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
Medicare Advantage 101
Overview of Medicare Advantage, what’s in them, special rules, and more.
Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?
Even dogs have bad days. So, what happens when your dog bites a neighbor or passing pedestrian?
When Does Your Personal Car Become a Commercial Vehicle?
At what point can you call a personal vehicle commercial?
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
What Is a Roth 401(k)?
Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.
Money that Buys Good Health is Never Ill Spent
It's important to make sure your retirement strategy anticipates health-care expenses.
Questions to Ask About Medicare
Take the guesswork out of your IEP or SEP with this helpful article.
Will Power
Preparing for the eventual distribution of your assets may not sound enticing. But a will puts the power in your hands.
You May Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments If…
Have income that isn’t subject to tax withholding? Or insufficient withholdings? You may have to pay estimated taxes.
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Federal Income Tax
Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.
Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
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Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
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Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Stay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back
Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?