Southwest Michigan Financial

Southwest Michigan Financial Southwest Michigan’s Fiduciary Financial Advisor. Financial educators in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Marshall, dedicated to simplifying Retirement Planning.

We put your interests first for a secure future. Unbiased advice and education. Your best interests.

Medicare Blog "Should I Take Medicare if I’m Still Working at 65? Don’t Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)For man...
09/07/2026

Medicare Blog "Should I Take Medicare if I’m Still Working at 65?
Don’t Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

For many of our neighbors in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Marshall, your 65th birthday isn’t the “finish line” it used to be. The expensive question: Do I actually need to sign up for Medicare if I still have health insurance through my job?

If you don’t get the answer right, you could face “late enrollment penalties” that stay with you for the rest of your life.

Learn more about one of your most important retirement decisions here: https://www.southwestmichiganfinancial.com/should-i-take-medicare-if-im-still-working-at-65/.

Solutions for Early Retirement in Southwest MichiganDon’t Let Health Insurance Keep You from Early RetirementFor many su...
09/03/2026

Solutions for Early Retirement in Southwest Michigan
Don’t Let Health Insurance Keep You from Early Retirement

For many successful professionals in Southwest Michigan, especially in the Kalamazoo and Marshall areas, the dream of an early retirement is within reach. However, the fear of losing comprehensive health coverage before Medicare eligibility at age 65 can be a major source of anxiety.

The costs of a major health event or unexpected surgery can quickly deplete a lifetime of savings. Fortunately, a gap in employer-sponsored health insurance doesn’t have to put your plans on hold. There are several strategic alternatives to bridge the gap and ensure you’re covered.

Your retirement should be about freedom, not fear. We can help you navigate these often-confusing health insurance options. Whether it’s finding a part-time job that offers benefits or exploring a specific plan, you don’t have to delay retirement.

Ready to confidently bridge your health insurance gap before Medicare? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today to discuss your pre-65 health insurance options. Or, give Justin a call at (269) 323-7964 for an immediate answer to your questions.

Retirement Planning Guide Under 50 "If you are under 50, your most powerful financial asset isn't your income—it's your ...
08/31/2026

Retirement Planning Guide Under 50 "If you are under 50, your most powerful financial asset isn't your income—it's your time.

Our new guide breaks down how to maximize your early savings advantage, utilize tax-efficient strategies like Roth accounts and HSAs, and properly shield your wealth through essential estate and income planning.

Don't let the cost of delay catch up to you. Download our FREE comprehensive retirement planning guide to start building your long-term roadmap with confidence: https://www.southwestmichiganfinancial.com/guides/

Meet the Team!Meet Justin Henrich, Financial Advisor at Southwest Michigan Financial! Justin is our Medicare and Insuran...
08/26/2026

Meet the Team!

Meet Justin Henrich, Financial Advisor at Southwest Michigan Financial! 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 a Series 65 securities license, Justin acts as a fiduciary where he legally has to put your best interests first.

What brings Justin joy at work? "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 young daughter.

Learn more about working with a Fiduciary Advisor. Call Justin with any questions you have at (269) 323-7964.

Retirement Reality Check Healthcare Premiums Think your Medicare premiums are only decided the day you turn 65? Think a...
08/24/2026

Retirement Reality Check Healthcare Premiums

Think your Medicare premiums are only decided the day you turn 65?
Think again.

Medicare uses a strict two-year lookback period on your income to determine what you pay for Parts B and D. That means any major financial spikes you trigger at age 63—like selling a house, taking a large retirement distribution, or completing a major Roth conversion—can drastically inflate your healthcare costs the moment you enroll.

Crossing an income threshold by even a single dollar can add thousands in unexpected surcharges. Avoid the sticker shock. Visit our retirement resource center to learn how proactive planning helps protect your savings from hidden cliffs.

Don’t Let Health Insurance Keep You from Early Retirement. See our strategies for early retirement and Medicare here: https://www.southwestmichiganfinancial.com/quizzes.

Day 2 American Legion Post 257 in Battle Creek. If you make it out here today,  I am providing Medicare information ...
08/21/2026

Day 2 American Legion Post 257 in Battle Creek. If you make it out here today,  I am providing Medicare information for those that want to stop by our table with questions.

 Volunteering some time up at the American Legion Post 257 in Battle Creek as the Vietnam wall is across the street at ...
08/20/2026

 Volunteering some time up at the American Legion Post 257 in Battle Creek as the Vietnam wall is across the street at the Harper Creek high school.

Three Huey helicopters arrive tomorrow at the post for the public to come up and explore some history. There will be a medic Huey, a transport Huey,  in a combat Huey, all landing and taking off at the post throughout the weekend.

Southwest Michigan Financial has been a sponsor for several events with the American Legion post here in Battle Creek and we’re proud to help support this one.  Hope to see you up here this weekend. 

Elder Safety Medicare ScamsMedicare scammers use high-pressure scare tactics during enrollment season. Protect your iden...
08/20/2026

Elder Safety Medicare ScamsMedicare scammers use high-pressure scare tactics during enrollment season. Protect your identity and benefits by knowing exactly what to look out for.

Remember these three rules:
1️⃣. Don't share your Medicare number with anyone who cold-calls, texts, or visits your home uninvited.
2️⃣ Don't accept offers for free medical equipment or grocery gift cards in exchange for your insurance information.
3️⃣ Don't sign plan enrollment forms until a trusted fiduciary verifies your doctors and prescriptions are included.

Visit our services page for conflict-free fiduciary backed Medicare guidance in Kalamazoo and Marshall: https://www.southwestmichiganfinancial.com/services/medicareandinsurance/.

Call us at (269) 323-7964 for a free Medicare evaluation and discussion about your possible plans.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2026Need free, accurate and fiduciary knowledge about Medicare? ❓Just Ask Justin ❓Q When...
08/17/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2026
Need free, accurate and fiduciary knowledge about Medicare?
❓Just Ask Justin

❓Q When is the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
A: It runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. This is your annual window to review, switch, or drop your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, with changes taking effect January 1, 2027.

❓Q: I am turning 65 this year. When am I allowed to sign up?
A: You can sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. This window opens 3 months before your 65th birthday month, then your birthday month, and extends for 3 months after.

❓Q: What happens if I miss my initial enrollment window?
A: If you miss it and do not qualify for a job-based Special Enrollment Period, you must wait until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31). Delaying can result in a permanent late-enrollment penalty that is added to your monthly premiums.

❗❗October 15- December 7 is Medicare Open Enrollment!

Want a free professional opinion? 📞 Call Justin today at (269) 323-7964. As fiduciaries, we believe clarity is the antidote to anxiety. Let us help clarify the Medicare enrollment process.

Whens In Retirement? Signing up for MedicareWhen to retire? That's the big question isn't it? If you think your Medicare...
08/13/2026

Whens In Retirement? Signing up for Medicare

When to retire? That's the big question isn't it? If you think your Medicare premiums are set in stone, you might be missing a major piece of the retirement puzzle.

Our latest video breaks down the financial blind spots that catch many pre-retirees off guard—including how a single dollar of extra income can trigger massive premium surcharges due to the two-year lookback rule.

Watch the full video breakdown to learn how proactive planning can shield your retirement accounts from costly, unexpected healthcare cliffs. https://youtu.be/OhrCzC0m4I0?si=7RRdE8ulVoPcJbA6

Address

4341 S Westnedge Avenue Ste. 1201
Kalamazoo, MI
49008

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Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

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+12693237964

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