Jim Kirby helps people make smart decisions in all areas involving money. Many of his clients are either retired or close to retirement and need help sorting things out. He also helps small (and not-so-small) business owners lower their income taxes and determine the best way to transition their wealth to the next generation. With his background as a CPA, he looks for ways to help clients avoid or defer income taxes when selling large assets, such as real estate or a business. He became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1972, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in 1986, a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) in 1988, and a Chartered Retirement Planning counselor (CRPC) in 2008. In addition, he is a Certified Fund Specialist, a designation granted to those who pursue a course of study and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of mutual funds and modern portfolio theory. He is a fee-only advisor. I did a two year tour of duty as a radar operator in the Navy beginning in 1965. From 1970 to 1973, I worked for the national accounting firm of Arthur Young & Company as an auditor. In 1978 I opened my CPA practice in Santa Ana. I introduced personal financial planning to my accounting practice in 1986. In 1996, I merged my accounting practice into another local accounting firm so that I could devote full time to financial planning for individuals and businesses.