Retirement Lifestyle – Building a Retirement Plan that Lasts

From Retirement Uncertainty to an African Safari Business with Kay Trotman (Ep. 7)

By BuildingARetirementPlanThatLasts | September 22, 2026

If you’re approaching retirement and aren’t completely sure what you want the next chapter to look like, your financial plan may need room for possibilities you can’t predict yet.

In this episode, Gary Bowman speaks with Kay “Safari Kay” Trotman, founder of Destined To Travel, about retiring without a clear plan and eventually building an African safari business. Kay shares how a trip to Tanzania changed her direction, why she invested retirement money in a safari vehicle, and how Gary helped her think through a decision that didn’t match her traditionally low risk tolerance. They also explore how preparation, trusted partners, referrals, and Kay’s travel experience helped the business grow over 20 years.

Kay shares:

How an unexpected trip to Tanzania helped her find a new direction after leaving her first career
Why she researched several African destinations before deciding to build her business in Tanzania
How buying a safari vehicle required her to reconsider what financial risk meant in retirement
Why her partnership with Paul combined her knowledge of American travelers with his knowledge of Tanzania
How referrals eventually helped her safari business grow after several uncertain early years

And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

Connect with Kay Trotman:

About Our Guest:

Kay Trotman, affectionately known as Safari Kay, has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry, with over 20 years of travel to Africa. Her specialty is safaris to East Africa, specifically Tanzania. Kay’s passion for Africa is evident as she has led over 75 groups with thousands of travelers and traveled from the US to Africa more than 100 times. She continues to lead several groups a year to this incredible wildlife and cultural experience.

Safari Kay is the only African American female safari company owner in Tanzania and the only one leading all of her own tours.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Designing a Retirement That Actually Works for You (Ep. 4)

By BuildingARetirementPlanThatLasts | June 24, 2026

Retirement isn’t a finish line; it’s a transition, and most people aren’t as ready as they think.

In this episode, Gary Bowman explores what it means to be ready for retirement, beyond the financials. He shares how emotional readiness, communication with your partner, and flexibility all play a role in creating a smooth transition. From aligning expectations about how you’ll spend your time, to preparing for healthcare, taxes, and legacy decisions, Gary walks through the conversations that matter most, including the ones people tend to avoid.

Key Takeaways:

Retirement readiness goes beyond your savings; emotional preparedness matters just as much
Open communication with your spouse can help avoid misaligned expectations
You don’t have to do everything together in retirement; independence still matters
A successful retirement looks different for everyone and may evolve over time
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Meet Gary Bowman: A Different Approach to Retirement (Ep. 1)

By BuildingARetirementPlanThatLasts | May 27, 2026

Most people spend decades saving for retirement, but very few stop to ask what that money is actually meant to support. The real challenge isn’t just building wealth, it’s turning it into a life you’re excited to live.

In this first episode of Building a Retirement Plan that Lasts, Gary Bowman sits down to introduce the philosophy that has guided his decades-long career in retirement planning.

Gary’s approach is simple: retirement planning is not just about numbers; it’s about people. While investments and strategies matter, they are ultimately tools to help someone live the life they’ve worked hard to build.

Gary shares how his perspective was shaped by real-life experiences, from watching his grandparents struggle financially to seeing his father retire early and enjoy decades of freedom. Those moments helped define his belief that thoughtful planning, discipline, and clear priorities can create options later in life.

Throughout the conversation, Gary breaks down what truly matters when building a retirement plan:

Why retirement planning should be personal, not transactional
How money acts as a tool to support lifestyle, not the end goal
The role of trust and deep client relationships in long-term success
What disciplined savers tend to do differently over time
Why is there no one-size-fits-all retirement plan
How to evaluate and choose a financial advisor you feel comfortable with
And more!

This episode is designed for anyone approaching retirement who wants more clarity around their future, and a better understanding of how to turn years of saving into a plan that supports the life they actually want to live.

Listen to the full episode to hear Gary’s full perspective and start thinking about what a retirement plan that truly fits your life could look like.

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

About the Host:

Gary Bowman is a seasoned financial advisor with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families prepare for and transition into retirement. His approach focuses on building reliable income, protecting wealth, and creating personalized strategies that align with each client’s lifestyle and long-term goals. Gary believes the most successful retirement plans are built on trust, discipline, and a deep understanding of what truly matters to each individual.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More