*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.*
1122 E Green St Suite 206
Pasadena, California 91106
Earl has helped manage my money for 5 years and I could not be happier. His attention to detail, thorough research and excellent communication are all great attributes but he also brings a very personal, grounded approach in the way he really gets to know you and your needs. He was very upfront in describing his approach to investing from our first meeting so as to set proper expectations. He's not trying to chase the next big thing when he invests. He really digs into individual companies and takes a clos
When I retired several years ago, I was looking for someone to help me with my financial planning.. What Earl offered was what I needed the most - an independent advisor, not associated with any investment firm, since I had a bad experience with a commercial financial planner previously. Earl provides a clear strategy for my personal situation and is careful in his decisions. He is extremely knowledgeable and can answer any questions with details. Over the years I have come to trust his good advice on all m
Earl is my perfect financial advisor. He is independent, smart, and does his homework. He is constantly reading, researching, and analyzing companies and determining their real worth. His financial knowledge is wide-ranging and always current. He is ethical and keeps regular communication going, and will be able to answer almost any question with historical perspective and his reasons for specific strategies. His strategies are tailored to my risk tolerance, while he makes sure I understand why we stic
I spoke with Earl on the phone for nearly 30 minutes. I had several questions and concerns about my finances. Earl clearly explained everything to me and confirmed my understanding of the matter. Thanks to him, I expect to save money on my taxes.
Earl has been amazing to work with over the last 4-5 years helping manage our family's investments. At first, we were looking for someone local and I think we really lucked out with someone as humble as Earl who we trust. Most importantly, he consistently delivers the results in returns with a more conservative approach that's tailored to our needs. Thank you Earl!
Earl has been my financial advisor for the past 10 years. I find Earl to be extremely trustworthy, hard-working, and competent. He is very good at communicating his strategy and providing ongoing commentary and analysis. He is always willing to answer questions and provide whatever support or assistance I may need. In addition to all this, the performance of my portfolio has been very good, while at the same time not exposing me to undo risk. I would highly recommend you have a discussion with Earl if you?r
Trust, investing expertise, and results are the most important things to me in an investment manager. Earl Yaokasin, WealthArch's Founder and Chief Investment Officer, meets and exceeds my expectations. In addition to my trust and belief in Earl's expertise, I chose Earl because he's an independent financial advisor, meaning he doesn't blindly take a large bank or investment firm's in-house analyst recommendations of whether to buy, sell, or hold a particular stock. Earl does his own meticulous and rigorou
I've been working with Earl for a year now and it's been a honor. Earl truly has a passion for investment and it comes out in every communication from him. He's diligent about diving deep into research for every investment choice and does a wonderful job of keeping me informed. Even when I have more questions, he patiently and thoroughly explains his reasoning on any topic. From a financial standpoint I'm very thankful I started working with Earl before the market started to drop. No matter how shallow or d
Earl?s breadth of knowledge in investments is superior to many and has been instrumental in helping me achieve my financial goals. His investment strategy is based on sound logic and is not skewed by any market hypes. He caters to your needs in a very specific manner by providing a personalized and customized solution to your portfolio by aligning them with your current needs, as opposed to a ?one size fits all? solution you find elsewhere. Reassuringly, he dedicates a lot of his time in market research t
Earl and WealthArch has been our advisor for the last year. Very communicative, data-driven, and insightful approach to managing our portfolio.
My Wife and I have been working with Earl for approximately 6 years now and we are very happy and comfortable with Wealtharch managing our investments and retirement planning. TRUST is the most important factor and we both trust Earl to do the right thing and also continuously improve his skills such that we can get better and better value from his services. Thank you Earl for being laser focused on investing and honing your skills. We appreciate your integrity and personalized services.
Very satisfied with the way my investments are being managed by WealthArch. Earl is very disciplined and good at what he does. Would definitely recommend him as a financial advisor.
Me and my husband have been blessed so much by talking to Earl! He gave us a lot of solid advices and also some simple steps to follow through. He listens to our financial needs/concerns and answered all of our questions! Hands down the best service in town! We can tell Earl is very knowledgeable about the financial management service. On top of that, he has a heart of gold and truly wants his client to succeed in life! Thank you so much Earl! We wish you all the best in the future and for sure we will go t
I contacted Earl about investing some funds I have in the bank. I was considering real estate but was open to anything and looking for advice on other options. Earl then proceeded to go over historic stock vs real estate data and his predictions for the future of those markets along with his reasoning for those prediction based solely on data. I left with way more information that I expected, and was better prepared to make my decision. I wanted to leave a review because Earl gave me so much more than I ex
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.