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
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.
Medicare At 65+
65 or older? It may be time to enroll in Medicare. Read to learn if you’re eligible.
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.
View all articles 
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
What's Your MPG?
Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and see what you're spending on gas annually.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
View all calculators
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.