*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.*
6154 Innovation Way
Carlsbad, California 92009
My husband and I are so happy that we turned our investment planning over to Brad Lineberger with Seaside Wealth. Brad took the time to get to know us personally and crafted a portfolio that meets our needs and objectives. He regularly reviews our goals with us to discuss additional strategies that can help ensure our long term financial success. Seaside Wealth provides information to its clients on a wide range of topics too; not just what's happening in the market. We highly recommend Brad and Seaside W
One of the best teams in the business. Professional, friendly, and easy to work with. They care about doing things right and it shows in the way they show up for the people they serve.
I've had the pleasure of working with Brad and team for quite some time, and I can confidently say that they are exceptional. They provide consistently straightforward advice. They never sell me anything and always prioritize my best interests.They explain complex concepts clearly, ensuring I understand every decision we make. Brad is never focusing on short-term gains, always emphasizing long-term financial health. This approach has helped me navigate various life stages with confidence. Brad and team alw
Yearly reviews with Seaside Wealth Management are valuable and encouraging. Brad and his team are professional and caring. Brad takes the time to value us as customers and is a true Fiduciary. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for financial guidance with a caring touch! My wife and I feel we are in good hands and we trust he gives us honest and sound investment advice and peace of mind.
Matt Callahan did a superior job explaining my financial portfolio. I feel very confident about my financial future. The Seaside team is very professional, and knowledgeable. I am very happy to have Matt and the Seaside team. I highly recommend them.
Working with Matt Callahan and Seaside Wealth is a real pleasure. He is very proactive and keeps our investment decision making sound and stable. He keeps the balance of risk vs reward appropriate in his recommendations considering we are 65 and older. The information systems are first class and Matt's use of same excellent. I highly recommend Seaside Wealth.
Seaside has been a great fit for me and my wife. As we navigated retirement and finances, the team at Seaside were knowledgeable, kind, articulate, and helped me understand how our financial goals played out over the long run. We are grateful for the personal touch Matt, and the whole team applies. We believe they are genuine, and that they sincerely care about our well being and peace of mind. We look forward to working with Seaside Wealth Management for decades to come .
We've worked with Brad LIneberger since 2010 and we retired in 2017. He handles our Retirement accounts and soon we will open an individual brokerage account. Under his management of our accounts our furture needs are fully funded and our mortgage will be paid off soon. The mortgage payments will go into the individual brokerage account. We enjoy Brad and his staff during our annual planning and review meetings. We recommend Seaside Wealth Management highly.
Brad and the Seaside team are easy to work with. They asked us our goals, our preferences to risk and safety and developed a plan to fit our personal needs. We have reached retirement, and they are helping us through every detail and timing of it. I feel confident that the plan set up for us personally is the best plan for us and will take us through the future with peace and resources to live on. Throw in some extra vacations and we're good to go. I highly recommend Brad and his team at seaside for any of
Brad, Matt and the entire Seaside team have been great to work with and have made us feel comfortable in all our interactions. They have explained their strategy for safe guarding and growing our nest egg so that we can comfortably enjoy our retirement years. We look forward to continuing down the path we have laid out together to achieve our retirement goals.
Brad and team have been wonderful. They are true professionals, great listeners, and have provided me and my husband with solid financial advice over the years. He has even taken the time to provide advice for my college age son to help lead him on a successful financial path.
Brad Lineberger and his team at Seaside Wealth Manager have been our financial advisors for a number of years. My wife Elaine and I are very happy with Brad's services and have recommended him to a number of friends and relatives. He contacts us regularly and has always been available to us when we need help. Over time we have met personally in his office, we've had telephone meetings, and we've had Zoom sessions -- whatever format works best for us at the time. After our meetings Brad has done an excell
We are so pleased to have found Seaside Wealth Management. They have handled our finances for years and made us feel at ease with the process of having a financial advisor and being diversified in the market. They thoroughly explain everything, regularly keep in touch, answer all of our questions and make us feel quite confident in our ability to retire with great financial success. Thank you Seaside Wealth Team and especially Brad Lineberger!
Seaside Wealth our financial planning provider partners, friends, family are simply stated " Our go to " compass when it comes to financial planning and investing all the way through to deployment of our family wealth both short term and long term! They have been with us from the beginning of our journey and will be with us through our legacy!
Working with Matt has been a fantastic experience for my wife and I. Brad and his team are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing financial planning advice.
Brad and his team of professionals have always inspired confidence and financial security in the level of management, investment analysis and detailed presentation they provide. They leave no stone unturned to ensure our future wealth and stability. They engage our communications on both a personal and financial basis. They truly care in making us feel a part of their family.
I have really appreciated the excellent service and attention to detail given to me by Seaside Wealth Management. Brad goes out of his way to answer questions and guide me to making more intelligent decisions about my future. The company goes beyond what is normally expected of a financial advisor.
Seaside Wealth Management... Brad Lineberger and his team... are exceptional. I completely trust them with my financial planning and my retirement strategy. They have been my financial partner since 2016 and I am very happy with the service, results, and relationship.
As a client for over two years I am extremely pleased with Seaside Wealth Management. As a world traveler, they always have my back and give me peace of mind with my finances. I especially enjoy the tax planning and goal setting sessions with my advisors. They are also great "teachers" and I've learned a lot from them.
Brad and his team are a pleasure to work with. They are thorough, trusting, knowledgeable and they make my family and me feel very confident and secure with our financial lives.
Brad and staff at Seaside Wealth have been incredibly helpful with our investment strategy. They are professionals who care about us as clients as if we were family.
Matt Callahan is the best in the business. He is honest, straightforward and hardworking. I would highly recommend Matt and the team at Seaside Wealth Management.
Quality folks that really know their business. It is a pleasure, and a rarity these days, to find a group of professionals that excel and have a passion for what they do. Cannot recommend strong enough.
We think Seaside Wealth is a wonderful group of financial advisors who have helped us to understand our plan for retirement. We really like Brad LIneberger and his personal service.
5-star for the past 10 years that we have been clients. Brad, Matt and the entire team are the real deal.
Everyone here is very friendly and very competent. We've been very satisfied for over ten years now. They care!
Brad had answers to our questions before we had questions. Brad and his staff are on top of their game.
A great and highly professional team! They listen attentively, take lots of notes, and provide you with advice, strategies, and planning that are uniquely tailored to your financial situation and goals.
True professionals are hard to find but Seaside has been nothing but that. I encourage anyone and everyone to talk to Matthew Callahan!
Matt and everyone at Seaside is wonderful and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
I was very satisfied with the information I received and felt comfortable with all the employees and their abilities. They really know what they are talking about! Highly recommend
Their service is excellent. We now have a clear understanding of how to achieve our goals.
Acknowledge and break down on financial material given by seaside has been amazing. Can't wait for all future videos!
Mr. Callahan provides exceptional, sound financial services.
We have been with seaside for years. Great company .
Amazing team that really cares about our current and future needs.
Always great advice! Everyone is pleasant to work with and communication is on par.
Very professional. Informative, educational and clear communication. Highly recommended!
Excellent manager of my assets. Great research, planning and communication
Professional, knowledgeable, efficient and educating!
Top-tier financial planning team!
Incredible service and financial advice
Great service always!!
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.