View as Webpage

SWMF-Logo_1.png

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 bit of news, 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!

Free Retirement Planning Workshop

May 12 or May 14 @ 6 p.m. | Western Michigan University | Fetzer Center

Give Yourself the Gift of Love - And Retirement Security


Stop worrying about market volatility and start dreaming about the retirement plan that helps you live your desired retirement lifestyle. It's not just a plan. We go beyond just numbers to create a personalized plan that helps you build a future filled with peace of mind.


Start your roadmap to a confident and secure retirement with:   

  • Income Planning for a Secure Future
  • How to Solve Retirement Problems
  • Hear Case Studies from the Trenches
  • Free Retirement Plan. No obligation! 


Join us May 12 or May 14 @ 6 p.m. | Western Michigan University | Fetzer Center.


Discover what a customized plan can do for you. Sign up and join us for this free opportunity to look into your future! Call (269) 323-7964 or click to sign up!


Defusing the RMD Tax Time Bomb

Is your IRA a “tax bill in disguise”?

Take Action: Don’t wait for the tax bill to arrive. Download our Retirement Income Resource Guide to learn how to manage your distributions and protect your legacy.

If you have worked hard to become an “IRA Millionaire,” the IRS is waiting for their cut.


Once you hit age 73 or 75, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin—and they can trigger a painful domino effect. A forced withdrawal doesn’t just increase your tax bracket; it can actually reach out and tax your Social Security benefits and trigger expensive Medicare IRMAA surcharges.


At Southwest Michigan Financial, we use “Main Street Math” to help you defuse this bomb before it goes off. Through Roth conversions and tax—efficient sequencing, we aim to keep more of your hard—earned money in your pocket and away from the IRS.

Just Ask Justin…

Got 15 minutes? Let’s talk Medicare


Medicare isn’t just health insurance—it’s a major variable in your retirement income math.


Here are the three most common questions we hear at the office:


1. “I’m 65 and still working. Do I HAVE to sign up for Part B?”


Justin Says: If your company has 20+ employees, you can usually delay. If you are at a small business with fewer than 20, Medicare typically becomes your primary payer at 65. If you miss this window, you could face a lifelong late-enrollment penalty.


2. “Why is my premium higher than my neighbor’s?”


Justin Says: This is likely IRMAA—a high-income surcharge. If your income from two years ago (like a house sale or a large RMD) was over certain limits, the government charges you more for Parts B and D. We can often appeal these if you have had a qualifying “Life-Changing Event.”


3. “Does Medicare cover my dental and vision?”


Justin Says: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does NOT. To get coverage for things like glasses or dental work, you typically need a specific Medicare Advantage plan or a private supplement. We can help you compare these options to see which fits your budget best.


Still got questions? As fiduciaries, we believe clarity is the antidote to anxiety. Let us help clarify the Medicare enrollment process.


Want a free professional opinion? Call Justin today at (269) 323-7964.

Senior Fraud Awareness Day is May 15

AI scams are getting smarter. Are you?


With AI voice-cloning and sophisticated “spoofing” on the rise, it’s never been more important to have a fiduciary in your corner.


We aren’t just managing your math; we are the gatekeepers of your hard-earned security.


If a “relative” calls asking for money, or an “agent” asks for your Medicare number, stop and call us first.


👉 Take Action: Not sure if your current plan is “fraud-proof”? Schedule a 15-minute “Ask Chuck” call to review your security protocols and account safety


Don't leave it to luck! Book your free 15-minute call with Chuck at 269-323-7964 with any questions you have.

The Retirement Reality Check: Refinance Your Retirement


Why are you still "paying" 2021 prices for your retirement income?


Most people understand refinancing a mortgage to save money. But in 2026, the savvy move is "refinancing" your retirement income to make more money.


Thanks to the current interest rate environment, insurance carriers have significantly raised their "payout factors." This means the exact same dollar amount you had earmarked for retirement could now result in a 15–20% higher monthly check than it would have just a few years ago.


If you have an old annuity or a stagnant income plan, you might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.


👉 Take Action: Don't settle for "yesterday's" rates. Visit our Refinance page to see how we can help you swap your old income plan for a modern, higher-paying model.


Take our 2 minute Retirement Reality quiz to find out how ready YOU are!

The OBBBA Tax Windfall (Smart Reinvestment) if You're 50

Don’t let your tax windfall evaporate—especially if you're not quite ready to retire!

It’s May 2026, and for many in Kalamazoo and Marshall, the OBBBA tax refunds are hitting bank accounts. With refunds averaging 44% higher this year, you might be sitting on more cash than expected.


The question is: What’s the most “fiduciary-approved” move for that money? Instead of letting it sit in a 0% checking account, consider using this windfall to “pre-pay” a Roth conversion or shore up your legacy plan. A little bit of strategy today can prevent a massive tax bill tomorrow.


👉 For those under 50, your most powerful financial asset isn’t your income — it’s time. This guide focuses on maximizing your advantage through early saving, smart investing, and strategic risk management.


Download our free Retirement Planning Guide for People Under 50 to see how we help the “Common Man” stay ahead of the IRS.


🔗 Download the Free Guide Here

Thinking about a Roth Conversion But Not Sure About the Timing? 

This video is for you. 


Financial advisors Chuck and Justin Henrich of Southwest Michigan Financial, LLC, explain when is the best time to do a Roth conversion and why. 

We dive into the crucial factors that determine if a Roth conversion is right for your retirement plan, including tax implications, market conditions, and how it affects your overall tax strategy in retirement.


Get the clarity you need to make an informed decision and potentially save thousands in taxes down the road!


Don't make your investment decisions based on a "best guess." Let the fiduciaries at SWMI Financial guide you.

Still working at 65? Don’t let Medicare penalties catch you!


In Kalamazoo and Marshall, the 65th birthday isn’t always the end of a career. If you are staying in the workforce, you face a high—stakes choice: Stay on the company plan or switch to Medicare?


If you work for a small business with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes your primary insurance the day you turn 65—whether you signed up or not.


Missing your enrollment window can lead to lifelong penalties and massive out-of-pocket gaps.


Take Action: We help you compare your current workplace benefits against Medicare to see which option actually saves you more each month.


Learn more with our free guide - Download Here.

The 2026 Crypto Framework

🤠 The “Wild West” of crypto just got a rulebook !


For over a decade, digital assets lived in a gray area—but that changed this March. The SEC and CFTC finally issued a joint 68—page interpretation that classifies crypto into five clear categories. Whether it is a “Digital Commodity” like Bitcoin or a “Digital Security,” the rules of the road are finally on the table.


For the Southwest Michigan investor, this means we can stop speculating and start strategizing. Clarity from regulators allows us to have a real, fiduciary-led conversation about how digital assets might fit into a diversified retirement plan without the guesswork.


Take Action Now: Confused about how the new framework impacts your portfolio? Schedule a 15—minute free call to see where digital assets sit in your 2026 strategy.


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

Education Corner

"When Do I…?"

What do I do and when in the retirement journey.

Quizzes for Risk and Retirement

Free Legacy & Estate Planning Quiz


Most people think estate planning is just about a will. It’s actually about protecting your family from unnecessary taxes and legal headaches.


Do you know your "Legacy Score"?Take our 2-minute Legacy & Estate Planning Quiz here.

Download Free Helpful Guides

Connect With Us

Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn  Web  Email  YouTube

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