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Selah Portfolios & Planning

Selah Portfolios & Planning

Reviews Summary

The reviews consistently praise the advisor's expertise, professionalism, and personalized approach. Clients highlight her clear communication, patience, and ability to simplify complex financial concepts. Many appreciate her responsiveness, trustworthiness, and genuine care for their goals, often describing her as knowledgeable, kind, and thorough. The service provides peace of mind, with clients feeling confident in their financial planning and retirement strategies. Several mention long-term satisfaction and strong recommendations to others. The overall sentiment reflects exceptional trust and appreciation for her guidance.

About This Listing

Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

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

Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

Contact Information

Address

129 Cabrillo St # 103

Costa Mesa, California 92627

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-5PM
Tuesday 8AM-5PM
Wednesday 8AM-5PM
Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday 8AM-5PM
Saturday 10AM-3PM

Customer Reviews

Lauren is an absolute pleasure to work with. My wife and I are so thankful for her advice in regard to our budget, as well as helping us achieve our long term goals. We love being able to meet in person and get the 1-on-1 personalized services she offers. She is so easy to communicate with and we feel so comfortable working with her. Go see Lauren!!

I've been working with Lauren since 2019 and it's been a great experience!! I have a ton of questions and she explains everything with patience. I have complete confidence in her ability to guide us into a comfortable retirement along with meeting our other financial goals. She has also recommended a trust attorney and tax preparers that I'm really happy with. AND she's just a good person with a kind heart.

I feel confident having Lauren as my financial advisor. She has been guiding me now for several years to accomplish my retirement goals and I enjoy working with her. Lauren brings tremendous acumen, experience and diligence to her job as a wealth manager and she is quite pleasant to work with. Gracias Lauren!!!

Lauren is great to work with. She is very helpful and patient. I've become much more confident with my finances through our conversations and planning.

Lauren is brilliant, knowledgeable, anticipates needs, and always kind and patient. She is a pleasure to work with and I know she has my best $$ interests at heart. My daughters feel the same way/ we trust her completely!

I've worked with Lauren for over 5 years. From the initial phone call, she has been more interested in what my goals are and we talk about actionable steps that can be taken. What I most admire is that she answers every single one of my questions and even checks on my personally. I would gladly recommend working with Lauren!

I feel so grateful that I found Lauren and Selah. I have recommended a plethora of people to her. She is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. If I have any questions, she responds quickly. I would recommend Selah without hesitation. You are in good honest hands with Lauren!

Lauren has been a pleasure to work with. She is always available to answer any questions I have. She makes things easy for me to understand. I feel comfortable with her and know that I can trust her. She is amazing.

We are absolutely delighted with Lauren?s service! She is professional yet personable and passionate with up-to-date expertise in the financial sector; she provides us with sound financial advice and guidance with integrity and excellence. We know she has genuine interest in achieving the best for us. We highly recommend Selah Portfolios and Planning!

I couldn't be happier knowing that Lauren is managing my finances (and that I don't have to!). She's communicative, responsive, and I feel confident knowing I'm in her good hands. My mom & sister use her, and I've already recommended her to a handful of friends. Highly recommend Selah Portfolios for your financial planning needs.

Lauren has been an absolute blessing. She provides clear and simple explanations to what can be complicated. Taking the extra steps to ensure we are always informed about our future security is her highest priority. We've had other advisors, however Lauren is by far the best, she treats us like family!

I have been a client here for a few years now. The service has been excellent and the long term planning has me feeling confident I can reach my goals. It's great to be able to have someone to bounce ideas off of, including what to do with money that is not in an account managed here. If you are looking for someone to help I can't recommend Lauren enough!

Not knowing anything about CDs I made an appointment with Lauren. She put me at ease right away. I was immediately shown the types of CDs that were available that day. It was a good experience.

We have been working with Lauren for more than 5 years and she has been amazing. Easy to contact and able to provide valuable information and advice.

Lauren is amazing, kind, smart, and very knowledgeable about the market! The best Financial Advisor we are blessed with.

Lauren has been great to work with very pleasant and keeps us updated on all things .sending emails and encouraging notes about investments and is up on all the latest been great

Selah P&P has done a great job with our investing but even more so the peace of mind. Knowledge, trust, and communication have allowed for my wife and I to have great confidence in working with Selah

Lauren Gage is incredible! She's responsive, knowledgeable & such a great teacher when it comes to learning about finances.

Selah Portfolio & Planning has been instrumental in guiding us to accomplish our financial goals. We're forever grateful for the education, confidence and the peace of mind that working with them has given us. Thank you, Selah!

Lauren is very thorough and knowledgeable. I feel comfortable with her advice on my money management.

Highly recommend Lauren. I am confident she is doing the best job for us so that is one area of my life I don't have to worry about.

Super happy with the service and knowledge. Very professional and knowledgeable.

I have received overwhelming help and I'm great full of the help thanks again

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.