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
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
An Overview of Renter’s Insurance
Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
Making Sense of HSAs and FSAs
How HSAs and FSAs might help your household.
9 Facts About Social Security
There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.
Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased
The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
How Much Do I Need To Retire?
How much is enough to retire? It depends on your lifestyle, timeline, and more. Use this calculator to get a personalized est
What Rate Would I Need to Earn on My Savings?
Work backwards from your savings goal to find the rate of return you'd need to get there.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
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Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Timing Your Retirement
This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.