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 25 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
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about whether annuities are right
What Do Your Taxes Pay For?
Here's a breakdown of how the federal government spends your tax money.
Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.
The Three Keys to a Great Password
Have fun and learn how to craft the perfect password with the help of this highly engaging infographic.
Succeeding at Business Succession
There are a number of reasons for business owners to consider a business succession plan sooner rather than later.
The Average American Budget
Learn about the average American budget in this fun and interactive piece.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
A Home Insurance Claim: To File Or Not To File
Learn when it may not make sense to file a claim on your home insurance.
How Big is Money?
Learn a little about worldwide currency in this fun infographic
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Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
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Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
Retirement Redefined
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.