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
A Path to Serenity and Smart Money Choices
An article about meditation, mindfulness, and financial well-being.
Financial Aid for Students 101
Help your college-bound child explore scholarships, grants, and more with this article on paying for higher education.
A House Divided
By understanding a few key concepts during a divorce, you may be able to avoid common pitfalls.
9 Facts About Retirement
Regardless of how you approach retirement, there are some things about it that might surprise you.
Money that Buys Good Health is Never Ill Spent
It's important to make sure your retirement strategy anticipates health-care expenses.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities
Looking forward to retirement? It's critical to understand the difference between immediate and deferred annuities.
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
A look at the new retirement contribution limits from the IRS.
Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women
Learn how to address the challenges that women face when planning for retirement.
View all articles 
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
View all calculators
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Safeguard Your Digital Estate
If you died, what would happen to your email archives, social profiles and online accounts?
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
What You Need to Know About Social Security
Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?
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.
Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.