE!!!
I came to CPE during my daughters senior year of high school. Brian set a plan for us that we were comfortable following, but at the end my daughter wound up excepting a full tuition scholarship to a local university. We would not allow her to pass up the free money. I do plan on working g with CPE for my next kids as they will help to reduce the anticipated stress of funding college.
Brian is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We found him to be clear and concise when explaining the various options for financing college. Also, CPE?s college application director, Irene, helped keep our daughter organized and on time with every college essay. Thank you CPE!
When we were preparing to send our daughter off to college, everything was a whirlwind. Between selecting a college and all the paperwork, we were a little overwhelmed. Brian and the team made it effortless and make sure that everything was in order and on time. We continue to use them each year. Can't say enough what an asset they are to us. They genuinely care.
CPE took all the guess work and uncertainty out of the equation, which was so crucial as first time parents. The amount of paperwork alone coupled with the step by step hand-holding made the entire process easier and alleviated tons of stress. Brian and his staff are patient, communicative, readily available, and well informed. Good solid folks helping to make a scary transition a lot easier. What's not to like?
The service that paid for itself! It's a customized service for students and parents. I was guided through the intricacies of college financing and the admissions process. They also provided clarity on college affordability and helped in financial planning. The periodic sessions with the student kept her focused and goal oriented. The online collage database provided historical info on grants and scholarships offered based on comparable EFC, SAT/ACT scores. It covered almost every major college in the US.
Brian Safdari and his team were able to deliver the most comprehensive and effective plan-roadmap to achieve my son's educational goals. He currently addends the collage he choose that my family can afford it to finance. Excellent job.
Provided a priceless and very informative webinar to help support parents and students on the financial aid details that need to be addressed in order to access an affordable education. Justin was responsive and kept his attendees engaged. Great quality. Highly recommended.
Professional Staff and so happy we have been with CPE for years now. They have helped us through all of the obstacles and it has been smooth sailing for our Son. As well as the Peace of Mind knowing that everything is always taken care of. WE highly recommend using them. Mr. & Mrs. Porretta of Saugus
The college planning experts have been lifesavers! The whole college process, applications, FAFSA?s, etc. are time consuming, stressful, and confusing. The college planning people are organized and on top of everything that needs to be done and have decreased my stress immensely. I definitely could not do this without them, they are amazing people!
The free webinar was informative, Cynthia Wagner was good at answering a wide variety of questions, sharing experiences that might help the participants make better choices with or for their student. She was professional, knowledgeable and relatable. I would recommend your webinar to other parents or students seeking info.about getting into college.
Brian and his team at college planning experts have been a godsend to helping us find not only for college for our two kids but also prepare us for our retirement years. I highly recommend them them
Thank you, Thank you and Thank you, for taking the time to walks us through understanding how all this works! I love your upbeat personality, you answered all our questions gave us so much information we were not aware off! We feel so much more confident about us planning for college!
CPE is assisting me in understanding the complexities of financing my kids college and ensuring that I get as much financial assistance as possible.
We appreciated Sherman's hour of great advice. I didn't know that these services were available, as our family needed to prepare 2 years ago!
I am having a great experience with College Planning Experts. They are professional and have been very detailed and helpful. Thank you again for everything!!
Amazing service!! So happy to college planning. The counsellors made the process so easy.
They helped me realize what I wanted to major in college, as well as push me into the right college that fit for me.
The information given was relevant to what I needed; a follow up was offered for any additional questions I may have.
Learned something new about the difference between public and private school affordability.
The free session was very informative and interactive.
College Planning Experts have been helpful in preparing for kids college!
The workshop was very informative.
Great people lots of love
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.