*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.*
24641 Washington Ave
Murrieta, California 92562
Lisa from Marathon Group Financial is an honest and fantastic fiduciary that will steer you well with your investments (including 401k accounts). My husband & I are very pleased with her integrity. Highly recommend!
We've been clients of Marathon for several years now and they are the best. Lisa is very informative and there are many opportunities to interact with her ? dinner lectures, company bbq, etc.
Marathon (Lisa) and her team is amazing. The information is eye opening and educational. My wife and I are grateful for all Marathon has done for us and are excited to see our money grow and being taken care of.
I went to several dinner meetings before I met with Lisa a few years ago and to me- she is an honest, super caring person with my Best interests in mind! She has helped me so much! And her clients dinners, pies at Thanksgiving, meetings each anniversary to go over any changes and other fun events she plans shows me she really appreciates all of us!!! ??????
Lisa is wonderful and everyone on her team has been helpful and professional. They have always answered my questions and made the process simple for me. I'm so thankful that I responded to that first invitation to a seminar.
I have been with Marathon Group Financial for a few months. I updated my annuity from another financial company and Lisa has been more helpful and willing to answer all my questions. She frequently reaches out to her clients and is very easy to work with. I would highly reccommed her.
Sharp investor very knowledgeable. Lisa knows what is best for her clients. Very personable very approachable. Lots of updated info and socials.
Lisa provides great info, is very informative and always ready to meet with you and provide any feedback in a timely manner. Very happy with my decision to join The Marathon Group!
Lisa Brumfield and her group operate as an excellent fiduciary for your retirement, at least that's what I've experienced. She is someone that you can trust.
Learning how to navigate in rolling over my 401k with my retirement. Lisa and her team have been so helpful. Looking forward to many years ahead with my investments.
Lisa was amazing again. Very helpful meeting. Looking forward to meet up with her next week to discuss the new options. Thank you.
I'm so glad that I met Lisa and her team at Marathon Group Financial! Perfect timing for me to have my finances reviewed and get help planning for my future and retirement.
It was so nice that Lisa and staff greeted everyone with the Holiday Spirit! We appreciate wonderful pumpkin pie and beautiful calendar. Thank you and hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family and friends ??
Lisa and her team are so generous and welcoming. My husband and I decided to have someone locally. We were fortunate enough to meet her by an invitation to a dinner at our favorite restaurant Rustico and made an appointment to meet with her at her office. We have been happy with all of her advice and direction with our finances. We are very grateful for everyone at Marathon Group Financial. If you're looking for a positive direction with your finances you should consider visiting Lisa you will not be disapp
Great customer service. Lisa and her staff are always available to help with questions and the newest investment opportunities.
My wife and I have been a client for almost two years. Very happy to work with Lisa and her supporting staff. They are very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Their Del Mar office is convenient to us. Cannot find anything to complain about
Lisa Brumfield is Awesome!! Always keeping us up to date..and, doing what's best for us.
Lisa was tremendous. She covered all the aspects of how to handle my retirement funds.
Marathon Financial is great in treating their clients like family. They have compassion and support for all of us. We love Lisa, Greg and the rest of the group. We are thankful for your undeniable concern for your clients. Thank you very much.
My wife and I were so glad that we got introduced to Lisa Blumfield and Marathon Group Financial. We are getting ready for our retirement years and Marathon has been heaven sent, as far as helping us get financially ready. We have never had a financial advisor that is always available and ready to answer any of our questions, as Lisa. Thank you Lisa and to your team! ????
Lisa (and her whole team) have been very helpful with straightforward recommendations, explaining as much as necessary and showing extreme patience. Always available for consultation, truly in it for the long haul. For them it is a passion, not a business!
If you want a Financial advisor who's kind, knowledgeable, considerate and a joy to talk to, look no further than Lisa Brumfield at Marathon Group Financial. She's amazing and she's very nice person. She always gives you the best earning options.
I've been working with Lisa for years now, and I trust her completely. She explains investment options clearly and I know she has my best interest at heart. She was a referral and I'm so glad I can rely on her to give me expert advise when making important financial decisions!
My experience as a client of Marathon Group for more than 4 years continues to be highly positive and professional one. All of the associates work ethics are surperb. Not to mention, they always work together as a team to complete all transactions. Mine personally has always been always been a positive experience and in many cases expedited numerous items during my process to purchase my retirement home. I must admit, I throughly enjoy it when when Lisa and her team set up a venues to celebrate all h
Lisa Brumfield and her staff are very competent and helpful. We have been clients for several years and very happy. We wished that we had signed up with Lisa years ago. We can highly recommend The Marathon Group to anyone. Just attend one of Lisa's seminars and you will be impressed with her knowledge and professionalism. Regards Robert and Louise Bosch
My wife and I have met and used the services of several Financial Advisors over the past 25 years. We met with Lisa (after a fine promotional dinner) and we both agreed to sign on with Lisa and the Marathon Group Financial. We both agree that we feel comfortable with the advice we have been given. We both feel that OUR INTERESTS are foremost, not MFG. We come away from meetings with Lisa with our questions answered, not puzzled, saying to ourselves WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY, as was the case with our former
Marathon Financial Group has the best customer service and five star education.
Lisa Brumfield, the owner of Marathon Group Financial is great. Her and her staff are always looking out for their customers. They always do what is right to ensure theirs customers money is safe.
Love Marathon Group Financial. Lisa and her team are amazing!
Great financial services company. Lisa has significant expertise across a broad variety of investment options, and is always ready to help with advice on investing strategies. Highly recommended !
Lisa is good at creating a big client family with a camaraderie spirit.
Lisa explained several different products available to help me protect my assets. We finally settled on one and I'm quite pleased with my selection. I'm very happy with the fit this product performs in helping me achieve my goals given both my age and other considerations. I would very highly recommend Lisa and Marathon in your search to find the most suitable investment tool to assist your financial needs.
A great Thanksgiving celebration made even better by Marathon and Lisa's awesome pie. Thanks!
Lisa and staff are always there to help without pressure. Thank you, Lisa, for teaching us to prepare for retirement. Thanks for the pie last Thanksgiving and for all your treats. Have a wonderful Holiday and Merry Christmas to all!!
Friendly and helpful staff. Lisa is always engaging and reaching out with new product offerings and investment options. I get much more useful information and interaction with Lisa than any other financial advisor i have used in the past.
Lisa is awesome!? Marathon group has a great business model for us, especially making everything easy to understand and making us feel like part of the family is a plus! Thanks again Lisa!
Lisa and her team are ? Real ?? they tell you how it is, and guide you in the right direction to benefit your needs. I recommend a Marathon Group to everyone if you want to maximize your investments.
Lisa is awesome! I am grateful for everything Lisa does for us. She has earned our trust and we look forward to to lifelong commitment to her.
Financial investments require trust in those who make recommendations and manage your investments. Marathon has been a good partner with ensuring my investments are safe and appropriate for me and my family. It has been a pleasure working with them.
Marathon.Group Financial is a professional, competent financial services company who have their clients best interests in mind. I highly recommend them to anyone who is fiscally conservative and interested in protecting their hard earned assets
Lisa is a fiduciary and truly cares about her clients. She is sincere, authentic, intelligent, very kind & knowledgeable. The best in the business.
We have never been more pleased with the Marathon group and all the staff. Lisa Brumfield really takes care of us with all of our needs they treat us like family
Lisa is a true fiduciary and professional money manager for all your financial needs. I highly recommend Marathon group financial.
I believe that annuities contracted thru Marathon are an excellent opportunity for future retirement income for yourself and possible heirs. This financial group is the best you will find as they will not sell you something that is not right for you.
Lisa Brumfield is a wonderful financial adviser. She keeps us abreast of the markets and of great investments opportunities!
Lisa inspires such confidence along with her warm and friendly professional approach. She's put me in a good position, tried to educate me, all without pushing sales.
Lisa is wonderful., very caring and knowledgeable.
We have worked with Marathon group for two years now, and feel confident that they have our best interest in mine. Monthly emails that keep us updated to the latest financial situations.
Thank you kindly again Lisa, for your professional advice. It was worth the visit & my 85 yr old Dad was impressed, & he is hard to please. We went across the street & had lunch . Great local location, you are in too. Blessings to you!!! SP
Takes time to explain investments. Both good & bad to make a good business decision
A professional organization that values and provides great customer service ands stands behind the high quality products that they offer. It is a pleasure to do business with a group full of integrity and compassion.
Excellent information, guidance and support on financial matters.
Good folks if looking for an annuity.
It was a great Pumpkin Pie. It takes a lot of effort and hard work to pass out almost 300 pies. For one I appreciate it Thanks
Lisa and her team are wonderful.
Lisa is a wonderfu person who really cares about all her clients
Great folks. Very helpful with awesome customer service. A pleasure to work with
Excellent Financial Group!
Very caring, just the right touch for all you financial needs.
Lisa provides excellent financial information
Marathon Group Financial really cares of clients.
Excellent professional and knowledgeable
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.