Charleston's Retirement Coach

Retirement can be a source of fear and uncertainty for many people. Retirees may face an identity crisis after walking away from work and struggle to find a purpose in their retirement years. In this episode, Brandon discusses how aiming to define your dream retirement may lead to a mindset change of achieving financial independence and what that looks like for retirees. Ready to plan for the reti...

Country Music star Cody Johnson recently shared with us how the “rush” and nervousness he experiences when going on stage helped him find his purpose. Nerves may often hinder us from taking the right steps to finding purpose during our retirement years, which could be costly. On this episode, Brandon shares how being nervous about running out of money may ultimately prevent you from living out the...

The top 20 airlines racked up $33 Billion in baggage fees last year. How much in fees came out of your portfolio last year? While paying fees in retirement is necessary, you don’t have to pay as much as you think. On this episode, Brandon explains what types of investments could be hindering the growth of your retirement plan and suggests alternative options to minimize your plan’s expenses. Ready...

Hear a young woman’s reaction to taxes being deducted from her first paycheck at her first full-time job. Don’t be like Emmie Jackson and get caught off guard by the amount of taxes coming out of your first retirement paycheck. On this episode, Brandon discusses the many tax strategies that people in or near retirement need to utilize to make the most of their retirement plan. Hear about the impor...

A new survey found the average person has 26 items of clothing that never get worn. 65% of people admit to having clothes with tags still on them! We all have a closet that could use some cleaning out, but it likely won’t have much effect on your future. But what about your “financial closet?” On this episode, Brandon speaks of the common to out-of-date findings he sees when running a portfolio X-...

One checklist of what to do 5 years before retirement sums it up by saying, “Know what’s coming in, know what’s going out, and have a plan for taxes and healthcare.” It seems simple enough, but what could you be missing? Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen, digs deeper to sort through the “easy items” and “tough stuff” you need to address within your own plan. Learn ways to identify and o...

On this episode Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen, tackles the growing fear of rising taxes and how it could impact your retirement. Learn why traditional savings like 401Ks might suffer from future tax hikes, discover how proactive planning across different tax accounts could reduce your tax burden, and hear ways to identify whether your advisor is costing you money while missing growt...

“Moving on” has been a theme among some big names in sports, including Alabama football coach Nick Saban. We hear from Coach Saban and what made him realize it was time to move on to retirement, to the surprise of many Tide fans. Brandon parallels the idea to the surprise for someone who finds out their advisor is moving on or retiring themselves. He shares the challenges that can come like being...

If you made a New Year’s resolution, there’s a good chance you’ve abandoned it by now… about 43% of us do by the end of January! The main reason is that we’re not being held accountable by anyone to keep it. In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen talks about the ways he helps keep his clients accountable to their financial goals. Brandon shares how having a disciplined approa...

In this episode, Brandon Bowen discusses crucial strategies to help you better prepare for your financial future and navigate the challenges of retirement.   Join as he discusses the TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America) controversy, emphasizing the importance of a fee analysis to reveal hidden costs and enable you to make more informed decisions about your financial future....

Join Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen as he explains the art of creating a retirement plan that's both disciplined and  dream filled.   Brandon shares how he prioritizes  honest  conversations with his clients so that he can understand their personal aspirations and better customize their individual financial plans.   From market crashes to unexpected windfalls, Brandon showcases how a...

Join Brandon as he discusses crucial strategies to prepare for your financial future, especially in the face of rising inflation. From unexpected expenses to the impact of inflation on daily costs, he breaks down the complexities of retirement planning, especially for couples entering this next phase.   Discover why inflation is a critical factor to consider and how it can sneak up on your retirem...

In this episode, we delve into the concept and challenges associated with retiring early—a dream harbored by many.   Brandon shares his observations on clients who, despite having saved substantial amounts, hesitate to take the leap into retirement and not just because they fear running out of money… Digging into the psyche of retirees, he unveils the mental barriers that hold people back like the...

In this episode, Brandon shares a recent exchange with a car mechanic, showcasing the dealership's commitment to transparency and customer safety. He uses the experience to point out the similarities between auto repair language and the complexities of financial advice, highlighting the fear and intimidation people often feel in both scenarios.   Much like the car owner's fear of deceptive mechani...

Just as a Thanksgiving feast brings joy and fulfillment, your retirement should also be a time of happiness and abundance!   On this episode, Brandon draws the parallels between preparing a holiday feast and crafting a successful retirement income plan. Gather around as we discuss the “entrée” and “sides” for your financial future.   Just like a well-balanced meal, your retirement income plan shou...

A tiny Georgia restaurant is in the news over the fee they’re charging customers who bring in unruly children. The story sparks a conversation about the fees you pay on your retirement savings… whether or not you know it.   Many investors have minimal understanding of the fees associated with their portfolios. Brandon highlights  three common areas where fees hide  and explains the hefty toll thes...

Holiday candy has started piling up and the seasonal feeding frenzy has begun. But this time of year is not just about treats; it's also about tricks to make your money work harder!   Instead of feeling guilty about indulging, let's explore opportunities to make strategic moves for your finances…In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses some key strategies to consid...

Many investors who’ve worked with financial professionals have longstanding relationships with their advisors, who’ve served them well during their working years. However, as they approach retirement, they might begin to question if they're still getting the service they need for this next phase of life .   In this episode, financial advisor and retirement planner, Brandon Bowen discusses how, jus...

In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen, delves into the perplexing world of bond market trends noting the current inverted yield curve and how it often predicts recessions.   But how does this affect your retirement savings?   Brandon offers a fresh perspective to understanding your portfolio by treating it like you would the temperature settings on your oven: Should you go...

In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen delves into what he calls "rocking chair regrets" and how he wants  everyone  to avoid them. Through the story of a couple he knows, who postponed retirement only for the husband to pass away shortly after, he highlights the importance of making the most of your years while you have them. Brandon also discusses the fears that keep some...

Social Security is a vital part of retirement planning for many Americans. But with so many different filing strategies available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. In this episode, Brandon shares insight on how to find what Social Security filing strategy may work for your individual needs.   Brandon discusses the different factors to consider when choosing a filing strategy, su...

The financial landscape is changing, and traditional market wisdom may not hold true anymore. In this episode, Brandon dives into the disconnect between the stock market and the economy and the importance of caution in your investment approach.   Brandon also shares the  reasons  he believes you may want to give annuities a second look. Annuities are often misunderstood but have evolved and now of...

In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, we dive into the intriguing story of Nike's gamble with the Air Jordan line and how it paid off big time.   But when it comes to your financial future, should you rely on gut feelings?  For Brandon Bowen, the answer is a resounding no. Brandon discusses how meticulous planning, a well-crafted income plan, smart investment strategies, and tax planni...

Retirees are benefiting from an 8.7% increase in Social Security benefits due to the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in decades. But there's a catch – this boost can also push seniors into higher tax brackets, aka a "stealth" tax.   In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen shares what stealth taxes are and how they could affect your retirement, while shedding light on...

In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen, takes you on a journey to understand the hidden fees that might be lurking in your 401(k) plan, which could impact your retirement savings more than you realize.   Join the conversation as he breaks down the startling statistics about fee misconceptions and the impact of high fees on your future income. Discover how seemingly minor fee...