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Echelon Financial

Financial planner · Austin, TX · reviewed since 2023

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 66 retirement planningPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
5.0 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · 2 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Jun 2026latest review

Echelon Financial at a glance

Google reviewers rate Echelon Financial five stars based on thirty-three reviews, with no owner responses recorded. Clients frequently cite long-term relationships, highlighting the firm's expertise in tax preparation, investment management, and retirement planning. Recurring themes include proactive communication, prompt responsiveness, and the ability to explain complex financial strategies clearly. The team is described as professional, patient, and detail-oriented, often guiding clients through significant life transitions and business matters with personalized care and fiduciary trust.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 33 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 33 Google reviews (30 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: June 9, 2026.
  • Service: Retirement Planner serving Austin, Texas.

Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.

Score profile vs other retirement planning

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction99Reliability98Craft & service–Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 99 (median 97)Reliability: 98 (median 98)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Echelon FinancialRetirement Planning median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Echelon Financial: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
99
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Echelon Financial: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
98
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Echelon Financial: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Echelon Financial: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

33 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars33100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 30 written reviews

  • Praise64100%
  • Complaints00%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price750%
  • Reasonable643%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure17%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude1930%
  • Would recommend1219%
  • Speed & response1117%
  • Communication914%
  • Honesty & trust711%
  • Quality & results58%
  • Price & value12%

What customers talk about

We read 30 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Kelly Manzano was very pleasant, patient and helpful.”
  • “I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a CPA who truly knows what they’re doing.”
  • “His service is professional, efficient, and very easy to work with.”
  • “Lastly, the communication is outstanding, always available to answer my concerns.”
  • “He takes the time to build genuine relationships, which is one of his greatest strengths.”
  • “They have always done a great job and given us some great advise.”
  • “There are no hidden commission fees; he is honest, transparent, and has his client's best interests in mind.”

People customers mention

  • Chris 9 reviews
  • Wilbratte 6 reviews
  • Kyle 5 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Echelon Financial for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Barry11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Chris, Kyle, and Jim have done my personal and business taxes for 20 years. They have always done a great job and given us some great advise. Love the fact I can walk in and say hello anytime.

Not sureService not listed
BlakeLocal Guide · 22 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Kyle is exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to real estate and business taxation. He understands how to structure things to save you the most money while staying compliant. His service is professional, efficient, and very easy to work with. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a CPA who truly knows what they’re doing.

M.5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Our family was faced with a very complicated tax case after a challenging and tragic moment in our life. Kyle at Echelon provided more than an efficient and professional service. He gave me and my family peace of mind by treating our case with the most respect and care. We are also extremely impressed by the…

Great priceService not listed
Keili8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Chris and Kelly have been excellent to work with. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and proactive in their communication. They’re always quick to respond and take the time to explain strategies in a way that’s easy to understand, following up promptly on any questions or updates. I truly appreciate their…

Reasonable priceFinancial planInvestment advisingWealth management
Cathlene4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Chris has helped us so many times over the years with our financial situation. We could not be more grateful.

Great priceInvestment advising
Melinda1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Chris Wilbratte has managed my 403B for over 20yrs and have been beyond happy with his expertise. He is always quick to answer questions and check in multiple times a year. I value his advice and opinions. I highly recommend him and his company.

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 33 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Kenny Murphy5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Kelly Manzano was very pleasant, patient and helpful.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Wealth management
Anneke Seynnaeve11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anneke has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very efficient and always ready to give advice! All associates very helpful.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Financial plan, Investment advising, Wealth management
Barry Bandera11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Barry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris, Kyle, and Jim have done my personal and business taxes for 20 years. They have always done a great job and given us some great advise. Love the fact I can walk in and say hello anytime.

  • Price assessment: Not sure
  • Services: Service not listed
Blake LebeckLocal Guide · 22 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Blake has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Kyle is exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to real estate and business taxation. He understands how to structure things to save you the most money while staying compliant. His service is professional, efficient, and very easy to work with. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a CPA who truly knows what they’re doing.

M. Alejandra Sorto5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews M. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Our family was faced with a very complicated tax case after a challenging and tragic moment in our life. Kyle at Echelon provided more than an efficient and professional service. He gave me and my family peace of mind by treating our case with the most respect and care. We are also extremely impressed by the capacity to provide solutions to any situation that arise. Lastly, the communication is outstanding, always available to answer my concerns. The only thing I regret is not knowing Kyle before, my life would have been better regarding taxes.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Service not listed
Keili Whyte8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Keili has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris and Kelly have been excellent to work with. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and proactive in their communication. They’re always quick to respond and take the time to explain strategies in a way that’s easy to understand, following up promptly on any questions or updates. I truly appreciate their professionalism and reliability, and I highly recommend Echelon Financial.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Financial plan, Investment advising, Wealth management
Cathlene Richardson4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Cathlene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris has helped us so many times over the years with our financial situation. We could not be more grateful.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Investment advising
Maura Gibson11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Maura has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Choosing Echelon Financial has been the best financial decision of our lives. Chris and Kelly are not only very responsive, but are extremely proactive with their communication. They have grown our portfolio substantially and have our full confidence in all market situations. The software they’ve built have allowed us to plan for our retirement with clear direction, timelines, and goals to allow us to rest assured that we will be able to live out our lives the way we desire after our careers cease. We use Kyle at Echelon for our taxes both for our businesses and personal and he always finds every way to maximize our returns. His suggestions during changes in our lives for best tax implications has been invaluable. I love that Echelon is a one stop shop for all our financial needs. In addition to investments and taxes, they also have a bookkeeping team. Do yourself a favor and leave it to the professionals. Echelon are that and more - not only are they brilliant, but also kind, attentive, and fun to work with.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Financial plan, Estate planning, Investment advising, Wealth management, Service not listed
Melinda Evans Lombe1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Melinda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris Wilbratte has managed my 403B for over 20yrs and have been beyond happy with his expertise. He is always quick to answer questions and check in multiple times a year. I value his advice and opinions. I highly recommend him and his company.

Michael Prince5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have known Chris Wilbratte for over 30 years and I recently started working with Echelon Financial. Chris is detail oriented and puts strategies together that align with your goals and objectives. I couldn't be happier to have someone so knowledgeable and experienced working for my interests. I would highly recommend you meet with Chris if you are considering Echelon's services.

  • Services: Financial plan, Estate planning, Investment advising, Wealth management

Echelon Financial on Google Maps →

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