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 Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?
A Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
Irrevocable life insurance trusts can be important tools that may accomplish a number of estate objectives.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance
Purchasing homeowners insurance is critical for protecting your home.
Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets
An inside look at how marginal income tax brackets work.
How to Read Your Credit Report
Solve a mystery while learning how important your credit report is with this story-driven interactive.
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Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Compare different mortgage term lengths side by side to find the option that fits your budget.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
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Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?