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 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.
Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
Insuring Your Second Home
There are unique risks of owning a second home and obtaining the proper coverage may protect you from financial risk.
Keeping Good Records is Good Business
Maintaining good records for your business not only helps to meet your tax and legal obligations, but it can save you money.
Social Media: #NewestBusinessLiabilityRisk
Social media may be a modern imperative for businesses looking to grow and build their brand, but it also introduces risk.
What to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy
Here’s a list of 8 questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of extended-care insurance.
Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy
How Medicare can address health care needs in your retirement strategy.
What is the Value of Your Business?
Ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons.
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
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.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
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How to Bake a Pie-R-A
Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.