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
Healthcare Costs That Catch Retirees Off Guard
An article on three healthcare costs that often catch retirees off guard.
What If Your Kids Decide Against College?
Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about if annuities are right.
Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement
It may help your business be better prepared in the event of the death of a principal or key employee.
Glossary of Scam Terms
A helpful glossary of current scams.
Strategies for Managing Student Loan Debt
Five strategies for managing your student debt.
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How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
IRA Income
Estimate the potential monthly income your IRA balance could generate in retirement.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
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Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.
The Cost of Procrastination
Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?