Charleston's Retirement Coach

Hosted by Brandon Bowen

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Episodes

301

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Charleston's Retirement Coach," hosted by Brandon Bowen, seasoned financial advisor and founder of Bowen Wealth, LLC. Each week, join Brandon as he unpacks the complexities of planning for retirement with straightforward, actionable insights tailored specifically to help you achieve financial peace of mind. In Charleston and beyond, retirement planning can seem daunting. Brandon brings over two decades of experience directly to you, covering everything from investment strategies and estate planning to tax considerations and insurance options. Whether you're an early-career professional beginning to save, or you're nearing retirement age and need to refine your plans, this show has something valuable for you. Brandon's down-to-earth approach makes financial concepts accessible to all, no matter your level of financial knowledge. "Charleston's Retirement Coach" strives to equip listeners with the knowledge they need to navigate their retirement journey confidently. Tune in to transform how you think about retirement. Secure your future with Brandon Bowen, and take the first step towards a retirement filled with freedom and stability. Subscribe now to never miss an episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach. Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today 👉 https://bit.ly/3WoNJZT Also on Facebook and YouTube .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202612 min

When Is the Right Time to Claim Social Security?

When should you actually claim Social Security—and what could that decision mean for your retirement income? In this episode, Brandon Bowen explores the timing choices retirees face and why many claim earlier than expected. He discusses common concerns about potential changes to the system, key factors like retirement timing and income needs, and how different filing options—such as spousal and survivor benefits—can impact the bigger picture. The conversation also highlights common pitfalls, including scams and misunderstood rules, while emphasizing how Social Security fits into a broader income strategy.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 202611 min

Do You Have a Clear Roadmap for Retirement?

Are you following a clear roadmap to retirement—or just guessing at the next turn? In this episode, Brandon Bowen shares how retirement planning involves navigating key milestones like Social Security and Medicare while building a plan that adapts to life changes. Through a real client story, he illustrates how adjusting timelines, income sources, and expenses can reshape retirement decisions. The conversation focuses on creating a flexible, personalized approach that accounts for evolving goals, income needs, and major life transitions.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 202613 min

Are You Just a Number to Your Advisor?

Are you just a number to your financial advisor—or do they actually know your story? This episode explores how personalized advice can differ from large firm experiences, especially as you approach retirement. Brandon Bowen shares a real client example to highlight how service, communication, fees, and tax considerations can impact financial decisions. The conversation focuses on the value of relationships, simplifying portfolios, and reviewing strategies as needs change over time.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 26, 202610 min

Why Retirement Feels Scary—Even If You’re Ready

Why does retirement feel exciting for some—and overwhelming for others? In this episode, Brandon Bowen explores the emotional shift from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings for income. He discusses how identity, market uncertainty, and fear of running out of money can shape retirement decisions. Through real-life examples, Brandon explains how organizing assets into purpose-driven “buckets” and having a structured plan can change the way people approach retirement. The conversation highlights how preparation, income strategy, and ongoing adjustments play a role in navigating this major life transition.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 19, 202612 min

Solo Retirement: Navigating Big Decisions on Your Own

What happens when you’re making retirement decisions on your own—and the market feels uncertain? In this episode, Brandon Bowen discusses the growing trend of solo aging and the financial challenges many individuals, particularly women, face when planning retirement independently. He shares how market volatility, longevity concerns, and shifting income needs can create stress for those transitioning into retirement, and highlights how adjusting risk, creating income strategies, and addressing long-term care considerations play a role in building a structured plan.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 202612 min

The Tax Problem Hiding Inside Your Retirement Accounts

Are you sitting on a retirement account that hasn’t been taxed yet—and wondering what to do with it? In this episode, Brandon Bowen breaks down the growing conversation around Roth conversions and why timing plays such a key role. He explains the concept of a “sweet spot” in the mid-to-late 60s, walks through how tax-deferred savings are eventually taxed, and shares a client example of building multiple income streams across different tax buckets. The discussion focuses on understanding tax exposure, retirement income flexibility, and how Roth strategies fit into a broader plan.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 20269 min

Why “Diversified” Portfolios Aren’t Always Diversified

Keeping the same investment strategy in retirement that worked during your working years can quietly increase risk and costs. In this episode, Brandon Bowen breaks down what diversification really means as retirement approaches—and why owning multiple funds doesn’t always equal balance. He discusses common mistakes he sees, including overlapping investments, high fees, and income strategies that don’t align with long-term needs. Using a real-world second‑opinion scenario, the conversation highlights how portfolio structure, expenses, and income planning can impact retirees as they transition from growth to income.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 202616 min

Why Your 401(k) Isn’t a Retirement Plan

Saving for retirement is one thing—turning those savings into reliable income is another challenge entirely. In this episode, Brandon Bowen explains why a 401(k) is not a retirement plan by itself and why many people struggle to transition from saving to spending. The conversation breaks down common misconceptions around annuities, income planning, and portfolio design, using real‑world examples to show how different tools fit together. Brandon emphasizes education, balance, and understanding how each piece of retirement income works before relying on it long term.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 21, 202614 min

The Financial Baggage Couples Bring Into Retirement

When two lives come together, so does the financial baggage—and avoiding the conversation only makes it heavier. In this episode, Charleston’s Retirement Coach Brandon Bowen explores how relationships, communication, and money intersect, especially in second marriages and later‑in‑life transitions. Brandon shares real client scenarios highlighting common friction points like blending finances, beneficiaries, housing decisions, and spending expectations. The discussion emphasizes why open dialogue, clear planning, and shared decision‑making are essential when building a retirement plan as a couple. It’s an honest look at how emotional and financial realities collide—and how thoughtful planning helps couples move forward on the same page.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 14, 202615 min

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 retirees, why embarrassment keeps people silent, and the importance of having a trusted financial sounding board watching activity over time. This episode focuses on awareness, vigilance, and the role a long-term advisory relationship can play in spotting problems before they permanently change a retirement plan.   Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today: bowenwealth.com   Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.