Monthly News & Updates

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!

Try Our Tax Tool Calculator

As you gather your 1099s and W-2s this March, the biggest question isn't how much you owe, but how much you are overpaying!?

With the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the tax landscape has changed dramatically since last year. Stop guessing on your tax return.

Use our 2026 Tax Tool Calculator to see if you’re missing the new OBBBA deductions.

Calculate here.

Stop Letting the IRS Dictate Your Retirement

The "Tax Window"

With the 2026 tax brackets still near historic lows, now is the time to act. A Roth Conversion lets you pay taxes at today's known rates so you can enjoy 100% tax-free income later—no matter how high rates climb in the future.

The 2026 Advantage: The standard deduction has increased to $32,200 Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), giving you more room to convert without jumping into a higher bracket.

Don't wait for your RMDs to force a massive tax bill at age 73 or age 75. Lock in your tax rate now.

Call Chuck at (269) 323-7964 with any questions you have or learn more about taxes in retirement here .

Are You a Credit Risk?

March is National Credit Education Month

It’s National Credit Education Month, and many retirees make the mistake of thinking their credit score doesn't matter once they stop borrowing.

The easiest way to protect your score is to keep your oldest credit card open.

Even if you don't use it, the "age" of that account is one of the biggest factors in keeping your score high.

📞 Call Chuck at 269-323-7964 to see if your credit is protected.

Don't Miss Free Retirement 101 Courses

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:

March 10 or March 12, 6 p.m.: Albion College, Norris Hall, 611 E. Porter Street, Albion

Charitable Giving in Retirement…

Is Your Generosity Costing You Extra Taxes?

Stop Writing Checks to Charity

The "Tax-Smart" Way to Give in Retirement

If you are over age 70½ and plan on giving to your church or a favorite local non-profit this year, the way you give matters. Simply writing a check from your personal account is one of the most common—and expensive—tax mistakes retirees make.

The Strategy: The Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) By using a QCD, you can send money directly from your IRA to a charity.

This allows you to:

Lower Your Taxable Income: The gift never counts as income to you, which can keep your Social Security benefits from being taxed.

Satisfy Your RMD: If you are 73+, your gift counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution.

Avoid the "Standard Deduction" Trap: You get the tax benefit even if you don't itemize your deductions!

As fiduciaries, we make sure your heart and your wallet are aligned.

Don't let the IRS take a cut of your charitable intentions. Read our full guide on Tax-Efficient Giving here .

The "Tax Cliff" &
OBBBA Warning

The OBBBA brought big tax breaks, but it also built a "Tax Cliff."

Generous deductions like the new $6,000 senior bonus and higher $40,000 SALT caps are temporary.

Are you managing your income now to avoid a massive tax spike when these rules expire?

Call Chuck for More Details

Learn More

Last-Minute 2025 IRA Contributions

You have until mid-April to reduce your 2025 tax bill. Contributing to your IRA or HSA now can still impact the return you are filing this April.

📞 Call Chuck at 269-323-7964 to run your 2026 contributions schedule.

Check out this story, featuring quotes from Chuck Henrich, our president on the WSJ Buy Side website.

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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.

Kalamazoo Office

Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC

4341 S Westnedge Ave, Ste. 1201

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Phone: (269) 323-7964

Marshall Office

Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC

830 W Michigan Ave

Marshall, MI 49068

Phone: (269) 323-7964