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
Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process.
How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
Healthcare Costs That Catch Retirees Off Guard
An article on three healthcare costs that often catch retirees off guard.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
A look at the new retirement contribution limits from the IRS.
Problems with Probate
Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.
Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance
When considering life insurance, it's important to understand your options.
Social Media: Newest Business Liability Risk
Social media may be a modern imperative for businesses looking to grow and build their brand, but it also introduces risk.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you may earn over your working years based on your current income.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
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Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
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.
Your DNA Test
A Detailed Needs Analysis (DNA) can be a simple way to care for loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.