Plan Today for Their Tomorrow

College Funding & 529 Planning in Columbia, SC

We help families create smart, tax-advantaged strategies to pay for college — without compromising their retirement or long-term goals.

Schedule a College Planning Session
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529 Plan Guidance

We help you choose and fund the right 529 college savings plan — with tax benefits and long-term growth potential.

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Retirement-Friendly Planning

We help you balance college funding with your own retirement — so you don’t sacrifice your future to pay for theirs.

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Education Gifting Strategies

Want to help grandkids? We show you how to gift toward education costs without triggering tax issues or affecting financial aid.

You don’t have to choose between a solid retirement and a great education for your child or grandchild.

Smart Education Planning Starts With Clarity

Paying for college is one of the biggest financial commitments families face — and the stakes are high. At Beacon Group, we help you make smart, informed decisions about how to save and pay for college in a way that fits your overall financial plan.

We work with parents, grandparents, and guardians to set realistic savings goals, choose the right vehicles (like 529s, custodial accounts, or direct gifting), and understand how those decisions impact taxes and future retirement readiness.


  • What’s the best way to save for college?


    For most families, a 529 college savings plan is the most efficient option. It offers tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses — plus potential state tax deductions depending on your residency.

  • Should I use my retirement accounts to pay for college?


    We generally recommend against it. Your retirement needs to be protected first. We’ll help you find education funding strategies that don’t jeopardize your future financial security.

  • Can I use leftover 529 money for something else?


    New laws allow for some 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers if conditions are met. We’ll help you understand your options if a student gets a scholarship or doesn’t use all the funds.


Tax-Efficient Savings

We help you fund college in a way that minimizes taxes now and in the future.

Balanced Financial Strategy

Your education plan fits into your overall retirement, investment, and estate goals.

Family Legacy Support

Help children or grandchildren succeed without disrupting your own financial peace of mind.

Give the Gift of Education Without Sacrificing Your Future

Whether you’re saving for your child, grandchild, or someone else you love — we’ll help you build a college funding plan that’s efficient, sustainable, and aligned with your broader financial goals. Because a great education should lift up the whole family, not weigh anyone down.