*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.*
1 Park Pl Suite 500
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Charlie Marks is professional, knowledgeable, and extremely friendly. He is also a great communicator. This allows us to understand everything we need to know about our finances. We have quarterly meetings with Charlie at which time we go over our portfolio performance, financial planning, etc. We also receive newsletters from Charlie that explain what to expect in the coming months, as well as what happened the previous months. Supporting Charlie is a professional staff that is just as competent as Charli
Charlie and the Marks Wealth Management Team have always been on top of everything. They are accessable to answering questions and always polite. This team has done a tremendous job with growing our investments! We're so happy with our decision to invest with Marks Wealth Management! Security in our retirement is a wonderful thing!
The Marks Team truly listens to your financial goals and expectations. The Teams delivers a realistic approach to achieving your goal. Charlie and the Team engage regularly to address any market issues or concerns. The company interactive site enables 24 hour access to your account. This is a committed Team of professionals that can help enable your financial success. They have done a great job for us!
Charlie Marks and his Financial Management Team were highly recommended to my husband several years ago by a former BGE co-worker. After meeting with Charlie, we made the decision to use his services to advise us on planning for our financial security in retirement. We have been extremely pleased with the results. We would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the outstanding service and commitment from the Marks Wealth Management Team over the years. The expertise and attention to detail with whi
Charlie Marks has been my financial advisor for 14+ years. In that time, I have never questioned his stewardship of my investment portfolio, simply because he tends to outperform the market year after year. He built a tailored investment plan that has worked better than I could have expected. I am now retired and have a sense of financial security long into the future. I would also like to commend the staff for their attention and responsiveness. Would I recommend MWM ? damn right!
I started with Charlie Marks when he just started out in the investment business. He has been with two companies and now his own investment firm Marks wealth management. All the changes he made was solely to better achieve the most for his clients. He has built an excellent staff that work long and hard hours. Marks wealth management will not disappoint.
We have worked with Charlie and Catherine for the past several years prior to the inception of ?Marks Wealth Management?. The Marks team is focused, knowledgeable, extremely professional and very responsive to their clients. The staff is always available to answer questions and address financial strategies. We are very pleased with the Marks firm and look forward to a long lasting relationship. George and Rosa Nagle
Wonderful experience with Charles, Catherine and team. We were invested with a large firm and were not happy with performance in a strong market. The turn around was Marks Wealth Management!!!!! Charles provides a strategic approach for our portfolio that allows us to enjoy our retirement without the worry of market trends.
I have been working with Charlie and his team since before I retired and my experience has always been excellent. The team maintains my funds without me having to worry about anything. I would recommend Marks Wealth Management to anyone looking for a financial advisor.
Charlie Marks has been our financial advisor for the better part of a decade. He takes his responsibility as a fiduciary extremely seriously and is an enthusiastic partner in caring for our financial security. His whole team is top notch.
Charlie leads a dedicated team with a sincere commitment to excellent customer service. The entire team's level of personal interest in each client is unmatched in today's "Big Name" investing world. Also, Charlie's investment strategies have consistently outperformed the indexes, quarter upon quarter, in up-markets as well as down. As one of Charlie's original clients, I cannot rate his team highly enough!
The Marks Wealth Management staff is very professional and knowledgeable, provides quarterly updates, newsletters and in person service. The Marks team responds quickly to text messages or emails regardless of office hours, providing 24/7 service. Quarterly meetings are thorough and ensure questions are answered. Documents are provided in advance of the meetings, and the review is not rushed. Personal Investment Risk profile is revisited to align with investment goals and future market considerations with a
I have experienced first hand how Charlie and his team look out for their clients by aiding them in all aspects of their financial well being. Charlie and his team are extremely accessible and helpful and care about clients? long term goals. I cannot recommend them enough!
Marks Wealth Management continues to give us great personalized service. Charlie, Catherine, Taylor, and the rest of the MWM team work hard to understand our specific financial needs and risk tolerance, and explain their investment strategy in a way we understand.
Charles and his team (especially Catherine) have been instrumental in ensuring our retirement plan will come to fruition. Charles is very thorough, explaining his approach and why certain funds and ETFs are better than others for right now. He answered all my questions (there were many!) and made me comfortable with him managing my money. He provided guidance before I was able to move my money to his team, and also provided recommendations to our current 401(k)s and HSA investments. Catherine made movin
Great investment strategies that are explained exceptionally well. Personal approach in that they are very direct and honest while taking a personal interest in the client's success. I never asked a question that did not get an acceptable answer or explanation. They also provide regular communication and performance review on a one to one basis. The responsiveness has been near perfect. The staff is professional, personable, knowledgeable and easy to work with. MWM also provides state of the art tools
Marks Wealth Management goes above and beyond any expectations you may have. The entire staff is professional, friendly and caring. We made the right/best decision by choosing Marks Wealth Management for our investment firm.
Online Review of Catherine Cavalier. Although Charlie has been important in providing strategic guidance, he's the boss so I will provide a review of Catherine. A wit once said that "80% of success is just showing up." Just showing up in our connected world is sometimes just being available and responsive over the phone or via e-mail. I have had many people work for me in the past, but I have never found someone to be as immediately and completely helpful as Catherine. Whether it is a question of login a
Switched over to Marks Wealth Management from another Financial Advisor company and it is a night and day difference! They give the best advice and I am very happy with my investments now! Thanks Charlie and team!
Highly recommend Charlie and his team! It has been a pleasure to work with him over the years, and his success is our success. Looking forward to many more years of growth and security.
The Marks Wealth Management group is the best in the area. Extremely professional, great customer service, and always delivering consistent results. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a new financial planner.
Charles and his staff have been very responsive to our financial needs. He is constantly innovating and keeping our goals in mind. Very happy to be with his firm.
Charlie and his team have provided excellent financial planning service to me. I am much better prepared for the future than I was before. Thanks, Charlie and team for the great advice and guidance!
Charlie and his team are the best. They take the time to answer all your questions and they want you to feel comfortable with any important decisions you have to make. Thank you for all your great work.
Charles, Catherine and the entire Marks Wealth Team keep us informed, updated and always willing to answer questions. Websites are real-time and very easy to use. We look forward to a prosperous relationship!
Communication and advisory planning for investing and retirement is something the Marks Wealth Management does well. Great things to come with this firm. Good people.
Marks Wealth Management is the best financial firm ever. They have provided me excellent customer service and financial returns that far exceeded my expectations.
We have worked with Charlie Marks and his team for a very long time. Marks Wealth Management provides excellent customer service and guidance.
Charlie and his team utilize the latest technology and tools to keep their clients informed. We are quite satisfied with their services.
The entire team truly cares about my success .Proactive frequent reviews scheduled regularly. Always available in between reviews and very responsive to unscheduled requests for information.
They are proactive to communicate what they are doing, when they are making changes. Always answer any questions I have, quickly. Really take their time to explain things. Always very nice. Doing a wonderful job with my finances.
Marks Wealth Management offers unparalleled service. Resources of a big firm with the customer service of a smaller one. You are in great hands with MWM.
Charlie and his team are outstanding. You talk to people not machines. Always there to answer questions and help you understand this crazy market we're in today.
Charlie is very patient and very knowledgeable. He has led us in the right direction and stayed strong through these trying times. Thank you Charlie
The team is very professional and extremely responsive. Hopefully as Covid conditions lessen, portfolio review meetings will continue.
It has been great working with Charlie and his team? readily available and responsive. Highly recommend
Charlie, Catherine and the entire team have always given us excellent financial advice as well as individualized, personal attention.
There's no better financial advisor out there. Charlie is phenomenal. We trust him completely!
Charles and the entire staff are very professional and extremely knowledgeable. They are quick to respond and I am looking forward to working with them!
Not only did MWM guide me successfully through the volatility of the COVID pandemic, my investment doubled. What else can you say?
I would like to thank the whole team, Charlie, Catherine, Taylor and Wendy, who at one time or another has helped me.
This team is the best. Very responsive and they really help you understand your investments.
Charlie and his team are super responsive and extremely professional.
Everyone I have talked to has been professional and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone.
They treat my money as if it is their own :-)
Charlie is the best!
exceptional personal service
Best in the business.
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.