Trent Benedetti

I'm Trent J. Benedetti, a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner™, and Investment Advisor Representative. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California Polytechnic University at Pomona in 1982. After gaining experience with four regional CPA firms, I opened my own tax and bookkeeping practice in Santa Maria, California. In 2000, we incorporated as Benedetti & Associates, CPA, Inc., where my team and I serve small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and startups with tax consulting, accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning services. I also founded Benedetti Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser firm, where I provide fee-based financial coaching and investment advice guided by Modern Portfolio Theory and a focus on long-term, low-cost, diversified strategies.

Throughout my career, I've held several professional licenses, including CPA (CA #79502), CFP®  (Board ID #062661), and multiple NASD securities and California insurance licenses. I've also completed financial counselor training with the Dave Ramsey organization. My goal is to provide sound, research-based financial guidance that empowers both individuals and business owners to make informed, strategic decisions that support long-term success and security.

Giving back to my community has always been important to me. I've served as Chairman of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and on the Santa Maria Planning Commission for 15 years. I served as a Trustee for the Santa Barbara County Retirement System and actively participate in my church community at St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Orcutt. I was born in Whittier, California, in 1955, graduated from Whittier High School, and have been married to my wife, Barbara, for over 45 years. Together, we are blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.