In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, we discuss the importance of commercial airline pilot medical disability planning and why it’s often overlooked compared to life insurance. We explain how airline disability benefits work, the differences between short-term and long-term coverage, and why “own occupation” policies are essential. The conversation also covers supplemental insurance options, union vs. non-union benefits, and strategies to ensure your financial plan can withstand a sudden loss of income.

Related Podcast Episodes:

- Ep 173: Making the Most of Your Airline 401k

- Ep 253: Navigating the Future of the Airline Industry

- Ep 273: How Early Retirement Affects Pilot Benefits 

Related YouTube Videos:
- New Delta Airlines Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plan for Pilots

- Tips for Airline Pilots Approaching Retirement

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

Retirement isn’t just a finish line, it’s a brand new chapter. In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Casey Smith and Financial Advisor Michaela Dowdy outline eight key things you should focus on starting five years before retirement. While more time is always better, the 3–5 year mark is when many people get serious. Here's how to make the most of it.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 276: How to Make Sure You're Ready for Retirement
- Ep 245: Strategies for Early Retirement and Long-Term Security

Related YouTube Videos:
- Investing for Income vs Growth in Retirement: Finding the Balance
- The 4% Rule in Retirement Isn’t for Everyone

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Casey Smith sits down with Robert Swarthout, founder and CEO of Teton Crypto Capital, to discuss how fast cryptocurrency is evolving and how banks are getting involved.

- Ep 296: Crypto Update: Big Beautiful Bill, GENIUS Act, & Crypto Company IPOs
- Ep 286: How can I evaluate crypto as a potential investment?

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, we celebrate hitting a major milestone, 300 episodes! In this special episode, President Casey Smith and Senior Financial Advisor Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA®, reflect on the history of Wiser Wealth Management, the growth of the podcast, and the firm’s mission to provide real, relationship-driven financial planning.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 251: Shawna Theriault's Road to Becoming a Financial Advisor 
- Ep 241: The Heart and History of Wiser Wealth Management with President Casey Smith
- Ep 173: Making the Most of Your Airline 401(k)
- Ep 168: Everything You Need to Know About 529 Plans
- Ep 184: What It’s Like Traveling Full Time in Retirement with the Retirement Travelers

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA® and Financial Advisor Michaela Dowdy dive into the essential financial conversations couples should have before saying “I do.” From discussing mindsets and money habits to navigating joint goals and future planning, they offer guidance on how to build a healthy financial foundation for marriage.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 233: How Second Marriages and Blended Families Impact Estate Planning
- Ep 230: What Can and Can't be Included in a Prenup 
- Ep 183: How to Avoid Financial Conflict in Marriage

Related YouTube Videos:
- The Financial Pros and Cons of Marriage 

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Casey Smith, Andrew Pratt, CFA, CBDA, and Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA®, dive deep into the state of America’s national debt, what it is, how it got this large, and what it could mean for the country and for everyday investors. While it’s common to compare government debt to household finances, national debt is far more complex because the U.S. government controls its own currency. Still, unchecked debt growth has long-term consequences that shouldn't be ignored.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 277: Tariffs, Trump, and Turbulence: Making Sense of Market Mayhem
- Ep 263: Trump’s Economic Policies: Tax, Tariffs, and More

Related YouTube Videos:
- What is Financial Planning?

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, we explore the financial and emotional realities of stepping away from the workforce to become a stay-at-home parent. Whether you're considering staying home temporarily or long-term, it's a decision that deserves careful financial planning. From budgeting for a single income and understanding the trade-offs in retirement savings, to evaluating insurance needs and career impact, we break down what families need to consider to make the best choice for their future, both financially and personally.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 274: Buying a Home in the Best School District: What You Need to Know

Related YouTube Videos:
- Why Every Parent Should Consider a Roth IRA for Their Child
- Greenlight Debit Card 2024 Honest Review

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Casey Smith sits down with Robert Swarthout, founder and CEO of Teton Crypto Capital, to unpack how recent legislation is reshaping the crypto landscape in the U.S. From tax changes to new opportunities for investors, here’s what you need to know.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 281: Crypto Update: Tariffs, Ripple’s Victory, and What’s Next for Investors
- Ep 286: How can I evaluate crypto as a potential investment?

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Estate Planning Attorney Arun Gupta joins Senior Financial Advisor Shawna Theriault to discuss how taking the simplest step in estate planning, creating a will, can make a profound difference. While many assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy, a will helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reduces confusion, and eases the burden on your loved ones during an already difficult time.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 123: Estate Planning for Young Adults
- Ep 192: Estate Planning for Those that Travel Frequently or Live in Multiple States 
- Ep 233: How Second Marriages and Blended Families Impact Estate Planning
- Ep 279: What Should Parents of Children with Disabilities Know About Estate Planning?

Related YouTube Videos:
- Estate Tax Law Changes Coming in 2026
- Using an Online Estate Planning Service vs Using a Local Attorney

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...

In this episode of the A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, we cover how principles from aviation, like threat and error management, proactive and reactive planning, and strong team communication, can be applied to personal financial planning. Casey Smith is joined by airline Captain Evan Bogan to explore how pilots handle unexpected challenges and how families can do the same with their finances. From building a rainy day fund to managing opportunity money and avoiding unnecessary fees, they offer valuable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their financial flight plan.

Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 253: Navigating the Future of the Airline Industry
- Ep 264: Shaping the Future of Aviation: Key Leadership Skills for Pilots
- Ep 194: Delta, American & United: Who's Got the Best Pilot Retirement Offering?

Related YouTube Videos:
- New Delta Airlines Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plan for Pilots
- Pilots: Roth or No Roth... That's the Question
- Why Financial Planning is Different for Pilots

Learn More:

Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. 

Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!

Stay Connected:

Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Subscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes.

This podcast was produced by ...