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
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.
Impact Investing or Philanthropy
This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.
A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned
Here are some simple and inexpensive energy-saving tips that may help you save money.
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss
Job loss can shake both finances and confidence, reassessing your retirement strategy is key to moving forward with clarity.
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
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Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
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
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
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.
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The Other Sure Thing
A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.