*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.*
1177 Marsh St Suite #200
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Jeff Forrest and his team at Sound Financial are great to work with and extremely knowledgeable. They helped my wife and I create a financial strategy that we are excited about. Additionally, they showed us areas we could improve our financial stability and protection for our family, and then helped us set up life insurance policies, a living trust, a pour over will, advanced health care directives, and power of attorney forms. We are incredibly grateful for all the work they did for us in order to get all
Jeff Forrest has been my financial planner for 4 years and is a fantastic life coach. He efficiently and kindly helped me with my Dads Trust and its execution. Both he and Pam were professional, so helpful and knowledgeable. He has helped me make some good investments and listens to all my ideas and concerns.
I had known Jeff prior to having him help my family. He established himself as genuine, kind-hearted man that was oriented towards service and professionalism. Fast forward a few years, I realize my parents had never established a living trust, pour over will, or any form of financial plan for their retirement beyond a pension and social security; I reached out to Jeff to help establish these must have tools for financial protection. Shortly after, the sale of a large family ranch took place & my parents f
Jeff has been amazing helping me learn and understand how to have have a better retirement and investing in myself. He makes sure I understand every step and that ultimately I'm calling the shots. That never happened with another investment place I was with for far too long. Jeff has your best interest at heart and shares his knowledge because he genuinely cares. Highly recommend Sound FIS!
I have been meeting with Jeff and Pam For years. Every time we meet, I genuinely look forward to learning the next step In our financial future. Jeff is so full of positivity, it's contagious. We walk out of every meeting feeling positive and inspired about our future. As for results, Jeff has paved a path to Financial freedom for us, which we have been following to the T. My wife and I are counting the days until we meet that goal that's just getting closer and closer. We couldn't be happier with the serv
Jeff and his entire team always go above and beyond for their clients! I have never seen I financial planner who cares more for their clients. They are honest, caring and always put thier clients needs first. We are so fortunate to be a client and partner of Sound Financial! You can't beat their 40 years of experience and commitment.
I feel ethically obligated to warn you about Jeffrey Forrest. Fortunately, I reviewed the Family Trust he made for us. It had another family's name in it. He corrected it on my request. But then I still had to go to another attorney to correct other problems. The life insurance product he sold us was also low quality. I discovered later after further scrutiny that it would have paid out less than I what invested in it over time. I had to get help from another advisor to purchase a new policy. He claimed it
Jeff is delightful to work with and is always so professional and positive. He works tirelessly to guide his clients to help them achieve their goals by offering options that will best fit their needs. He listens attentively and has a coaching model for how he supports his clients in attaining wealth and success.
Every time I have needed advise, Jeff has been super helpful to me. My financial knowledge is above average, but i have learned good tips from him. He is professional and super responsive when you need his help. He loves to be helpful to others.
Jeff?s knowledge of finance is vast, and his thinking outside the box strategies are immensely valuable. His office provides financial solutions that the typical financial advisors do not have the expertise in. If you are looking for tax-efficient long-term financial solutions, Jeff is the guy!
I've known Jeff for over 25 years and he truly cares about his clients. Jeff knows the IUL and Estate Planning market really well and stays current on all there is to know to best serve his clients' needs!
So grateful I was referred to Jeff Forrest several years ago. He and his team of professionals have taken great care of my financial goals so I can focus on my career and living life! Thank you SOUND!!
Jeff Forrest and company go above and beyond to provide you with top notch information and safe, secure ways to protect your money and investments. The personal service and expertise reach miles above the competition! Couldn't be more satisfied.
Jeff Forrest has been most helpful when I have financial issues that I find challenging to address. He has helped me think through them and I am most grateful for his suggestions and sound ideas!
The team at Sound are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated, caring & SO thorough! You will be in the best of hands if you commit to the process of getting yourself financially organized! I would give a 10 if I could :) Do not wait to get your life in order? all you have to do is start and they will guide you!
Jeff Forrest has helped us tremendously in our future retirement plans.. we have full confidence with our financial future, that we will be well taken care of.. we can't thank him enough.
I really enjoy the time spent talking about my family's financial future. My wife and I are offered plenty of time to talk about all aspects of our life goals. I would recommend them to my closest friends and family.
He took the time to get to know myself my family and our needs to provide us with a tailored service. Providing us with all the information we need to make an educated decision.
Besides being professional and have actual knowledge, they are very responsive and return phone call, texts and emails promptly.
Jeff trule cares about people, and that is 90% of what it takes.
Dedicated people providing quality service. Highly recommend!
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.