Back to Directory
Pacific Coast Wealth Management

Pacific Coast Wealth Management

Reviews Summary

The reviews consistently praise Blair Applegate for his extensive financial expertise, ability to simplify complex concepts, and unwavering integrity. Clients highlight his professionalism, patience, and personalized approach, often noting his responsiveness and dedication to their financial goals. Many appreciate his fiduciary focus, trustworthiness, and skill in guiding them through financial planning, estate management, and investment decisions. Long-term clients emphasize his reliability, clear communication, and the strong relationships he builds, often describing him as both a trusted advisor and a friend. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with frequent recommendations for his services.

About This Listing

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.*

Contact Information

Address

120 Vantis Dr #300

Aliso Viejo, California 92656

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-6PM
Tuesday 8AM-6PM
Wednesday 8AM-6PM
Thursday 8AM-6PM
Friday 8AM-6PM
Saturday 8AM-6PM

Customer Reviews

I had the pleasure of working with Blaire Applegate, a fiduciary and financial planner in Aliso Viejo. He is a very professional and patient man. He took the time to answer all my questions and help me figure out my finances. I am a woman without a huge knowledge of financial planning. Blair made it easy to understand and easy to follow. You can't go wrong working with Blair!

Blair Applegate is a financial services professional with a breadth of historical and current insight. Speaking with Blair recently over the phone, he was very generous sharing industry perspective and expert opinions. I have known Blair for over 20 years and appreciate his personal approach.

Working with Blair Applegate over the Past 10+ years has allowed me to have reassurance that my family?s financial needs are in good hands - even as my financial situation has greatly shifted over the years. He's always available to answer the small questions and the big questions and has a great way of walking me through complex things in a way that I can understand and feel confident. His honesty and integrity combined with his personal touch are even more reasons I would recommend him to anyone.

I've known Blair both personally and professionally for about 20 years. You're not going to get a more fiduciarilly (is that a word?) focused financial advisor than Mr. Applegate. Blair is dedicated, detailed, persistent and patient which all serve him well as he takes care of your finances. There's a good chance that after working with Blair and entrusting him with your money, you'll not only have a new trusted advisor, but also a friend. Blair currently manages the finances for my wife and I - and we

I've known Blair for over 15 years and can vouch for his integrity and expertise in the financial services industry. I have had the chance to sit in on meetings with Blair and his clients and have been able to witness first-hand the level of investment knowledge and his ability to make the very complex simple. I am 100% confident in his abilities to service any client looking for financial guidance or an initial consultation.

We are pleased to work with Blair Applegate at PCWM. Blair has helped us with our financial planning and making sure we understand and learn as much as possible. He is very honest, open to answer any question and focused always on our financial goals. We are very pleased working with him.

Blair has been Very Helpful, Extremely Knowledgeable & has a Wonderful Demeaner & Kindness about him. He knows his Stuff! Highly Recommend!!

We have worked with the team for several years and it has been so helpful. Investment choices have been very good. Financial plan and estate plan was so hard for us to get together before we started working with Blair Applegate. He walked us through the process of getting our estate plan, legal documents, and accounts updated. He managed the whole process with our long time CPA and with our Estate Attorney. Very satisfied and always they are always available for help and questions too.

I've been working with Blair for the last two years and he has proven to be knowledgeable, efficient and very quick to respond to all of my questions and needs. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Very professional and knowledgeable! I highly recommend the team at Pacific Coast Wealth Management!

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations