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First Command Financial Advisor - Erin Gulliksen

First Command Financial Advisor - Erin Gulliksen

Reviews Summary

Clients consistently praise the financial advisor for exceptional service, deep expertise, and genuine care. Many highlight her ability to provide clear, tailored guidance for retirement, investments, and budgeting. Long-term clients appreciate her proactive approach, trustworthiness, and family-like support. Reviews emphasize her professionalism, patience in explaining complex topics, and commitment to clients' best interests. Several note significant improvements in their financial stability and confidence. The overall sentiment reflects strong satisfaction, with many recommending her services enthusiastically.

About This Listing

Tax Planning
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
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

Tax Planning
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals

Contact Information

Address

4167 Avenida De La Plata # 102

Oceanside, California 92056

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Erin is awesome! She continues to help me work for my retirement goals. Definitely recommend!

I've been with First Command since 2018. The team they have here is top notch, professional, and helpful. I've never had someone else look out for me the way Erin and her team have. They are good about following up, professional, fun, and provide great financial advisement. I have loved getting to know Erin and her team both professionally and personally. Once I got married Erin was quick to help work with my wife as well to set us both up financially. Erin knows her stuff and has helped us over and over ba

My wife and I have been with Erin, at First Command, for over a year now and having her as our financial advisor has been the best decision that we have made. She was referred to us by a great friend of ours and we have not been steered wrong. Erin holds us accountable and guides us in the right direction with our finances. We have been able to put money away for our future and she has also guided us back into financial success when we started getting off track. First command is really a great place to be w

My wife and I requested Erin by name, after our previous financial advisor retired. We had observed Erin's work ethic in the past and knew she genuinely cared about her clients. Always sincere and professional, Erin routinely gives us the advice we need to make important financial decisions. She provides us with excellent strategies, making us the most from our investments, and also keeping us focused on the big picture, as we continue to plan for retirement. Erin always has our best interests in mind and w

My husband and I met with Erin for the first time the other week. Our meeting was productive and clarified many things that we needed assistance on. Erin has a great time behind her as well that has kept us in the loop on all things with our accounts. We feel very taken care of by Erin and her team.

Erin and First Command have been part of our family for 20+ years. Erin is amazing, educated, and always provides the very best guidance and recommendations when navigating options for a comfortable future. It is because of Erin and Lou that our kids have college opportunities, and my husband and I retirement future. We absolutely would be at a loss if we didn't have Erin. She is definitely part of our family. Thank you Erin!!!

My husband and I met with Erin Gulliksen when we moved to Oceanside and have had a great experience! Erin assisted us with updating our overall budget to fit the cost of living changes for California. In addition, she made adjustments to our finances so we can confidently reach all of our long term and short term financial goals. Erin is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her field. We feel comfortable working with her and look forward to continuing doing so while we live in Oceanside.

Erin was referred to me by one of my coworkers and going into our meeting, I thought I had a fair handle over my investments and personal financial situation, but I left feeling much more informed. After concluding the meeting, I knew that I could not only trust Erin to provide sound financial advice and information, but I also felt like I had a better understanding of finances and I had a solid wholistic financial game plan. Erin is clearly knowledgeable about her field of expertise and truly wants her cli

Erin is Kind courteous knowledgeable and versed in all aspects of retirement planning. She listened to my concerns, ideas and potential scenarios. The presented portfolio was organized, detailed and easily understandable. Highly recommend Erin for your retirement planning!

Erin is a wonderful financial advisor! She takes the time to explain all aspects of our portfolio. She honors our wishes and checks in with us to make sure our life updates/changes are supported!

I've been with First Command for about 3 years now and I've received nothing but the BEST service from them. No matter the situation, they always have the best solutions. I'm very grateful to have Erin as my advisor now as she has vast knowledge in so many areas that is beneficial to me all around. She is a great listener, very honest, and has solutions to any problem. I couldn't have chose a better institution to be a client of. Thank you for all that you do!!

My wife and I have been with 1st Command for over 25+ years, Erin is a great advisor. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking financial planning advice?a true expert in her field!

I have been working with Erin for over 3 years and I wish I would have known of first command before. Very knowledgeable and courteous. The staff is very attentive. Highly recommend their services

Erin is a great advisor. Helped me get squared away and back on track towards my goals after moving!

Erin is absolutely awesome. Provides sound financial recommendations in a non-pushy way. Would recommend to anyone!

Very detailed information and excited to get our budget done with the financial advisor!

Great service, recommendations and guidance.

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.

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