Charleston's Retirement Coach

After passing along a simple way to back down our COVID-19 weight gain, we focus on how the virus is impacting the paychecks of many American workers. Unfortunately, October is expected to be tough for businesses that have been hit hard during the pandemic. That’s when some of the payroll protection provisions under the CARES Act expire, which means a new wave of layoffs are coming. Brandon passes...

Since the U.S. economy recently experienced its worst drop on record, Brandon highlights how and why you need to create your own income plan. Find out how to take back control of your hard-earned money, and make sure your personal economy is moving in the right direction… so that you can pay yourself when you stop working ! Plus, a recent survey found that Americans haven’t been this unhappy in ab...

After hearing the romantic and thoughtful story of how Brandon popped the question, and how prepared his wife was for their beautiful wedding 16 years ago… We contrast that with the amount of time we should planning our financial future. Brandon also explains how retirees can avoid some of Uncle Sam’s “tax traps” and be efficient. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all realize that Washington will probably raise taxes eventually to pay for all of the stimulus spending. However, many of us may have forgotten that our state and local governments are hurting for money too. Lockdown orders and layoffs deprived many states and cities of 2 valuable sources of revenue: Income taxes & sales taxes. While addressing recent concerns some clients had, Brandon breaks...

Great news sports fans! Yes, it’s a shorter season… but MLB is here! If you’re a fan, you may remember that Bobby Bonilla hasn't played professionally in about 20 years. Since 2011 the Mets have been cutting him a yearly check for over   $1 million and will until 2035. Bonilla brilliantly put off immediate satisfaction and opted to defer his contract buy out. Therefore, he has  more than sufficien...

It’s hurricane season, and if you live in the Lowcountry… It’s no secret that a direct hit from a hurricane can ruin what you’ve worked so hard for. When you’re in or near retirement, taxes are pretty much a category 5 threat to your portfolio all year. Brandon talks about why taxes will likely go up when you stop working, and how you can take advantage of the limited time we have to prepare now!...

Charleston thrives on hospitality and tourism. From Boeing to hotels, restaurants and airlines… the entire travel industry has been hit particularly hard from the economic downturn. Unfortunately, this has resulted in layoffs and early retirement packages for millions. Brandon explains how to deal with this tough situation, and how to plan in advance for the “what ifs” of life. See omnystudio.com/...

With all of the unrest in our current day to day lives, many claim they’re too busy  to worry about issues such as their investments. Brandon reminds us that if we don’t prepare for the “what ifs” of life (health issues, forced early retirement, economic downturns and etc) , our future is at risk of being derailed. Being the positive guy he is, Brandon explains how a personal journey he went throu...

Capitalism is the greatest engine for prosperity and innovation! However, considering the coronavirus pandemic and the stimulus packages that followed… capitalism is probably going to change in our great country moving forward. The national debt is soaring, and Uncle Sam doesn’t typically spend less to fix that. We’ll be paying higher taxes in the future to cover it all. On this episode Brandon ex...

When it comes to Social Security, figuring out some the acronyms and terminology can be confusing. On this episode we make understanding the phrases we hear most often a little fun. Brandon gives a very simple explanation of each term, and the reveals the 3 facts you must know about Social Security and your money! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After discussing how we’re all cooking and baking more with this time at home, Brandon addresses how many “experts” say the economic downturn is a buying opportunity for stocks. He explains how that’s not necessarily true for Baby Boomers, and how to make sure you aren’t missing what should be the main ingredient of your portfolio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been offered an early retirement buyout from Boeing or another great company, you’re facing with some tough decisions. Yes… Your financial future could be much different than you expected, but not necessarily . On this episode Brandon encourages you to NOT rush into a decision that will impact you and your family for the rest of your life and explains how to step back and weigh your opti...

After Brandon & Kristen discuss making the best out of life at the moment and what we’re spending more money on, we spotlight how important it is that your communication style matches your financial advisor. Plus, if you’re judging the performance of your portfolio solely based on the rate of return, Brandon explains that you’re missing the boat if you’re not also considering the fees you’re payin...

50 years ago, during the Apollo 13 mission we first heard the infamous quote: “Houston we have a problem.”   People often repeat that saying when dealing with a sudden or dramatic dilemma. Just as the crew of the Apollo 13 mission did, Brandon discusses why we need to be calm, responsive, and realistic  yet  optimistic as our lifestyle and economy changes due to the pandemic… And how to stay on co...

Taking a much-needed break from the news, Brandon discusses some of the fun “essential needs” during this time at home with family. And since he completed his honey-do list, he confesses what he finally took care of in his personal life that we all need to create or update:  An estate plan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embrace this break from the headlines as Brandon shares some exciting news about one of our neighbors here in the Lowcountry! Plus, he explains the GOOD NEWS about how the stimulus package impacts you… And if you don’t need the money right now, find out the new options that are only available during 2020 for your retirement accounts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The market has been so erratic that many of us would prefer to keep our distance if we could. On certain days, many have been wondering if they should make big moves like going to cash. Before you do anything , take a deep breath… and listen to why Brandon feels it’s not time to panic … But it is the perfect time to realize what you can control and be doing NOW to prepare for what’s to come. See o...

The closing numbers of the Dow and NASDAQ on Friday wrapped up U.S. markets’ worst week since the 2008 financial crisis. Brandon explains what soon to be and current retirees need to be focused, and shares some good news we all need to hear ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a major market nosedive this past week in reaction to the Coronavirus, and Wall Street hit the brakes. Brandon discusses the concern we all have: Could this global pandemic cause a recession and harm our financial future?  – And more importantly, how you have more control of the economy inside the 4 walls of your home than you may realize. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

A significant rise in Coronavirus cases triggered an economic fallout on Monday February 24th, sending the Dow Jones industrial average down 1,000-plus points… the third-largest single-day drop in market history! If you’re like many investors, you reacted by checking your investments and 401(k)s. On this episode Brandon discuss how you should react to events like this, and how to plan around these...

Since we aren’t CPA’s (and find other matters more enjoyable), most of us don’t have a lot of knowledge about tax laws… Especially since they seem to change frequently! Using down to earth language, Brandon explains how taxes can affect the future of your investments, and how the SECURE ACT impacts not only your retirement money… But perhaps your kids too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Most of us are loyal to a few name brands instead of opting for the less expensive generic options. It could be cereal, coffee or even a specific brand of shoes? On this episode, Brandon tackles a much pricier and dangerous dilemma: Can generic rule-of-thumb advice damage your financial future? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent national study revealed that when the paychecks stop, $1 million should fund a 22 to 23-year retirement in Charleston, SC. Brandon has been a financial advisor in the low country for many years, and on this episode he explains why this study isn’t necessarily true, and defines the 5 steps to retirement you should be focused on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel industry is notorious for “nickel-and-diming” customers, and on this episode, Brandon explains how that’s often true of many 401(k) accounts too. Plus, with Bosch recently announcing they’ll be eliminating hundreds of jobs in Charleston over the next year, some are concerned about a forced early retirement. Brandon tells the story of how one employee is proudly taking more control of hi...

Congress passed, and President Trump signed the SECURE Act into law at the close of 2019. It will eventually affect most retirement savers in some way. Is this good or bad for your retirement? Brandon reveals what the changes in the required minimum distribution (RMD) age and inherited IRAs mean for  you and your family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.