Meet the Team
The team behind California Retirement Plans is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Andy Barkate, M.S.
President
For over 37 years, Andy has specialized in working with retirees and pre-retirees in developing custom financial & retirement plans that will last a lifetime. He also holds a master’s degree in financial planning.
Because of his experience, he has become a sought-after local voice of financial reason in the media. Andy hosts the "Retiring in America" radio show which airs every Saturday morning on KNRZ 1560 AM & 97. 7 FM.
He is also a weekly guest on the "Terry Maxwell Show" on the same station.
Andy also hosts the TV segment "Focus on Finance" which is a part of the Eyewitness News programming of KBAK the local CBS & Fox affiliate. He is on air every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday evening.
He also is the author of the books “Retiring In America" and "Retiring in America 2.0".
Andy has lived in Bakersfield for over 35 years and is an active member of many clubs and associations. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in particular, is very near and dear to his heart. For the past 18 years, Andy has served as chairman of the Bakersfield Dream Home committee for the St. Jude’s Dream Home Fundraiser.
Andy and his wife, Tracey, have been married for over 33 wonderful years. They have two sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren.
CA insurance license #0803635
Patrick Birchfield, CPA
Patrick was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. At 20, he graduated from college and went to work at the international accounting firm KPMG LLP in San Francisco. In 2018, he moved back to Bakersfield to start his own CPA firm to provide tax planning and preparation to his ever-growing client base.
661-325-2339 patrick@birchfieldcpa.com
Prachi Mehta, Attorney
Prachi is the founding attorney and owner of the Law Office of Prachi Mehta, PC. She specializes in Comprehensive Estate Planning, including Wills, Trusts, Tax Planning, Charitable Giving, Special Needs Planning, and High Net Worth Planning. She also provides legal advice to businesses and corporations, including entity formation, business operations, corporate governance, contracts, and more.
Prachi's approach to estate planning revolves around empowered and informed decision making. It is extremely important to her that her clients understand all of their options before making any decisions regarding their loved ones, their assets, or their business.
Prachi grew up in Bakersfield and is an active member of many local organizations, including the Board of the Kern County Cancer Foundation. Prachi frequently hosts webinars and in-person seminars with the goal of sharing with her community the importance of Estate Planning and Business Planning.
650-260-4336 prachi@prachimehtalaw.com
Duncan Harris, Insurance Agency Founder
Duncan specializes in healthcare coverage for seniors, individuals, and businesses. Since the beginning of his insurance career in 2009, Duncan has been committed to providing comprehensive and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of his clients.
Duncan is the founder of Insurance Savings Group, a pioneering savings group and third-party administration company. Through this venture, he empowers individuals and businesses to navigate and alleviate the financial burdens associated with out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Duncan thrives on helping people and dedicates himself to ensuring optimal outcomes for every client he serves.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Duncan finds joy in spending time with his family. Married with two children, he cherishes moments shared hiking and fishing in the great outdoors.
661-432-1474 duncan@joinisg.com
Tim Kounter, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
Tim Kounter, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and founder of Bakersfield Senior Placement, has been helping individuals and families locate the right independent and assisted living options for themselves and their loved ones locally since 2010.
When living at home is no longer the best option, call Tim. He is intimately familiar with over 100 local licensed board & care homes and each large licensed assisted living community and independent retirement community. Have a loved one struggling with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia? Call 661-326-2416 where his intake/office manager Judy Snyder will get you started.
For more information, go online to www.BakersfieldSeniorPlacement.com, or click this link to fill out their “Let’s Get Started” form for a response within 24 business hours.
This is no time to go it alone. At no cost to you, let Tim be your advocate for one of the biggest financial decisions you may ever have to make.
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For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today or register to attend a seminar.