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
What to Expect in Your First Year of Retirement
A visual comparison showing how daily life, income, and routines often shift during the first year of retirement.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance is permanent insurance with a flexible premium. Here's how it works.
Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples
Learn how to maximize your tax and estate strategy as a married member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Split Annuity Strategy
Here's one strategy that combines two different annuities to generate income and rebuild principal.
Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List
This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance remains in force as long as you remain current with premiums. Here's how it works.
Protecting Your Business from the Loss of a Key Person
Business owners may be able to protect themselves from the financial consequences of losing a key employee.
What If Your Kids Decide Against College?
Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.
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Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Estimate Your RMD
Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.
How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
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The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
What You Need to Know About Social Security
Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
Your DNA Test
A Detailed Needs Analysis (DNA) can be a simple way to care for loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.