*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.*
11960 Silvergate Dr #102
Dublin, California 94568
I highly recommend John for your whole life policies! I needed some help (education) to help me understand how to approach whole life policies for my retirement. Not only is John is a wealth of information about whole life, he has SO MUCH knowledge and passion about the bigger context of the money and how whole life fits into it. John is also a natural teacher. He takes complex information and explains it in a way that is accessible. I reviewed some of his articles and videos before our call and they were
John is a rare individual in the world of finance. I came to know of him through his podcast and had the even greater pleasure of conversing with him over whole life, infinite banking, and other strategies. What makes John special is that his keen insights are matched by his humility and willingness to serve others with kindness and care. John readily and patiently gave of his time to help me and provided me with crucial guidance. Even more impressive was his generosity in doing so.
Shortly after diving into The Infinite Banking Concept, I stumbled upon John?s Strategic Whole Life (formerly The Fifth Edition) podcast - which I highly recommend. While I grew very confident in the idea of implementing IBC in my own personal life, I also became very apprehensive about identifying a trusted professional who would not only help guide me in the right direction, but also keep my best interests at heart, as I navigate a very misunderstood industry/strategy. Beyond his deep experience in the
John is an amazing individual who truly cares about his clients. I have been working with John for the past year and have had nothing but great interactions with him. Because of John?s deep understanding of different financial vehicles, we were able to put a strategy together to build wealth and protect my family?s financial future. Thank you, John!!
My experience working with John has been a pleasure. He answered every question I had with patience, clarity, and honesty. He walked me through the whole process providing an education along the way. I plan on working with him again in the near future without a doubt.
I booked a call with John to learn more about IBC and how I can get started. John was so helpful in understanding how it works and how to best implement and utilize the IBC. I have some leg work to do on my end to get my finances in order before diving in and he was super helpful in mapping out a plan and identifying targets I should hit. I'm looking forward to giving John a call in the coming weeks to let him know I'm ready to move forward and kick off the journey with him as my advisor!
Initially booked a call to learn more about the Infinite Banking Concept and John as an expert practitioner. He was comprehensive and knowledgable as well as represented an honest view of my financial picture to provide recommendations. He is a professional I'd recommend working with going forward.
John provides insightful and relevant long term financial planning options. I originally felt skeptical about the possibility of "being my own banker." However, in just the first couple of years, the policy John built for me and my family allowed us to weather multiple financial storms in ways that would have been impossible otherwise. I am grateful to John for his professionalism, empathy, and responsiveness. I highly recommend John if you want to become your own banker, or simply improve your risk manage
My husband and I found John through the IBC portal. We met him in person and felt confident embarking on this new wealth strategy with him guiding us. Over the years, John's presence has expanded from our IBC policy relationship and he is always available to answer questions on how we can better implement IBC with our other strategies and investments. We highly recommend John!
I am so happy to work with John, he is patient and very informative! I found John through the IBC portal and my experience with John is excellent, he is responsive, professional and down to earth! I enjoy viewing all the content he puts on his website. If you want to implement the Infinite Banking Concept into your life, i highly recommend John!
I am so happy I was able to find John to guide me in my understanding and implementation of IBC. During my due diligence phase of IBC I talked with a lot of people and agents. The initial journey can be a little overwhelming and John is one of the most patient, understanding, helpful and competent agents you will find. I undoubtedly became a nuisance with all of my endless questions, but he always answered kindly and fully. He demonstrated over and over that he's someone easy to build a relationship wit
Booked an appointment with Mr. John Montoya of JLM Wealth Strategies. He is licensed to sell life insurance in 40 states maybe more now. He is a true guardian and trustee of his client's wealth growth. He has a true servant's heart and is a licensed competent and experienced professional that I am beyond thankful for. Please reach out if you want to solidify your future security and resources. I'm a fan and hopefully a future client. No words to thank this wealth virtuoso.
John Montoya (JLM Wealth Strategies) has consulted with my husband and me a few times through the last 4 years. It has always been a highly educational and beneficial experience. He's kind, respectful, humorous, patient, and caring. And most importantly, he's very knowledgeable about best strategies for arranging retirement funds for best outcomes. (Not just to accumulate assets, but to actually be able to generate the income needed to retire with peace of mind.) We appreciate how John thinks outside the
These guys are so legit. John Montoya and I scheduled an initial consultation over Zoom, and when I admitted I was from another country, I thought he would immediately say goodbye since we couldn't have a business relationship. But to my amazement he stayed OVERTIME on the call just to help answer some of my biggest questions about Infinite Banking, AND he went out of his way to refer to me someone he trusts from my own country who could get me started - all with no promise that it would help him in the end
John has been integral in my understanding of IBC. Consultation sessions with him were highly educational and informative. He is not a "pushy" salesman, but very professional and truly has the client's best interest in mind.
I found John through the IBC practitioner portal and am very happy with my experience. John is down to earth and easy to talk with. He's patient, does not pressure you nor does he give you a sales pitch. He's honest, does not sugar coat, and had answers for all the questions I had in learning IBC. I'm happy to have found the right person for me to leap into this new wealth building vehicle with.
I really value the relationship we have with John. He has been so responsive and helpful in our understanding of cash value policies and the infinite banking concept. I am in the process of adding more policies to expand our banking system and further separate from the Bank!
John Montoya answered literally hundreds of my questions before I even signed up as a client. After watching a bunch of various IBC youtube videos, I decided to check if there was a good book on Audible. His free podcast, The Fifth Edition, came up, and was very helpful. He doesn't ever come across like a salesman, he is more like a very patient mentor. I am grateful to have stumbled onto him!
I had an excellent experience with John M. He is very knowledgeable about the topic we discussed. Thank you for taking the time and effort to be IBC certified with the Nash Nelson Institute. Thank you for the great info shared on the Fifth Edition Podcast!
I was very impressed with how knowledgeable and easy to work with John was in getting me started with IBC. He shows friendly professionalism and always responds promptly to every appointment time and the questions presented to him.
John is great. Super available. Very knowledgeable about an investment strategy that is not easy to understand, even after you have been doing it for years! I wish I had met him 30 years ago I would be retired by now! Thanks!!
Knows how to break it down! And John is flexible - let me call him back 10 minutes after my appointment.
John was able to answer my concerns about the future of the markets. He identified that I may be too concentrated in one asset class as well. Ask John about IBC.
John is great! Straight shooter who takes the time to answer any and every question you have. Can?t imagine working with ANYONE else.
It's a pleasure to work with John. I know I will get answers to my questions in a timely manner. I only wish I found him sooner.
You surely deserve 5 stars. Thanks for the help. Your knowledge has been beneficial towards my finances and I trust in your judgement.
John is the plan that will set you up with a smart financial plan!
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.