Birch Investments

We engage with a limited number of clients on a long-term basis. Our clients receive independent financial advice tailored to their best interest.

You have a vision.

We help plan and implement it.

168 hours a week. How much time do you want to spend on investment management, financial plans, tax strategies and estate planning? If you're like most people the answer is not much. However, you recognize that without proper planning you might not realize your dreams. That's where we come in.

Something prompted your visit to our website today. Perhaps you're changing jobs and want to discuss your options for your old 401(k). Maybe retirement is quickly approaching and you're unsure of what's the best path forward. Sometimes a death in the family, a marriage, or a new child motivates us to think about our future. Whatever the reason for the visit you recognize the value of and need for financial planning.

Like you we are limited to 168 hours a week. Birch Investments believes in balancing work and life. We love what we do at work but also believe strongly in time with family and in recreation. Every client we say yes to means another client we have to say no to. Therefore we have developed the following criteria to determine whether we are an ideal fit for each other.

Our Clients Typically:

Have a minimum of $250,000 in investable assets OR are willing to setup a diligent savings plan
Are motivated to plan for their future
Are engaged in the process, willing to delegate, and polite to work with
Are willing to pay a reasonable fee for comprehensive investment management and planning advice

Our door is always open to provide a second opinion or provide guidance on a do-it-yourself plan. If we can't provide the advice you need in a cost effective manner we will recommend alternative solutions or providers to meet your needs.

Quick Financial Checkup

We are based in Brookings, South Dakota but have tools in place to meet virtually at your convenience.

I'm Ready. Let's Meet!

I Have Questions. Let's Talk First.

About Us

Birch Investments

Independent

Our firm is entirely independent. It is 100% owned by Brian Berkenhoff. We are not tied to any particular family of funds or investment products. This enables us to invest in the securities that suit are client needs.

Fee Only

Our fees are simple and transparent. We collect no commissions or other activity related fees. Our fee is based on a percentage of the assets we manage. When you succeed, we succeed.

Fiduciary

Our firm is a fiduciary to our clients. As such, we are held to the highest standard of care - and are required to act in the best interest of our clients at all times.

Brian Berkenhoff, CFA

I was born and raised near Seattle, Washington. Most of my childhood was spent working and playing at the local golf course.

I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I graduated with degrees in Economics and Political Science in 1998. Following graduation, I managed a trust department for PlanMember Services in Seattle.

My Dad managed investments for his entire career. He worked for a large bank for decades before founding an independent firm. I saw his passion for helping people understand complex matters and wished to follow in his footsteps.

I was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2003. I went to work with my Dad and became majority owner of Harbour Investment Management in Everett, Washington.

My wife Nichole is from Brookings, South Dakota. Seeking shorter commutes, less crowded golf courses, and a fantastic place to raise a family we moved here in 2009.

My wife works as the Business Manager at SGS. Together we raise our three children - Sophia, Madelyn, and Emmett.

In 2011 I achieved my dream of founding my own company - Birch Investments. It has been a fulfilling journey helping others achieve their financial goals. I enjoy bringing my experience and education to my clients, neighbors, and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

Here are answers to questions we often get asked. Have another question? Let us know.

What services do you provide?

Financial planning and investment management. We jointly come up with a financial strategy with our clients and then implement it for them. Along the way we develop a close relationship that makes our clients view us as their source for most of their important financial questions.

Are you Fee-Only?

Yes. We collect no commissions. Are only fee is paid by you as a percentage of the assets we mange. The fee comes out of your investment account and we'll show you a detailed invoice each time a fee is collected.

What is a fiduciary?

Being a fiduciary means we will always put our clients' best interest first. We will act with prudence and avoid conflicts of interest.

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. Always have been and always will be.

Who will I work with?

Brian Berkenhoff. In fact, Brian is the only employee! So Brian will handle all aspects of your account - investments, planning, paperwork, answering your phone calls. When he's not doing this he's probably emptying the shredder. Or creating witty banter on the website.

How much do you charge?

Our fees are on a tiered schedule. Assets up to $1,000,000 are billed at 1% per year. The next million is billed at 0.5% per year. Anything above $2,000,000 is charged 0.25% per year.

Do you charge a minimum fee?

No. In return we ask that you take advantage of our technology like client portals. This allows us to service your account in the most cost-effective manner possible and keeps our postage costs down!