Why We're Qualified

Cary is a Financial Advisor for Califano Financial Group. He is responsible for assisting in all client services as well as investment and insurance recommendations.

Cary was raised in Lake Arrowhead, California. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accountancy. Cary began his postgraduate career here at Califano Financial Group in 2011 as a Tax and Financial Planning Associate.

Cary is a CFA^® charterholder, CPA, holds through LPL the Series 7 and 66 registrations and is a California Life, Accident and Health Insurance licensed agent, California Insurance License #0I03698. In his spare time Cary enjoys spending time with friends and doing anything outdoors.

Evan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for Califano Financial Group. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and has been assisting clients with their tax needs for over 20 years. Utilizing his extensive experience Evan specializes in accounting and tax services for small businesses as well as multi-state taxation.

Lady is Califano Financial Group's Office Mascot. She is responsible for greeting anyone who wants to meet her with a smile and wagging tail.

Lady was rescued in 2018 from a shelter in Palm Springs and has been an integral team member ever since. She spends most of the day seeking belly rubs or taking one of her many naps. In her spare time she loves long walks, chasing squirrels and capitalizing on her puppy dog eyes.

Philip Califano is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specializing in comprehensive tax and financial planning. He has been assisting clients with their tax and financial needs for over 28 years. Focusing in the areas of tax, retirement and estate planning Philip uses specialized financial and investment strategies to assist his clients in pursuing their financial goals.

Philip was born and raised in San Pedro, California. He graduated with honors from UC Santa Barbara in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics. While earning his certification as a Public Accountant, Philip began his postgraduate career as a Tax Research, Planning and Compliance Specialist with Arthur Young, a large tax and accounting firm.

Along with his CPA and CFP designations Philip is an LPL Registered Principal. He currently holds through LPL the Series 7, 24, 63 and 66 registrations and is a California Life, Accident and Health Insurance licensed agent, license number 0B53567. Philip invests heavily in education in order to maintain and continually develop his skills with sophisticated financial and tax strategies.

Philip chose LPL Financial as his broker dealer in order to offer his clients a wide array of financial products. His integrity and passion for providing outstanding personalized service are evident in his quest to team with his clients in pursuing their financial dreams. In his spare time Philip enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and cooking.

Robert Strauss is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for Califano Financial Group. He has been assisting clients with their tax needs for over 30 years. Putting his vast experience to use Robert specializes in tax and accounting services for both individuals and businesses alike.

Robert graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He began his postgraduate career with Berlfein & Co (now Ernst & Young) and went on to serve in various financial and executive capacities with publicly and privately held companies before coming to Califano Financial Group. Outside of the office Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, their two daughters and his grandson.

Valerie serves as Califano Financial Group’s Director of Tax Operations, overseeing the day-to-day functions of the tax preparation department.

Valerie started her career in the financial services industry over 30 years ago when she worked as a Savings Representative for Coast Federal Bank. Valerie started her career with Califano Financial Group in 2004, taking on many positions and responsiblities throughout the years. Currently she specializes in Payroll & Individual Tax Compliance.

A local girl, Valerie was born and raised here in San Pedro. She enjoys spending time with her loving family and her many animals.