*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.*
533 2nd St #207
Encinitas, California 92024
I've worked with a financial planner for 20+ years, and switched to working with Scott about two years ago. I like that Scott and Stone Steps Financial have a very data-driven, transparent, and straightforward approach. It makes creating long-term strategies and short terms goals much more digestible to a non finance-minded person like myself. He provides highly personalized planning and investment services in a refreshing way and knows a lot of great technology tools and resources. I also always feel lik
I have been working with Scott as my financial adviser for about six months. I chose his services because he is a fee only adviser. He does not make money of financial products, because he does not sell anything but his amazing expertise. Working with Scott has been a thorough and organic process. He has a step-by-step system that allowed me to gain clarity of where I was standing and where I want to go. I transitioned from a corporate job in to self-employment and Scott has been nothing but supportive, pro
Scott with Stone Steps Financial has been so incredibly helpful in lining up my family's life goals and our financial planning so that we can work to accomplish our goals in a clear cut manner. Our planning process has been very transparent, easy to understand, and overall very, very helpful. This process has helped my wife and I align ourselves and communicate more effectively on our ideal future as well. Cannot recommend Scott enough!
I don?t just throw out 5 star reviews, but Scott has been amazing and I?ve already told a number of friends about him. He is qualified, but he also genuinely cares. From the time and energy he invests upfront in asking you questions about your life goals and what?s truly at your hearts core, to the thoughtful options he presents to you and the latest technology to help you understand and organize your finances, he?s able to make an incredible impact in a short time. We highly recommend Scott and his team at
Scott and the team at Stone Steps are life changers. This might sound crazy, but I'm an advisor of eight years myself, and my wife and I hired Stone Steps a year ago to be our advisor, and it was the best financial decision and investment we've made to date in our eight years together. Scott and team truly listen and empathize, which enables them to foster very meaningful and purposeful conversations, leading to very fulfilling decisions that have brought tremendous peace. We're looking forward to working w
We are so grateful to have Scott at Stone Steps as our financial planner. He's extremely knowledgable, thorough, and detail oriented. He has helped us get a clearer picture of our finances and a deeper understanding of our financial priorities. We always enjoy meeting with him--he's efficient and fun to talk through things with. He doesn't judge how we spend money, but helps us be more mindful of where we are spending it. He clearly wants to help us pursue the life we want. We recommend him 100%!
When I started looking for a financial planner I was referred to Scott with Stone Steps Financial. I am always wary of trusting someone with my money and was very careful in my veting process. As a fee only advisor (he dosent make any money by selling me financial products) I felt that our interests were truly aligned. By working together my stress level has decreased and he has allowed me to take a much more comprehensive approach to financial planning (estate planning, tax planning, investment options, r
I can sleep at night! Scott really has taken the time to get to know me, my financial & retirement goals and how much risk I am comfortable with. He tailors the steps you can take to achieve your goals to you specifically (not a one-size-fits-all). His explanations are clear and concise. He sends a summary after each meeting so we both know what we are doing next. If you have any angst or any confusion about your financial state and how to achieve your goals please take some time to meet with Stone Ste
I have really enjoyed working with Scott. I felt like I was pretty good financially and decided to try my hand at investing. I quickly learned I had no idea what I was doing and needed help. After much research, I decided to set up an initial meeting with Scott and he went way further than just investing by reviewing my complete finances. He pointed out many things that I was doing well, but also areas for improvement. After that meeting, it was a no brainer to work with Scott. Since he's fee only, I know h
Scott is amazing, I tell anyone who needs a financial planner about him. Many financial planners have certain requirements to become their clients but not Scott. I am an Orthodontist out of school for a couple years and he took me on and really help me set up everything with regards to paying my student loans and investing for retirement. He really knows his stuff and the best part is that since he is a fee for service financial planner you know you are getting the best advice possible and not just a sal
Scott is reliable, transparent, and very easy to work with. As a financial advisor, he has provided us with retirement advice, money management tips and put us on track for our overall financial goals. I would highly recommend Scott to anyone who is looking for sound financial advice!
Spent a considerable amount of time researching financial planners before I found Stone Steps. I was sold within my first 10 mins of speaking with Scott. He was friendly, transparent and super easy to connect with. I never felt the pushy sales pitch that I so often found with others in the industry. Scott asked a lot of thought provoking questions during our initial meetings and really digs deep into understanding your financial goals.
I've worked with financial planners in the past, as well as managed my own money and tried robo-advising services. Hands-down, working with Scott at Stone Steps has been the best financial decision I have made. Scott takes a values-based view of money; i.e. "why are you saving/investing/spending" not simply a cut-paste, vanilla approach (which is what you get with robo-advisors). Looking at life goals, modifying my portfolio when circumstances change, and being both a financial 'counselor' as well as portfo
I was referred to Stone Steps by a close friend. Scott's expertise has been incredible, helping my family set up a budget, develop an investment strategy, and prepare for tax season. Scott has all the knowledge and resources needed to take of my family's future - and yours! Worth every penny!
Scott has always been professional and taken time to learn my personal and business goals and looked at how those can serve as a foundation for my financial planning. He is very knowledgeable and provides big firm experience but with a small firm personal attention.
Scott Frank is hands-down, the best financial planner in the business. As a young entrepreneur who doesn't necessarily have a great understanding of investments and best practices when it comes to planning for savings and retirement, Scott has helped my family, business and I with all of our planning - from soups to nuts. He is attentive, always willing to answer questions (even if I am sure they seem very basic to him), and is extremely knowledgable in EVERYTHING - IULs, stocks, bonds, 401ks, 529s...you n
In my experience with Stone Steps, the team has been thorough, accountable, and very easy to work with. What sets them apart though, is the values-based approach they take to financial advising. In order to ensure that they were incorporating my personal values into their financial advice for me, they led me through a process that helped me uncover and refine those values at the outset of our work together. I am so grateful for what I have been able to achieve with Stone Steps thus far and look forward to w
Scott has been great for me and my family. Not only has he helped us with our finances, but with general life planning as well! Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you Scott!
Scott is a genius! We got so much out of working with him. He's supportive and smart and gets the challenges that younger couples face. Best of all, he doesn't guilt trip you or make you feel inadequate or foolish. We couldn't recommend him more highly!
Scott has been a tremendous resource for me and my family. He has helped with financial planning goals, investment direction and overall is a trustworthy advisor.
I've worked with Scott for over a year now. He's been helpful and proactive in helping me set up myself and family for financial success; everything from investments advice to savings/education/retirement accounts.
The last couple of months as a recently retired person has made me a little nervous ... the market has been a little scary. But the gang at Stone Steps Financial has really made me feel much more comfortable ... their advice especially in their recent newsletter really calmed some of my fears. I think I will stay retired ??.
Great Guidance! Scott is very thorough and aware of our goals, providing the necessary guidance to achieving them.
Scott is a fantastic advisor that I would recommend to anyone!
Scott is a great guy and helped me find my "WHY" for my business and personal goals.
First financial advisor that actually advises. Huge weight off my shoulders. Highly recommend Stone Steps.
We highly recommend Scott Frank and Stone Steps Financial. He is highly skilled and great to work with.
Scott is great: very knowledgeable, responsive, and value-adding.
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.