| | Financial and Retirement Planning for Southwest Michigan | | |
Welcome to our news!
In each edition of our newsletter, we'll share some tips, some educational content, a team bio, and links to our free Retirement Resources. You can reach us at any of the buttons above and we hope you find this content helpful!
| | Don't Leave Free Money on the Table! | |
Your Retirement Limits Just Increased for 2026
The IRS has officially raised the retirement contribution limits for the new year—and now is the time to update your payroll elections to maximize these savings!
This is the easiest way to accelerate your retirement savings:
- 401(k) / 403(b) Max: Rises to $24,500
- IRA (Traditional & Roth) Max: Rises to $7,500
You have a full 12 months, starting now, to hit these new ceilings. Don't wait until December to catch up. Call us if you need our help (269) 323-7964.
| | 2026 Social Security COLA & Earnings Limits Increased | | |
Good News! Your Social Security Benefit Just Got a Raise for 2026.
Your new Social Security payment reflects the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, hitting your bank account this month.
While the income is welcome, January is the time to check: Is your higher benefit enough to keep pace with your actual expenses? If you are still working and under your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the new Social Security earnings limits ($24,480 up to the year you attain your FRA) are in effect. Exceeding these limit can reduce your benefits.
Ready for your 2026 income check-up? Understand the new limits and what they mean for your working income.
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FINAL COUNTDOWN
New Contributions Limits for 2026
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Boost Your Retirement Savings!
2026 Contribution Limits Are HERE!
January is the perfect time to give your retirement savings a serious upgrade!
For 2026, the IRS has increased the amounts you can stash away in your 401(k), 403(b), and IRAs. This is your golden opportunity to accelerate your journey to financial freedom.
Don't leave money on the table – maximize these new limits from your very first paycheck of the year!
Ready to hit your max?
Call us with any questions you have at (269) 323-7964.
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Mandatory Roth Catch-Up
ATTENTION High Earners (Age 50+): Your 2026 Catch-Up Contributions Just Changed!
If you're a high-income earner (generally $150k+) aged 50 or older, a critical SECURE 2.0 change takes effect January 1, 2026!
Your catch-up contributions for your 401(k)/403(b) must now be made as a Roth (after-tax) contribution. You lose the option to make pre-tax catch-up contributions.
This is NOT optional and requires immediate action to update your payroll. Ensure your contributions are directed correctly to avoid missing out on this powerful saving opportunity.
URGENT: Don't miss this deadline! Read our essential guide to understand if this impacts you and what to do before January 1st.
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Retirement Quiz:
Is Your Retirement Portfolio Too Risky...Or Not Risky Enough?
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Your comfort level with market ups and downs is not fixed. It changes as you get closer to retirement, as markets fluctuate, or when your goals shift.
You can't afford to be guessing your risk profile!
This quick quiz is designed to help you better understand your current risk profile and provides actionable insights tailored to your needs. Take control of your retirement roadmap today.
Stop guessing—know your true risk number.
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Social Security Full Retirement Age (FRA) Change
Born in 1960? Your Social Security Full Retirement Age is Officially 67!
For those born in 1960 and beyond, the Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security officially moves to 67, effective January 2026. This is the final step in a gradual increase that impacts when you can claim 100% of your Social Securiy benefits without a reduction. Understanding this change is crucial for optimizing your claiming strategy and ensuring your long-term retirement income.
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Is your Social Security claiming strategy aligned with the new Full Retirement Age of 67?
Learn how this change impacts your Social Security benefits.
| Watch Our Retirement Videos | | | |
Meet the Team at SWMI Financial
Medicare and Insurance Specialist Justin Henrich
Justin is our Medicare and Insurance Specialist, and specializes in developing personalized written retirement plans and guiding clients through complex topics like Medicare and Long-Term Care.
As a holder of the Series 65 registration, Justin acts as a fiduciary, legally putting your best interest first. "Seeing the smile on someone’s face when their plan gives them the peace of mind to retire is a great feeling!" Justin is a Western Michigan University finance graduate and lives in Battle Creek with his wife and new daughter.
Learn more about working with a Fiduciary Advisor.
Call us with any questions you have at (269) 323-7964.
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Retirement 101 is a hands-on, in-depth class looking into the many nuances of retirement financial planning.
We don’t waste your time reviewing basic principles, we focus our time on identifying and solving the important problem areas you need to understand to build a successful retirement plan. We review practical examples and allow you the opportunity to ask specific questions. Sign up early, seating is limited!
Upcoming Retirement 101 Classes:
- January 13, January 16, 6 p.m.: Western Michigan University, Fetzer Center, 2251 Business Court, Kalamazoo
- February 24, February 26, 6 p.m.: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Groves Campus, 7107 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo
- March 10, March 12, 6 p.m.: Albion College, Norris Hall, 611 E. Porter Street, Albion
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Our Company
Charles R. Henrich offers investment advisor services through Southwest Michigan Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Michigan. Insurance products and services are offered through Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC. The aforementioned are affiliated companies. Southwest Michigan Wealth Management, LLC and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Southwest Michigan Wealth Management, LLC and Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
This email is being sent on behalf of an Investment Advisor Representative. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the name addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this email or any part of it. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by email or fax, and destroy all copies of this communication.
Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
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Kalamazoo Office
Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC
4341 S Westnedge Ave, Ste. 1201
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 323-7964
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Marshall Office
Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC
830 W Michigan Ave
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 323-7964
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