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
Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.
The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?
What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
This article can be a helpful guide when beginning to prepare for education expenses.
The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Financial Strategies for Women
Some may leave their future to chance but in the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be apparent.
The Pre-Retirement Checklist
This checklist can give you a quick snapshot of how prepared you are.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Retirement Income and the Traditional Portfolio
Experiencing negative returns early in retirement can potentially undermine the sustainability of your assets.
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Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
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Retirement and Quality of Life
Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.
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.
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.
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
How to Bake a Pie-R-A
Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?
Saving for College 101
Here's a crash course on saving for college.