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 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
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Four Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining the value of your estate, or for someone who has passed away, can be a complex undertaking.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
Medicare Part C allows you to choose a Medicare Advantage plan. This article will help you decide if it's right for you.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
When to start? Should I continue to work? How can I maximize my benefit?
Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy
Estate strategies for millennials may sound like less of a concern than retirement, but young adults should prepare now.
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you may earn over your working years based on your current income.
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
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Preparation is the Key to Retirement
The simplest ideas can sometimes make a massive difference over time. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Timing Your Retirement
This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?
A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List
Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.