Financial Flight Plan Podcast

If you've ever felt uncertain about what your investment strategy should look like, especially in today's rapidly changing economic landscape, you are absolutely not alone. One of the most common questions Brie hears from clients is: “Should I just invest in index funds and ride it out?” or “Should someone be adjusting my portfolio as the market shifts?” Today's episode is going to help you answer that question.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

It's been a volatile month. And if you're feeling the pressure, you're not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we've lived through before. In this episode, we look at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today's chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what's next.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Lately, headlines have been filled with news about federal employees- layoffs, uncertainty, and growing concerns, especially for those nearing retirement. If you're feeling anxious about what's ahead, you're not alone. In this episode, we're diving into what's happening, what you need to be aware of, and how you can prepare. Brie and the team at Estes Financial specialize in working with federal employees, and they're here to offer insights, guidance, and reassurance.    Federal Employee Initial Meeting https://calendly.com/federal-employees   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice, Tim Estes, CEO of Estes Financial and former American Airlines Captain. It's been a difficult year for the American Airlines community, and today, Tim shares his perspective on the challenges facing the aviation industry in 2025. From tragic losses to financial uncertainty and industry-wide furloughs, this episode will provide essential advice for aviation employees and their families on how to prepare for uncertain times ahead.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Did you know most Americans retire earlier than planned, often due to unexpected health issues, job changes, or financial surprises? These challenges can force people out of work early, leaving them unprepared for decades of retirement. In this episode, we'll explore recent research highlighting the importance of planning for early retirement, even if it's not in your current plans.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

We're quickly approaching the end of the year, and, as always, there are some items to take care of from a financial planning standpoint. Before we turn the calendar over to the new year, let's talk about 5 to-dos to put on your checklist for the year-end.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it's time to talk. Listen to this episode where we'll explore why it's so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retirement futures. We'll cover exactly what you need to discuss, and how to handle any disagreements.   This episode was recorded on 9/11, a day that holds deep meaning for many. Brie also shares her personal story as the daughter of a pilot flying that day and remembers those who lost their lives or loved ones.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! But what does this mean for you? How does the process work, and who should be paying close attention? In this episode, we'll break down everything you need to know about navigating this crucial period.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Imagine retiring comfortably on just $42 per month—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it's exactly the assertion you might have seen in the headline of a recent article online. So today, we'll dive into the sensational claim and uncover what it really takes to build your retirement nest egg.   Article: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/buying-stocks/articles/you-can-retire-on-4167-a-month-if-you-do-these-2-things/   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

One of the more exciting parts of the retirement planning process is dreaming about the lifestyle you want to enjoy. For many retirees, travel is a big part of that vision. However, budgeting for trips in retirement isn't quite the same as when you're working and can count on regular paychecks to replenish your bank account. So, how do we factor in your dream vacations when crafting a retirement plan? We'll “pack” all that great information into this episode and even share a few tips for making the most of your travel budget!   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it's also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end. So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We're going to walk you through the fundamentals in today's episode, covering health insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and more.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we'll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today's retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in this digital era, all from the perspective of a seasoned financial professional.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

401(k)s have changed a lot since the beginning of the game and many of them have a powerful tool that not many people know about. Join us in today's episode as we shed light on this often-overlooked feature within the 401(k) community and explore its potential benefits. And make sure to stick around until the end, where Brie helps a listener think about his retirement options!   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Sometimes it's hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we're back to talk more about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards…   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Sometimes it's hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we'll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards…   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-saving opportunities, and even touching on the often-overlooked emotional aspects of this pivotal life transition.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

In a digital world filled with evolving cyber threats, protecting your financial well-being has never been more crucial. In today's episode, we're going to take you through a checklist of some important issues to be aware of when it comes to cyber security. Tune in for some invaluable tips and best practices for protecting yourself against threats to your financial future.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways to utilize those funds.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

There are some people who don't care at all about leaving a financial legacy, but for those who do, it's important to eliminate some of the common estate planning mistakes. In this episode, we cover topics ranging from poor expense planning to outdated beneficiary designations and family conflict triggers. We also shed light on some misconceptions about transferring real estate and explain the impact of tax implications on your estate. If you want to leave a legacy without regret or legal turmoil, this episode is a great starting point.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Get ready for part two of our Retirement Cash Flow series! This time, we're diving into the income side of the equation. In part one, we tackled the ins and outs of your expenses in retirement. Now, it's all about understanding the crucial role of income analysis. We'll uncover the secrets of guaranteed income versus the uncertain stuff and shed light on the consequences of retiring without a clear income plan. Don't worry if you're feeling lost - we've got your back with practical solutions and expert guidance. Tune in and take charge of your retirement cash flow!   Episode Resources:  www.brokercheck.com www.advisorinfo.sec.gov   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

In this episode, we'll explore many of the expenses in your life that might drastically change (one way or another) in retirement. We'll break those expenses down further to see which ones are the top priorities and analyze some of the other factors that impact your cash flow in retirement.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

In the complex world of retirement planning, there are countless pitfalls one could fall into. In this episode, we've distilled it down to what we believe are the top 5 mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these crucial missteps can have a significant impact on the success of your retirement plan. So, join us as we delve into these key issues and learn how to navigate them effectively when it's your turn to plan for retirement. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Have you ever wondered if the Social Security system will run out of money before you retire? Or if claiming benefits as soon as you're eligible is the best decision for your financial future? In this episode, we'll be debunking common myths about Social Security and answering the questions you've been curious about. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Are you preparing for retirement but feeling confident that you have covered all the expenses? Well, think again... It turns out that many retirees overlook some crucial expenses that can leave them financially vulnerable. In this episode, we explore the retirement expenses that most people tend to forget, including skyrocketing medical bills, unexpected travel costs, taxes, and much more. We'll discuss practical tips and strategies to help you plan for these expenses and ensure a secure and comfortable retirement. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

The debt ceiling has been a big story in the news lately, so we wanted to discuss this item and how it could potentially impact your retirement. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

After being discussed in Congress for nearly a year and a half, the SECURE Act 2.0 has been passed. Let's see what we need to know. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Saving in your 401(k) can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But because it's so easy and painless, it can also be easy to ignore for long periods of time, which often leads to mistakes. We'll cover at least the top 5 mistakes people make in their 401(k)s Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Let's explore some of the things you should be thinking about to make smart financial decisions when you encounter some of the most significant events in your life. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Just like the lights on your dashboard can indicate if something is wrong with your car (like low tire pressure or leaking oil), there are indicators in your financial life that might point out that you have a problem that needs to be addressed... Important Links: Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/next-change-is-inevitable-growth-is-optional/202208/the-psychological-investment-in-retirement Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

We always talk about the money side of financial and retirement planning. But what about the mental aspect of that big life change? Today we'll break down an article written by a Licensed Professional Counselor (Kate Schroeder) for Psychology Today, titled The Psychological Investment In Retirement. Important Links: Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/next-change-is-inevitable-growth-is-optional/202208/the-psychological-investment-in-retirement Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

A recent article in The Hill paints the EARN Act (Enhancing American Retirement Now), the Senate's version of the House's Secure Act 2.0 bill, in a negative light as primarily a tool to give a tax break to rich Americans in a way that ultimately adds to the national deficit and only circumvents problems instead of solving them. We'll breakdown the article on today's episode and share our opinion on what it gets right, and wrong. Important Links: Article: https://thehill.com/policy/finance/3534883-senate-retirement-bill-benefits-wealthy-americans/ Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Do you know what red flags, but also some good signs, to be on the lookout for when you're searching for an advisor to work with as you prepare for retirement? On this episode, we'll give you some red flags to be aware of, teach you how to spot them, and illustrate the difference between an advisor who does the bare minimum versus one who goes above and beyond to work in your best interests. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

On this episode, we will be discussing some new changes coming to TSPs and what this can mean for you. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

There are certain age milestones where you should really pay attention to your retirement planning progress. On this episode, we'll look at the most important birthdays as you approach retirement and cover the exact things you should be checking off your to-do list at each age. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Most people, when trying to plan their retirement, have to guess about the answers to some important questions. Let's talk about some of those questions and why you need to have a better answer than just a guess. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Some people feel that they'll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still others just don't know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let's talk about some reasons that you might need an advisor. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Droves of workers are retiring early or taking a break from work as they change career paths. It's become known as The Great Resignation. On this episode, we'll highlight some of the key takeaways of a recent Forbes article and explore a lot of the impacts on retirement planning from across different age groups in the wake of this massive workplace shift that's underway. Important Links: Forbes Article: https://bit.ly/3rnoupG Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Maybe you're close to retirement and think you don't have nearly enough money saved. But let's talk about some reasons that the news might not be as bad as you think. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

With the vaccine mandate set to take effect for Federal employees in November, we wanted to help you understand what this could mean for your employment and how it might impact your retirement plans. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

If you've ever ridden the subway in London, you've probably seen the “Mind the Gap” signs warning you to be aware of the gap between the train door and the station platform. Let's talk today about minding the gaps in retirement planning. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

It's time to peel back the curtain a little bit to learn about your financial advisor. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

The SECURE Act became law at the beginning of 2020 and created some significant differences in how people should plan for retirement. And while it's not law yet, there's a SECURE Act 2.0 on the horizon that could very likely become law before the end of the year. Let's talk about some of the provisions and why they could be important. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

If you're of the age that your mom and dad retired 20 or 30 years ago, the world was a much different place when they walked away from their paychecks. Let's talk about how things are different now. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

It makes sense that the way we plan for retirement is largely influenced by what we think retirement is like or all about. So, let’s take a look at how various people across the US describe retirement and see how that might shape the retirement planning process. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Last week we delivered the bad news first and went over the cons of the TSP. But on this week's show, we bring you the good news and discuss 3 pros of the TSP. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

We spend a lot of time on the podcast talking about federal employees and their retirement plans. They have access to different investment vehicles that other workers are not able to participate in. We talk about the TSP, or Thrift Savings Plan on today's show. It's similar to a 401(k), but there are specific stipulations that are not necessarily efficient. We will address the cons of the TSP today and Brie will give her advice on how to maneuver through some of the rules. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Planning for retirement is no easy task. There are many instances where a small decision you make can leave a lasting impact for your whole retirement. This can be even more difficult for federal employees who have a lot of special nuances to their planning. We take a look at 3 of the most common mistakes Brie sees in her practice and some proactive steps you may be able to take to avoid these for your retirement. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

The presidential inauguration has finally passed us and we have a new president in the White House. This has caused some people to panic and feel like the stock market is going to crash any day now. But if we take a step back and look at the market from a macro perspective, this is just another blip on the radar that will pass. Today Brie looks at some historical data with how the markets reacted to previous elections and why there is no need to panic. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402