Why We're Qualified

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 innovative financial and investment strategies to assist his clients in achieving 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 a Registered Principal with Sagepoint Financial. He currently holds 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 state-of-the-art financial and tax innovations.

Philip chose SagePoint 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 reaching their financial dreams. In his spare time Philip enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and cooking.

Cary is a Financial Advisor and Planner 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, holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and is a California Life, Accident and Health Insurance licensed agent, license number 0I03698. In his spare time Cary enjoys spending time with friends and doing anything outdoors.

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.

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.

Valerie is the Director of Operations for Califano Financial Group in the state of California. She is responsible for ensuring that all of our departments run smoothly and efficiently.

Valerie started her career in the financial services industry over 30 years ago when she worked as a Savings Representative for Coast Federal Bank. After coming to our office in 2004 Valerie has taken on many positions and currently specializes in Payroll & Individual Tax Compliance as well as Real Estate 1031 Exchanges.

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

Yvonne Morales is an Operations Assistant for Califano Financial Group, a 1031 Real Estate Exchange Coordinator for MidCal Realty Services as well as a Notary Public in the state of California.

Kelly is our receptionist as well as a Notary Public in the state of California.

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 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.