*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.*
11622 El Camino Real # 100
San Diego, California 92130
Kai is an absolutely AMAZING coach and is so knowledgeable. He has this ability to take something that's usually so overwhelming, our money and finances, and make it so simple. I also love his approach to creating a spending budget to work with your lifestyle while also preparing for the future. I'd highly recommend working with Kai! He's an amazing human to know.
Daniel and his team are fantastic to work with. My wife and I signed up for their money management and advising services when we got engaged, and it really made a difference in our lives. Three years later and we have no debt, own our own home, and are saving adequately for our future. Daniel helped us navigate merging our finances, setting a family budget, and planning regular conversations between my wife and me to keep us on track. Daniel's methods involve planning, reviewing, and reflection on how spen
My wife and I started using Dr Budgets a year ago to help track our personal finances. I had left a high paying job the year before (2015) to start my own business, however we still found our personal spending was at the same rate from before ($200k+!!!). This was clearly not sustainable and to protect the draw on our savings nest egg we hired Dr Budgets. Daniels services took us from that level of spend to almost half as much. Through setting a realistic budget and tracking us monthly to keep us accountabl
Dr. Budgets is amazing!! We've been working with them for years and they have helped us achieve many goals, simplify our budget and control our spending without feeling like we're missing out. Daniel's approach is great. He holds you accountable and points out where you can do better, but in a non-judgmental and understanding way. He congratulates you when you hit your goal and offers ideas on ways to hit it if you miss. And he gives you tools to make the budgeting process as easy as possible. I thoug
I've been working with Daniel over the past 15 months and the experience is one that I would happily share with anyone willing to listen. I am thrilled to say with his guidance that I paid off my credit card debt and substantial car loan within 11 months. I'm now working on creating an emergency fund to produce a stress-free future for myself. I remember watching a testimonial from the Dr. Budget website when I first began and was amazed when someone stated that they paid off over $10,000 worth of debt in
My wife and I have been working with Daniel for a little over 2 years and he has made a huge difference in getting our finances on track. He helps with my businesses budgeting and our individual budgeting as well and it's been more than worth it! When we were going to be purchasing a new home Daniel was there to consult with us in regards to what we could afford and still be on track with monthly expenses and investments. I highly recommend working with him!
Dr. Budgets aka Kai Dickens is the go to man for all your budgeting needs. Whether it be business or personal he's got you covered!
I recently got married to my beautiful wife, looking over at the expenses that involves a wedding, everyday living, vacation, anything involving money, Daniel has helped us out soooo much. I don't think I would be financially aware without him. I highly suggest linking up with him. He will save you and your spouse future headaches. I am able to achieve a steady plan to reduce my debt and plan for future adventures because of Dr. Budgets. Thank you Daniel and your team!!!
Working with Dr. Budgets has been life changing! They helped my husband and me put and keep a budget in place that allowed us to not only become debt free, but build up substantial savings, so we don't have to stress about our finances. We've been doing the monthly coaching plan for over 5 years. Having someone from Dr. Budgets hold us accountable for our spending on a regular basis, has really changed the way we spend and save money. They do such an amazing job of helping you prioritize where you want y
Dr. Budgets has completely changed my life for the better. When I started working with him a few years ago I had so much stress and anxiety regarding money and within the first few months of implementing my budget with him it started to fade away. My business has now become a well oiled machine, which was my goal, and I am able to focus on other aspects of my business and my personal goals rather than worry and stress out!! I cannot recommend Dr. Budgets enough, he is the very best at what he does and I a
Daniel with Dr. Budgets is one of the most knowledgeable financial coaches that I have ever worked with. He reviewed both my business and personal budgets, and assisted me to set a budget that was reasonable, and allowed for the ability to save for what is important to both my fianc?e and myself. I really appreciate everything that Dr. Budgets has done for my family and I am looking forward to building my wealth thanks to the services that Dr. Budgets provided.
Daniel and the Dr. Budgets team truly helped my husband and I get on the same page about finances and paved a path for us in the future. We have a plan now, and almost a year of guidance under our belts. Daniel's combined sense of humor about life, understanding about our needs, and wisdom on what to do, made a wonderful combo for us to be able to make changes and leave guilt and worry a little further in the past. Of course, we still have conflict and struggle with our finances but instead of if being a sh
I have to say that Dr. Budgets is one of the best investments I have made towards having a balanced financial future. Daniel and his team were organized, committed and extremely helpful in education my wife and I about fiscal responsibility. I recommend Dr. Budgets to anyone looking to improve their financial habits & spending and savings.
I have been working with Dr. Budgets for several years now and it's been quite a transformational experience. I went from feeling like I never knew where my money went, basically living month-to-month, to now being closely connected to my finances, paying off significant debt and living my life the way I want to live. Daniel is a personal trainer for your budget, he works closely with you to understand your lifestyle, your spending habits and your goals, both short term & long term, then coaches you to suc
Daniel Rodriguez has been my budget coach since 2014. He has helped me both personally and in my business. I can't say enough about the power of his presence in my life. There are a great many moving parts with my cash flow and so having Daniel in my corner allows me to focus my energy where it matters most - making money. His methodology and tools have equipped me with clarity and direction. Through our work, I moved significantly beyond merely having a haunch about my finances and operating on gut instinc
The money coaching services by Dr. Budgets change how I approach my personal finances. They provided a great system to help prioritize my financial goals and a super low stress way to track my spending. The monthly coaching was a powerful way to keep my accountable and discuss how to adapt to life as things change. I highly recommend the service for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their spending habits and how to achieve your financial goals.
Daniel and his team are absolutely amazing. Not only have they helped us pay down our debt, and plan for the future but they helped change our perspective and thinking about money. The coaching calls are something my husband and I look forward to every month and they always keep us on track and motivated. Give them call you won't be disappointed.
There is a reason Dr. Budgets has only 5 star reviews. Kai and his team are second to none. He has completely reformed our finances and set us for the rest of our lives. Can't say enough good things.
Had the opportunity to work with Kai this morning and the services he is offered are truly a gamechanger for brand of all sizes and individuals. Get your money straight with Dr.Budgets
Night and day difference in our day to day finances. Went from having our head in the sand in terms of finances to now knowing where every penny goes. Feel positioned to save for bigger goals and prepared to face any financial emergency now.
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.