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…

Unwrapping Social Security: When Should You Claim?

Is Social Security really a gift, or just a confusing benefit you’ve paid for your whole life? Brandon Bowen unpacks the myths and realities of claiming Social Security, exploring how timing, personal circumstances, and lesser-known options like survivor benefits can shape your retirement income. L…

Microscopic Fees: What’s Eating Your Retirement Savings?

Could microscopic fees be eating away at your retirement savings? Brandon Bowen exposes the hidden costs lurking in investment portfolios and explains why transparency, risk management, and a clear income plan are essential for financial confidence. Learn how a portfolio “X-ray” can reveal what’s r…

Is It Time to Fire Your Financial Coach? Spotting the Red Flags

Is your financial advisor still the right coach for your retirement? Brandon Bowen breaks down the warning signs that it’s time for a second opinion, from outdated strategies to poor communication. Learn how to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and make sure your retirement plan is truly wor…

Retirement Math: Are You Ready for the Real Cost?

What if your retirement expenses doubled—would your plan survive? Brandon Bowen explores the paradox of time, inflation, and lifestyle expectations in retirement. Discover why comparing yourself to others can sabotage your financial confidence and learn how a customized playbook can help you plan f…