The Scam That Almost Derailed a Retirement

One unsuspecting decision nearly unraveled a lifetime of saving. In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen shares a real-world story of a retiree caught in a sophisticated financial scam—and the warning signs that appeared along the way. The conversation explores how scams target…

Does Retirement Still Matter in an AI-Driven Future?

What if the boldest voices in tech are wrong about retirement no longer mattering? In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen responds to eye‑catching headlines and big predictions about AI, wealth, and the future of retirement. The discussion brings the conversation back to re…

Are You Still Using Retirement Tools Built for a Different Time?

Retirement mistakes don’t always come from bad intentions—they often come from using the wrong tools at the wrong time. In this episode, Brandon Bowen uses relatable travel stories and real client scenarios to highlight common retirement planning missteps, including staying too aggressive with inve…

What a Portfolio X Ray Can Reveal

A fresh breeze can reveal what’s been hiding—and the same can be true for your portfolio. In this episode, Brandon Bowen uses the idea of “spring cleaning” to explain why a portfolio review can uncover hidden risks, high costs, and overlapping investments. The conversation walks through what a port…

Why a Will Isn’t Enough for Your Legacy

A will alone may not protect the people you care about most. In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen is joined by estate planning attorney Tripp Wiles to unpack how legacy planning really works—and where families often get tripped up. The conversation explores trusts, funding m…

Why Estate Planning Is About More Than Money

Estate planning isn’t just about passing assets—it’s about preventing confusion and conflict. In this episode, Brandon Bowen is joined by estate planning attorney Tripp Wiles to break down how estate and legacy planning fit into a complete retirement strategy. The conversation covers wills versus t…

What Happens After the Inheritance Check Clears

Inheriting money can be exciting—and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen explores the challenges families face during the great wealth transfer and the questions that often follow an inheritance. The discussion covers emotional reactions, d…

When Waiting for Social Security Comes at a Cost

A bigger Social Security check doesn’t always mean a better retirement. In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen breaks down a real‑world story of regret from waiting until age 70 to file for benefits. The conversation explores why Social Security timing is about more than mo…

Why Feeling “Unprepared” Stops People From Planning for Retirement

Feeling like you should already have all the answers is often what keeps people from ever starting a retirement plan. In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen explains what really happens in a first planning conversation and why it’s okay to show up uncertain, overwhelmed, or…

Winging It in Retirement: Why a Plan Matters

Reaching retirement without a clear plan is more common than most people realize. Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen uses a Super Bowl analogy to explain why retirement success doesn’t happen by accident. This episode looks at what “winging it” really means—unclear income sources, Social S…