Why do airlines struggle to make money even when planes are full? In this episode, we unpack the surprising economics behind one of the world's most essential yet fragile industries. From razor-thin profit margins to the ripple effects of global shocks like COVID-19, you'll learn why airlines operate on such precarious financial ground and what it takes for them to stay in the air.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/ypwpywzf

What do the new Secure Act 2.0 rules mean for Roth contributions and retirement planning in 2025? In this episode, we explore what pilots and high-income earners need to know about Roth catch-up contributions, required Roth designations, and the risks of in-plan Roth conversions. You'll also learn how these changes may impact your taxes, your long-term retirement savings, and the best ways to prepare now.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/2f6srj8e

What actually makes for a happy, fulfilling retirement? Is it all about the numbers, or is there more to the story? In this episode, Dr. Michael Finke—professor, researcher, and one of the most respected voices in retirement planning—shares his groundbreaking research on what truly drives satisfaction in retirement. Drawing from decades of data, interviews, and insights from retirees themselves, Dr. Finke uncovers the three essential pillars of a rewarding life after work.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/bwvxsd69

What exactly is private equity, and why is it suddenly being linked to your 401(k)? In this episode, we break down the recent executive order that directs the Department of Labor to explore ways of including private equity in retirement plans. You'll learn what sets private equity apart from the public markets you're familiar with, why it excites some investors, and why others aren't as enthusiastic.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/39xt6s9c

How can you avoid running out of money in retirement and still live the life you want? In this episode, we break down the most important strategies for sustainable retirement spending. You'll learn how retirement spending actually works in real life and why your financial plan needs to adjust as your lifestyle and health change over time. Whether you're a do-it-yourself planner or prefer to delegate, you'll walk away with practical steps for knowing your expenses, stress-testing your plan, and creating a retirement strategy that helps you spend confidently without fear of running out.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/c2r2hsp9

Is Social Security really running out of money, or is that just a headline meant to scare you? In this episode, we cut through the noise to uncover the truth about its future, its viability, and how it actually works. You'll learn how to separate political fear tactics from the facts, why the "trust fund bankruptcy" story isn't the whole picture, and how your claiming strategy could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars gained or lost over your lifetime.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4cr6bm56

Are you wondering what the sweeping changes brought by the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) are? In this episode, we break down the new legislation, providing a clear overview of how it impacts individual income taxes, business provisions, and specific deductions. We'll explain the intricacies of standard deductions, the nuances of phase-outs (and why they're usually bad news!), and the critical updates to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdfkfk8k

What do you do when your aging parent needs care, but you live across the country and don't know where to start? In this episode, Casey Rausin, RN, CCM, and CEO of HOMECAREceo Forum, joins the show to help answer that question. With decades of experience in advanced aging and lifecare planning, Casey breaks down how her team acts like a "healthcare advisor," helping families proactively manage aging-related care before it becomes a crisis. You'll learn why executive functioning is often the first red flag in elderly decline, why it's critical to know your parents' care team (just like you'd know their financial advisor or attorney), and how to approach care from a preventative, not reactive, mindset.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/mw2j9fyn

Is Medicare more confusing than it should be? If you're nearing retirement or thinking about leaving your job early, the healthcare piece can feel overwhelming and expensive. In this episode, we sit down with Cole Craven, co-founder of Move Health, to demystify the complexities of Medicare, healthcare costs, and early retirement planning. Listen in to learn how to time your enrollment correctly, what your healthcare options are if you want to retire before 65. and more.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/3v67de6s

Does the phrase "long-term care" make you cringe? If so, you're not alone, but it's something we all need to think about eventually. In this episode, we sit down with Amy Arnett, VP of Insurance Solutions at DPL Financial Partners, who brings 36 years of experience in the insurance world to help us understand the evolving landscape of long-term care options. Listen in to learn why insurance isn't all or nothing anymore and how you can now tailor coverage to your needs and budget.

Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement!

You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/k4c9wv6u