You’ve worked hard and saved diligently, and now you’re in retirement or on the doorstep of it. You’ve run the numbers. You might even have a sizable nest egg. So why do you still feel uneasy? That lingering anxiety is more common than you think, even among those who appear to be financially prepared for […]
“I Think I Have Enough Saved—Why Am I Still Worried?” Read More »
On May 16, 2025, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation’s rising debt and interest payment burdens. This move follows similar downgrades by S&P in 2011 and Fitch in 2023, marking the first time all three major credit agencies have rated U.S. debt below their top
Follow the Bond Market to Better Understand Your Finances Read More »
Retirement is a new phase of life, and so is your tax situation. Knowing what counts as income and how it’s taxed can make a big difference in how long your money lasts. Below are some of the most common tax questions retirees ask. Can I Avoid the Income Tax in Retirement? What Would That
What Retirees Should Know About Their Income Tax Read More »
Understanding the Shift from Accumulation to Income As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I hear, especially from clients entering retirement, is: “What should I actually do with these savings I’ve amassed for retirement?” It’s a great question. And it usually signals something deeper: the start of the distribution phase of retirement.
“What Can I Do with $100K in Retirement?” Read More »
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 »
