Okay, let’s tackle this. So Mike has 25+ years of experience as a CPA, which is a significant amount of time in the field. His skills in tax, accounting, financial analysis, and strategic financial planning are in high demand. Location is Kansas City, MO, which is a major city with a strong economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for accountants in the Kansas City area is around $70,000. However, considering his experience and expertise, I would estimate his hourly rate to be higher. Let’s check industry benchmarks. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the average hourly rate for a CPA in the United States is around $100-$150. However, this can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and industry. Given Mike’s extensive experience and expertise, I would estimate his hourly rate to be around $125-$175. But considering he’s a solo practitioner, I’ll round down to $125.