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…

The Estate Planning Mistake Most Families Don’t See

Having a will doesn’t mean your estate plan is finished—and that gap can create real problems. In this episode of Charleston’s Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen explains why estate planning requires more than a single document and how unfunded trusts quietly undermine good intentions. The conversatio…

The Senior Deduction Most Retirees Haven’t Mapped Yet

A new tax break for Americans over 65 could quietly reshape how retirement income is taxed. Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen breaks down the new senior deduction under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and explains how it fits into real-life retirement strategies. Using client examples, Bra…

The Debt Question Every Pre Retiree Should Ask

What if the debt you carry into retirement shapes your financial freedom more than your investment choices? In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen breaks down how different types of debt—mortgages, car loans, and consumer balances—fit into retirement planning. He shares real c…

The Wake Up Call Your Portfolio Might Need

What if the wake‑up call you’ve been avoiding is hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen shares a personal health scare that completely reframed how he thinks about procrastination—and how the same blind spots can undermine your financial life. From overl…

Is Your Portfolio Set Up for a Surprise Hit?

What if the market feels calm now—but your portfolio is quietly exposed to far more risk than you realize? Brandon Bowen digs into why news headlines, index returns, and “set‑it‑and‑forget‑it” diversification can create blind spots for pre‑retirees. He breaks down how overconcentration, hidden over…

Are You Saving Your Way Into Retirement Regret?

What happens when you reach retirement with millions saved—but realize you never learned how to enjoy it? Brandon Bowen explores the surprising regrets of over‑savers and why unspent wealth often reflects fear, habit, or lack of planning. Through real client stories—including retirees who waited to…

The Retirement Question Nobody Knows How to Answer

What if the real challenge of retirement isn’t saving your money—but knowing how to use it? In this episode, Brandon Bowen unpacks why relying solely on investment income can be more complex than it sounds and explores what retirees should consider when balancing growth, risk, and steady income nee…