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 Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
What Will You Do With Your Bonus or Windfall?
This article examines one's options when receiving a work bonus or other financial windfalls.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?
Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
What's New for Social Security?
There have been a number of changes to Social Security that may affect you, especially if you are nearing retirement.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
What's Your MPG?
Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and see what you're spending on gas annually.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
Compare the true costs of buying versus leasing a vehicle to find the better fit for you.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
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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?
Working With A Financial Professional
A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.
Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Once Upon a Goal
Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.