It Starts with a Plan
Welcome, I’m Michael Bishop, a financial consultant in Murrieta, California. I understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement and look to succeed with their financial goals. With a carefully thought-out plan, I aim to prepare you for today and tomorrow. Whether your goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategy, my personalized service focuses on your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
For over 35 years I've been advising families, individuals, and businesses and can help you address your needs and goals through all stages of your life.
Helpful Content
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
8 Financial Milestone Birthdays
Get ready to celebrate your financial birthdays in this informative infographic.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Managing the Risk of Outliving Your Money
Steps to help you sustain and grow your retirement savings.
Retiring Earlier Than Expected? What To Know
Retiring earlier than expected can be disheartening. Learn steps that can help you smoothe the road ahead.
Saving Early & Letting Time Work for You
See how starting early—not saving more—can be the most powerful move you make for your long-term future.
The Cost of Procrastination
Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial dreams and goals.
Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?
Does it make sense to borrow from my 401(k) to pay off debt or to make a major purchase?
Pay Yourself First
It sounds simple, but paying yourself first can really pay off.
View all articles 
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
View all calculators 
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
When Do You Need a Will?
When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?