The Pilot Money Guy Podcast

📱 Get your customized planning started by booking a call: http://callosborn.com/ 

✈️ Order your no-cost “Financial Flight Control Toolkit” today: https://keap.page/lde199/the-pilot-s-planner-toolkit.html

Scott breaks down United Airlines’ cash balance plan for pilots and explains how it addresses overfunded 401(k) accounts. He covers how the plan works, the benefits of tax-deferred growth, and how to decide between the Cash Balance Plan and United’s HRA/RHA options. By the end of this episode, you'll better understand the pros and cons to help make the best choice for your retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

✈️ CBP Overview: how United’s plan is structured

📈 Tax Deferral: the benefits of reducing taxable income today

🧾 Plan Details: spillover from overfunded 401(k)s

🧑‍✈️ Pilot Factors: income, career stage, and benefits

⚖️ Pros & Cons: flexibility, limits, and tradeoffs 

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

📱 Get your customized planning started by booking a call: http://callosborn.com/ 

✈️ Order your no-cost “Financial Flight Control Toolkit” today: https://keap.page/lde199/the-pilot-s-planner-toolkit.html

As the new year approaches, Scott breaks down the key planning numbers and contribution limits pilots need to understand before 2026 kicks off. This episode is all about checking your settings, updating your strategy, and making sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity. As 2025 wraps up, now’s the perfect time to get ahead by making decisions for a tax-efficient future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 2026 Planning Priorities: what pilots should reevaluate heading into the new year

💵 IRA & Roth Limits: using updated contribution rules to your advantage

💰 Roth Tax-Free Bucket: why shifting money strategically can reduce lifetime taxes

⚠️ Tax Rate Risk: how rising brackets could impact future retirement income

🧭 Action Steps Ahead: simple adjustments that strengthen next year’s plan

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

📱 Get your customized planning started by booking a call: http://callosborn.com/ 

✈️ Order your no-cost “Financial Flight Control Toolkit” today: https://keap.page/lde199/the-pilot-s-planner-toolkit.html

Scott breaks down the brand-new Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCB) and what this decision means for American Airlines pilots hitting their 401(k) limits. The goal isn’t to push pilots one way or the other, but to help you understand what’s really at stake before that opt-in deadline hits on December 15th. If you’ve been staring at that email wondering what to do, this episode will give you clarity fast.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🛫 What the MBCB Plan Is: a pilot-specific overview in plain English

📄 How the Plan Works: where excess 401(k) dollars actually go

⏳ Opt-In / Opt-Out Deadline: why the window matters for 2026 benefits

🧾 Tax Bucket Impact: how this decision affects future retirement taxes

📊 Scenario Planning: evaluating who the plan helps and who it may not

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

📱 Get your customized planning started by booking a call: http://callosborn.com/ 

✈️ Order your no-cost “Financial Flight Control Toolkit” today: https://keap.page/lde199/the-pilot-s-planner-toolkit.html

Gratitude has a way of grounding us, shaping our attitude, and influencing how we approach our financial lives. Discover how gratitude transforms not just our outlook, but our wealth. In this episode, Scott unpacks why a grateful mindset is key to building financial health, making confident decisions, and finding fulfillment in both work and life.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🛫 Gratitude & wealth: mindset that supports long-term financial growth

👨‍✈️ Career gratitude: how thankfulness impacts career decisions

💳 Lifestyle & debt: resisting lifestyle creep through gratitude

🎁 Charitable giving: giving smarter with tax-efficient strategies

📈 Investor mindset: gratitude vs. greed in portfolio decisions

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

Most pilots automate their 401(k) savings without thinking about it, but what about everything outside that one account? Scott breaks down how to automate savings into the other tax buckets that will actually give you flexibility, control, and lower taxes in retirement. Discover why diversifying how and where you save could be the smartest way to unlock more financial options down the road.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🤖 Automated Savings: why automation matters beyond the 401(k)

⚖️ Tax vs. Income: balancing today’s pain with tomorrow’s payoff

🪣 Tax Buckets: Roth, pre-tax, and taxable accounts explained

💼 After-Tax Accounts: why every pilot needs one

📈 Lifestyle Creep: capturing raises through automated increases

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

In this episode, Scott breaks down the Delta Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plan, showing how it differs from a traditional 401(k) and how you can strategically use it to manage your taxes and retirement income. He explains the eligibility rules, contribution limits, and how to decide if this plan fits into your overall retirement strategy. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of both the benefits and risks, so you can make informed decisions for your financial future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

✅ Eligibility: Who qualifies for the Delta NQDC plan 

💸 Contribution Limits: Key differences from 401(k)

💰 Tax Benefits: How this can be used as a strategic tax planning tool for some

⚠️Risk Considerations: The potential impact if Delta faces financial issues

📅 Enrollment Period: How annual enrollment gives you control over your deferrals

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

When the market feels unstoppable, it’s easy to wonder if now’s the time to invest or sit tight and wait for the next drop. In this episode, Scott explains what it really means when the market is “scary good” and how to stay grounded when emotions run high. Are you approaching retirement or just getting started? This episode will help you see through the hype and stick to your long-term plan.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📊 Market Emotions: how excitement and fear drive poor decisions

💡 Smart Strategy: what to do (and not do) when markets hit record highs

📰 Noise vs. Reality: why headlines don’t tell the full investment story

📈 Long-Term Focus: keeping perspective through cycles and corrections

⏳ Opportunity Cost: the danger of waiting on the sidelines too long

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

Bonds used to be the ‘boring’ part of a portfolio. They were considered safe, steady, and not very exciting. But with yields at multi-decade highs, a lot of people are asking: Is now the time to give bonds a bigger role in your investment strategy? Scott explains how to think about bonds in today’s market, the difference between owning debt and owning equity, and why the timing of when you’ll need your money matters most. Bonds can provide income, balance, and peace of mind, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Before you ‘go all in,’ make sure the mix fits your long-term plan.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💵 Bonds 101: What they are and how they really work

📉 Interest Rate Risk: Why bond prices move when rates change

⏳Timing Matters: When will you need the money?

⚠️ Risk Tolerance: Matching your temperament to your investments

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

Most people know their 401(k) is key to retirement, but few understand how each account type affects their taxes and long-term flexibility. This episode breaks down the differences between pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions, helping you see how each fit into your overall strategy. Scott also shares how small shifts today can lead to major savings later. Tune in to make sure you’re using your 401(k) to its fullest potential!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💰401(k) Basics: What it really is and how it works

🧾 Tax Buckets Explained: Pre-tax, after-tax, and Roth differences

🤝Employer Contributions: How airline auto-contributions work

✈️ Pilot-Specific Insight: Tailored planning for higher earners

⏳ Catch-Up Rules: Maximizing contributions after age 50

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ

If having two financial advisors sounds like double the wisdom, think again. In this episode, Scott explains why splitting your money between multiple advisors can actually create confusion, gaps, and unnecessary risk in your financial plan. Using pilot and cockpit analogies, he breaks down how conflicting advice, overlapping investments, and missing coordination can lead to turbulence in your retirement strategy. Scott shares how one coordinated plan, one clear strategy, and one trusted advisor can bring the clarity and confidence your financial journey needs.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💬 The challenge of conflicting advice and communication 

🧩 Why your financial “puzzle” needs one complete picture

🧾 The importance of financial simplicity and organization

⚖️ Fiduciary duty and conflicts of interest 

Resources:

Our website: https://pilotmoneyguy.com/

Phone: (419) 314-4139

Schedule an introductory call: http://callosborn.com/

Get your copy of “Cleared to Retire:” https://pilotmoneyguy.com/toolkit/

Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hNGqqVjqgtuoYZlu9i4yQ