For the fourth time in a row, the Federal Reserve has decided to hold interest rates steady, keeping the federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50%. On the surface, that might sound uneventful—but beneath the calm, there’s plenty going on. And if you’re retired or nearing retirement, the ripple effects of this decision are worth paying attention […]
The Fed Holds Rates, Here’s What That Means for Your Retirement Read More »
There’s a well-known saying: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But what’s often left out is how closely those two concepts can intersect—especially when it comes to your legacy. Many people spend a lifetime building wealth to leave something meaningful behind. But without a thoughtful plan, more of that wealth could go toward taxes,
How Estate Planning May Help Reduce Future Tax Burdens for Loved Ones Read More »
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) includes several tax changes that directly affect retirees, especially how their Social Security is taxed, how much of their income is shielded by deductions, and how much they can deduct in-state and local taxes (SALT). While some speculate that tax deductions could cause further deficit and Social Security Trust
How Could the One Big Beautiful Bill Impact Taxes for Retirees? Read More »
When it comes to retirement planning, long-term care is one of the most overlooked and expensive needs. And for many retirees, Medicaid has historically been a financial safety net that helps cover those costs. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is bringing changes that could significantly change how that safety net works, who it’s for,
How the OBBB Could Affect Your Healthcare Situation Read More »
According to Bankrate.com, nearly three‑quarters of U.S. adults report at least one financial regret. In this video, JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy break down the top 5 planning mistakes; they are:
1. Not having a “GRIP” on your retirement: GRIP is an acronym for Guaranteed Retirement Income Plan
2. Taking inappropriate risks: either being too aggressive or too conservative can derail your retirement
3. A “gross” planning mistake: focusing too much on the “gross” amount in your tax-deferred retirement accounts, without taking taxes into account
4. Not having a plan for long-term care
5. Not Optimizing Social Security
5 Financial Planning Mistakes to Avoid Read More »
In this video, JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy talk through the three biggest expenses you’ll see in retirement; be sure these expenses are in your plan, or you may run out of money!
1. Largest Known Expense: Taxes
2. Largest Potential Expense: Healthcare
3. The Silent Thief: Inflation
The only way to combat the possibility of expenses exceeding assets is to have a written income plan for retirement, and that is why JB makes certain it’s one of the first steps he takes with clients: create a budget with all known expenses and build an income plan around it.
The 3 Biggest Retirement Expenses and How to Control Them Read More »
President Trump’s newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) is making headlines, and retirees might want to pay close attention. Aimed at expanding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), this sweeping legislation includes a mix of tax breaks and potential pitfalls that could impact seniors for years to come. Potential Benefits of the
What Retirees Need to Know About the New “One Big Beautiful Bill” Read More »
The Countdown to Retirement continues! Listen to this: according to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple will need nearly $315,000 for healthcare in retirement, not including long-term care. But as JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy discuss, long-term care, isn’t a “maybe” it’s likely; 7 out of ten people will need long-term care at some point, and it’s not covered by Medicare. Here are your options:
1. Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
2. Linked Benefits
3. Self-Insure
4. Become a Dependent
Of course, certain options are better than others. But determining what’s right for you, can be difficult. If you’d like to talk through these options with JB, please call (803) 939 – 4848 or visit www.BeckettFinancialGroup.com
4 Ways to Address Long-Term Care and Medical Expenses in Retirement Read More »
Most retirees don’t fear market crashes or inflation nearly as much as they fear one very real possibility: running out of money. And yet, many financial plans focus on growing your nest egg, not preserving and distributing it over a retirement that could span decades. The Longevity Problem This is the core of longevity risk—the
Will Your Retirement Outlive You? The Real Risk of Longevity Read More »
Big changes are on the horizon, and they could affect your retirement income, taxes, and estate plan. In this video, JB Beckett with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy break down what’s in the new legislation (aka the “big beautiful bill”) and how retirees can prepare now to take advantage of the benefits or avoid potential pitfalls.
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Could Mean for Your Retirement Read More »
