J Benjamin Financial
Planning for Retirement in the Lowcountry
At J Benjamin, we specialize in retirement planning tailored to the coastal lifestyle — accounting for everything from tax-efficient income streams to long-term care and flood-risk resilience. We’re here to help you retire with confidence, clarity, and calm.
Whether you’re downsizing in Mount Pleasant, buying a home in Kiawah, or planning to age in place downtown, we create custom retirement strategies designed to fit your goals — and the rhythms of life by the sea.
Retiring in Charleston is a dream, but are you financially ready to protect it?
This quick checklist will help you evaluate your readiness to retire with confidence in the Lowcountry, factoring in taxes, coastal risks, health care, and income planning.
The Checklist
Retirement Income Planning
- I have a clear withdrawal strategy for my 401(k), IRA, Roth, and taxable accounts
- I’ve planned how to delay or optimize Social Security based on longevity and spousal needs
- I know how much income I need to cover monthly living expenses + discretionary goals
- I’ve factored in inflation and market volatility over the next 25–30 years
Tax Strategy
- I’ve reviewed my tax bracket projections over the next 10–15 years
- I understand how RMDs, Roth conversions, and SC’s tax laws affect my plan
- I’m using tax-smart strategies for charitable giving or gifting to family
- I know which accounts to draw from first for tax efficiency
Housing & Risk Planning
- I’ve considered downsizing, staying, or relocating, and run the financial scenarios
- I’ve reviewed my flood, hurricane, and home insurance coverage
- I’ve updated my estate plan and beneficiary designations across accounts
- I have a plan in place for long-term care (LTC) needs or home health support
Healthcare & Insurance
- I know when to enroll in Medicare and what my options are for supplemental coverage
- I’ve reviewed out-of-pocket cost projections for the next 20+ years
- I understand how health care inflation might affect my retirement budget
Lifestyle & Legacy
- My spouse/partner and I agree on our post-retirement lifestyle and travel plans
- I’ve documented my wishes and shared them with my family
- I’ve identified the charitable, family, or legacy goals that matter to me
- I’ve run a “what-if” scenario for a market downturn, illness, or widowhood
Call to Action:
How many boxes did you check?
If you missed more than a few — it’s okay. Most Charleston retirees have big questions they haven’t fully answered yet.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute call with Jan Kuha, AWMA®, AIF®, to review your plan and walk you through the next steps.