Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor David Krake

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor David Krake

Reviews Summary

David Krake is consistently praised as a highly trustworthy, knowledgeable, and professional financial advisor with over a decade of client satisfaction. Reviewers highlight his integrity, personalized approach, and dedication to clients' best interests, ensuring financial stability and growth even during market downturns. Many appreciate his compassionate, patient demeanor and ability to tailor strategies to individual needs, from retirement planning to crisis management. His expertise, reliability, and proactive communication foster long-term trust, with clients frequently recommending him to family and friends. The consensus emphasizes his exceptional service, making him a standout choice for financial guidance.

About This Listing

Business Consulting
Tax Planning
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

Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals

Contact Information

Address

145 S State College Blvd Suite 300/350

Brea, California 92821

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 7AM-3PM
Tuesday 7AM-3PM
Wednesday 7AM-3PM
Thursday 7AM-3PM
Friday 7AM-3PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

David Krake has been my financial advisor since 2006, when I took early retirement. At that time, David was just starting his career at ML but I decided to entrust him with my 401k funds. He helped me grow my funds over the years and am now enjoying retirement with peace of mind and financial stability. I have maintained a very good personal relationship with David. During the annual review process, we first exchange talks about family, travels, and other personal experiences before discussing funds perform

I'm so thankful to have been so fortunate to have found David! He has been my financial advisor since 2017. When I retired, I transferred my entire 401K over to David. Since then he has always taken great care of me, through highs and lows. During the lows I don't fret much because I feel secure in knowing that David is keeping my retirement safe. During our annual review, we always take time to talk about my goals, concerns, family and life in general. I've been curious on having my own personal portfol

David Krake has been my financial advisor for over a decade. When I changed jobs, I knew I could not depend on my pension for retirement. He helped established a plan for being financially secure during retirement. He also went above and beyond, helping me resolve some financial issues from an inheritance and some issues from joining Medicare. He has always been patient, tolerant of my lack of computer skills and sensitive to my level of financial knowledge. He has proven himself an effective financial advi

David is a very honest and dependable finance advisor. He has helped my wife and I to manage our 401K very efficiently. He conducts frequent meeting with us not only to give us financial advise and how our investments go, but also advises us how to prepare for our retirement in general. I am very happy with David and I am recommending my daughters and family members to start their financial planning with David. He understand Spanish and that is a plus for us since we can communicate better. I highly recomme

My relationship with ML and David began around 2008, when I gave him control of a small portion of my retirement investments (a couple of IRAs). The goal was to see how he performed over several years, and judge whether to ultimately cede control of all my retirement assets, which I did upon retirement in 2017. He and ML have done very well, with David being a consistent and proactive presence. He is easy to engage, listens to my concerns and acts on them where appropriate. Highly recommend David.

David has been our financial advisor for over 10 years. In all that time, David has always kept us financially safe in good and bad times. He is very professional in all aspects of retirement planning and assistance. It is nice to have a person like David when it comes to having financial security.

I have had David as my financial advisor for many years. At first I wasn't sure of ceding him control of my investments, as I had been managing them myself since I was 17. But I found that as I let David take more and more control of my portfolio, it has grown exponentially. A knowledgeable professional, David Krake expertly advises and manages my investments to my complete satisfaction.

I cannot speak highly enough of Merrill Lynch's David Krake. David saved us from a very bad experience with our previous financial adviser (part of different organization I won't mention here.) His initial visit was far superior than those we'd had before. You can tell right away that he actually cares about your well-being over his own personal interests. This was made even more than evident when I had a personal crisis that greatly affected my financial situation. Through my divorce, David Krake was there

Throughout years, I have many mixed abilities financial advisors. What set David Krake apart from others is his passion dedication to clients, knowledgeable and professionalism. He genuine interest in achieving the best for clients, and I would highly recommend him to anyone waiting to achieve better financial outcomes.

David has for several years provided me with terrific service. Over the years David has taken care of my future retirement by making sure I'm invested in the best investments possible. I truly appreciate David's dedication to assure I'm in the best position based on the markets trends. David Krake is easy to talk to and our discussion have always been extremely informative. I'm blessed to be on David team.

David Krake magically combines Professionalism with Honesty and Sincerity. I feel he truly cares about my future well being. I know my financial portfolio is safe under his care. In todays world its hard to know who you can trust, especially with your financial future. A very good friend referred me to David several years ago and its been an awesome stress-free relationship ever since.

We've known David for more than a dozen years. I met him while still employed, but knew we'd have to rely on a modest 401K and a corporate pension of unknown value. David and I worked out a plan, and it has provided us with a comfortable retirement. He is a trusted and skilled advisor.

David is a financial advisor we trust; he has provided excellent financial guidance over the past several years as we have navigated through several major transitions. He listens and takes our risk tolerance into consideration. We have recommended him to several family members who have also had great experiences with David and associates at Merrill Lynch.

I was referred to David by a relative as I was retiring and wanted to make certain my future financial situation was not compromised. David is very professional, knowledgeable, and personable. He listens tentatively and is quick to respond to any questions I have concerning my financial portfolio. I highly recommend David for good quality financial advice/direction.

I chose David Krake as my advisor because he is a man of integrity looking out for the needs and best interests of his clients first and foremost. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, competent and genius when it comes to the financial world, and grounded in a way that sets him apart from other financial advisors. His humility and compassion make him a dream to work with and his professionalism is top notch.

David Krake has been a huge help to my family by providing sound wealth management strategies. He takes the time to get to know you and understand your investment goals and has a the technical training and broad experience from which to recommends courses of action that achieve your goals. I highly recommend David, whether your just getting started, making a change or near retirement. Bill Erwin

David Krake has been my family's financial advisor for over 10 years. We trust his financial leadership and honesty. We are also happy with the performace of our investment accounts. David Krake is highly recommended.

David was my original Merrill Lynch Advisor and we have continued with David for over a decade. David advice is solid. Whether it is where to consider putting our money, new opportunities based on where we are in our life. We have increased the amount of investments we have entrusted to him. Our accounts are successful and continue to grow or bounce back quickly from market shifts. Couldn't be in better hands.

David is awesome!!! He takes the time to listen to his clients and develops a portfolio to suit their needs. He provided us support that we needed when my parents passed away. He has enabled us to provide for our granddaughters future. We highly recommend David to help you with your financial needs.

David has provided a consistently sound retirement plan for our family. I really appreciate his expertise and industry wide knowledge, while connecting to the ideas we plan for long term. We love his enthusiasm, humor, and honesty over the many years that we've been clients.

David Krake helped my aging father manage his investment accounts at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Krake even went to my father?s home to sort through my father?s statements. I was appreciative of Mr. Krake?s attention to my father?s needs to a point that I now use Mr. Krake as my own financial advisor. His expertise and knowledge of the markets has been invaluable to me and my family. I highly recommend Mr. Krake to whomever is looking for a financial advisor.

David Krake is everything an investor would want in an advisor. He's knowledgeable, candid, reliable, through and personable. Your money will be safe and accrue value at a betten-than-experced rate. I recommend him without reservation.

David has helping my in laws in their retirement for more than a decade. He has been very instrumental in giving my mother in law direction after my father in law passed away. He has provided personal, exceptional, and constitent service since we have been working together.

David has supported our extended family for a number of years. He spends time to understand the needs of our family and provides good quality advice as we plan for our goals.

David Krake has provided outstanding financial support for 10 years. I am confident in his professional services.

I've been working with David for over a decade and he is a top professional always delivering the highest quality of customer service while skillfully advising me and my family on our financial future.

I have worked with David for several years and my experience with him has great. I would and have recommended David to anyone looking for a financial adviser.

We have worked with David for several years and it has been a very good experience. We would recommend David to anyone looking for a financial adviser.

Keeps my accounts growing even when the economy isn't. Did have some downturns in the last year - who didn't - but even those were way less than expected or what the overall market experienced.

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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