Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Michael A. Chester at Mesa Verde Consulting, Inc., a tax and financial service company in Costa Mesa, California. We provide personalized services to meet your Accounting, Tax, and Financial Goals based on your needs, wants, and objectives.
Whether you require assistance with your financial and retirement needs, tax preparation, business consulting and planning, we will customize our services to your needs.
We have been serving Southern California for over 26 years and look forward to working with you through all stages of your life.
Please review our list of services and the other educational and information areas of our website. Give us a call at (714) 557-0992 or send us an email (mverde114@aol.com) to help us get started.
Helpful Content
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
When Should You Take Social Security
Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.
Social Security: Maximizing Benefits
There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process.
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy
Do you have an estate strategy? You should.
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Estimate Your RMD
Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
View all calculators 
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.

