Beckett Financial Group

06/22/2026

You’ve built up your retirement savings, and now it’s time to use it! But have you mapped out a tax strategy for your retirement income plan yet? Check out our blog on tax-efficient ways to prepare for your summer and beyond!

For many retirees, the idea of retirement is synonymous with freedom. You can exercise that freedom by choosing to spend your days traveling, spending summe ...

06/18/2026

Claiming Social Security at 62: What You’re Really Giving Up

It sounds like a smart move: claim your Social Security early, invest the checks, and get ahead. But for many high earners, that strategy can backfire… and cost far more than expected. As JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy discuss, claiming early and investing the benefit isn’t as simple as it sounds.

We also break down:

• How the Social Security earnings test can wipe out your benefit while you’re still working
• The true cost of claiming at 62 vs. waiting until full retirement age, or even 70
• The often-overlooked impact on your spouse, especially survivor benefits

Bottom line: Timing when you claim Social Security isn’t just about getting paid sooner, it’s about maximizing income, protecting your spouse, and avoiding costly mistakes. It's one of the most important decisions you will make in retirement, and it's something JB specializes in. To determine when you should claim, call 803-939-4848 or visit www.BeckettFinancialGroup.com

06/15/2026

Have you ever considered annuities for your retirement strategy but then heard they were too expensive or complex? Let us set the record straight in this week’s blog about annuity myths and facts. Check it out here:

When you think about retirement income, Social Security might be the first thing that comes to mind. But many pre-retirees are realizing that Social Securit ...

06/11/2026

When it comes to Medicare, most people focus on coverage… but not enough attention is paid to what you’ll actually pay.

As JB with Beckett Financial Group explains to Erin Kennedy, if you’re considered a “high-income beneficiary” by the Social Security Administration, you could be hit with an extra charge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)… and it can significantly increase your Medicare Part B premiums.

Here’s what you need to know:

- How high is “high-income”?
Even a modest increase in income can push you into a higher bracket.

- It’s a cliff, not a slope
Go just $1 over the threshold, and you could pay hundreds more per year in premiums.

- One-time events can trigger it
Selling a home, taking an RMD, Roth conversions, or realizing large capital gains can unexpectedly spike your income.

- Planning is everything
Strategies like Roth conversions, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce or even avoid IRMAA.

The bottom line: Without careful planning, you could end up paying more for Medicare than necessary.

Want to make sure IRMAA doesn’t catch you off guard? Call JB at 803-939-4848 or visit www.BeckettFinancialGroup.com to put a plan together that could save you thousands in health insurance.

06/08/2026

June is Annuity Awareness Month! Let’s take a look at how annuities work and how they might be able to play a part in your retirement income strategy:

June is typically recognized for the start of summer, which means graduation ceremonies, homebuying season, and wedding season. But for those who are thinki ...

06/05/2026

It's that time of the year! Beckett Financial Group has been nominated for Best Financial Planner and Best Local Agent in Free Times Best of Columbia 2026.

We pride ourselves on the relationships we've built with our clients, and we could really use your vote to show everyone how amazing our team is. Please use the link and cast your vote ➡ https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/contests/best-of/ #/gallery/?group=549821

06/04/2026

If you’re thinking about retirement income, the real question isn’t “Are annuities good or bad?” — it’s “Are they right for you?” In this interview, JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy break down:

- Why annuities get such mixed reactions
- The difference between fixed, indexed, and variable annuities
- How to know which (if any) fits your plan
- When the right time to buy might be

And how all of this connects to your Social Security strategy.

Because retirement income isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating confidence, consistency, and a plan that lasts. If you'd like to compare annuities and learn which, if any, is right for you, please call JB at (803) 939-4848 or visit www.BeckettFinancialGroup.com

06/04/2026

If you’re thinking about retirement income, the real question isn’t “Are annuities good or bad?” — it’s “Are they right for you?”

In this interview, JB with Beckett Financial Group and Erin Kennedy break down:

- Why annuities get such mixed reactions
- The difference between fixed, indexed, and variable annuities
- How to know which (if any) fits your plan
- When the right time to buy might be

And how all of this connects to your Social Security strategy.
Because retirement income isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating confidence, consistency, and a plan that lasts. If you'd like to compare annuities and learn which, if any, is right for you, please call JB at (803) 939-4848 or visit www.BeckettFinancialGroup.com

06/03/2026

Is it possible to align your values with your investing? And what are the options? In celebration of World Environment Day this Friday, let’s take a look at values-based investing in this week’s blog.

You’ve likely seen it while scrolling through your 401(k) options or during a quick check of your brokerage account: a little leaf icon next to a fund label ...

05/27/2026

This Friday is 529 Day! Get it? May 29th? 5-29? It’s a fun reminder to consider this education-focused investment tool and whether it might be helpful to you or your family.

Check out our breakdown of the 529’s advantages in this week’s blog!

May 29th is quickly approaching, so let’s celebrate 529 Day with a look at this unique financial tool and how it could help benefit you or your family. A 52 ...