The Pilot’s Advisor Podcast

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Financial and retirement planning guidance from pilot and financial advisor Ryan Fleming. The show will help you figure out how to take your financial plan from takeoff to landing with smooth sailing along the journey.

Ryan Fleming


    • Feb 19, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 203 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Pilot’s Advisor Podcast

    Financial Lessons from a Snow Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 23:58


    FedEx Pension, Windfalls, and the Pilot's Legacy Playbook

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 44:35


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Demystifying Backdoor Roth IRAs with Zach Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 15:34


    I'm 62: Should I File For Social Security Or Wait?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 8:10


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Am I Behind in My Retirement Savings? Here's What You Can Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 12:17


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Should You Have More Than One Financial Advisor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 14:46


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Southwest's New NEC Roth Option: What Pilots Must Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 11:51


    2025 Year In Review: What Actually Mattered for Your Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 19:09


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Cash Balance Plan or HRA? A Tough Call for United Pilots

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 14:14


    The 5 Retirement Questions Smart People Ask

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 20:15


    Why Better Questions Build Better Retirements

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 20:44


    American Airlines Market-Based Cash Balance Plan: Should AA Pilots Opt-In?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 17:48


    The Airline Pilot's Hidden Tax Problem: Avoid a Massive RMD Shock

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 39:25


    Flying Through Inflation: What Pilots Should Know About Mortgages and Interest Rates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 34:16


    Fuzzy Math Is Sabotaging Your Financial Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 18:59


    If I Won't Live to 90, Should I Claim Social Security Early?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 13:14


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Delta's New Deferred Comp Plan: Smart Move or Tax Trap?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 19:31


    5 Signs Pilots Might Be Richer Than They Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 21:51


    What To Know About The “First Year Rule” Of Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 17:03


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Long-Term Bullish, Short-Term Noise: A Market Reality Check

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 13:53


    Does Dave Ramsey's 9-Step Retirement Plan Work for Pilots?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 18:31


    Gen X Pilots, It's Your Time To Think About Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 21:05


    Rethink Your Thinking: The Case for Whole Life Insurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 39:53


    The Truth About Today's Mortgage Market with Kelly Phillips

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 24:13


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    Autopilot to Retirement? What Pilots Need to Know About Target-Date Funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 12:24


    Unlock Refunds Using 2025 Solar Credits with Ed Lyon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 21:23


    What Pilots Miss About Money Discipline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 7:02


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    What Pilots Miss About Money Discipline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 15:25


    Mailbag: Trading Options? Think Again, Captain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 14:12


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way! 

    No Empty Nest in Sight? How Pilots Can Still Land a Smooth Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 11:42


    Mailbag: Should You Sell Inherited Land to Pay Off Your Mortgage?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 7:08


    ✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

    The 4% Rule Just Changed—What That Means for Your Flight Plan to Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 12:55


    The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let's be honest, it's always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? In this episode, Ryan explores the implications of the updated withdrawal rate, highlighting the crucial caveats that may make or break your retirement strategy. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    War, Rates & Real Estate—Plus Smart Money Moves for New Grads

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 18:40


    In this episode, Ryan delivers a “pilot report,” offering a timely look at today's economic turbulence. From global conflict and rising interest rates to inflation pressure and a shifting housing market, Ryan explains how these forces are shaping your financial flight path, and what adjustments you might need to stay on course. Ryan also shares practical, down-to-earth financial advice, especially geared toward young adults, recent grads, or anyone feeling a bit behind. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    A Market Strategy for Pilots With Type A Personalities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 16:26


    Today we're talking about Type A personalities. If you're driven, competitive, and goal-oriented then you're part of the club that often struggles during difficult markets. When things get tough, your instinct is to work harder, push more, and fix the problem. But in investing, that instinct can sometimes backfire. In this episode, Ryan explains why Type A pilots, used to control, precision, and quick decisions, can be their own worst enemies when markets get volatile. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Why The Psychology of Money Says Your Emotions Matter More Than Math

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 21:44


    Today, Ryan's taking us through some of the key concepts of The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. This book isn't just about money strategies. It's about why we make the choices we make, even when they don't seem to make sense. You might find that your mindset is a bigger advantage than any investment tip. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Is It Bad to Leave My 401(k) Where It Is?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 10:41


    If you've recently changed jobs, chances are your old 401(k) is still sitting right where you left it – out of sight and out of mind – and it could potentially cost you. In this episode, Ryan answers a question from a pilot who recently made the jump to a major airline and wants to know if he should roll over his old 401(k) or leave it where it is. Ryan breaks down the pros and cons of keeping the 401(k) with a former employer versus moving it into an IRA, and what smart investors should consider before making the call. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Mailbag: Market Crashes, Corrections, and Staying Calm

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 12:28


    The market's been shaky and pilots are wondering how the volatility impacts their retirement and investment decisions. In this special mailbag edition of the show, we'll answer real questions from aviators facing turbulence in their retirement plans. Whether they're near retirement, sitting on cash, or watching everything dip at once, today's questions all circle one theme: how do I respond when markets get rocky? Join us for guidance on how to chart a steady course. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Spring Cleaning for Your Finances: A Marie Kondo Approach to Money

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 16:47


    Spring is in the air and for some, that means it's time for spring cleaning. Marie Kondo is considered an expert in tidying and decluttering, and wrote the book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” In today's episode, Ryan brings a Marie Kondo-inspired approach to finances, helping you declutter, get organized, and let go of what no longer “sparks joy.” Here's what we cover in this episode:

    I Went to the New York Stock Exchange - Here's What I Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 13:58


    Ryan just got back from the New York Stock Exchange, and he's sharing what it was like to stand on the floor during the iconic closing bell. Go behind the scenes to learn more about the modern trading environment, one that's quieter, more high-tech, and dominated by algorithms. Ryan discusses what percentage of trades are now executed by computers, and what that means for volatility, investor behavior, and long-term planning. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    What the Greats Say About Market Crashes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 15:01


    When the market is crashing, it's easy to feel like you're the only one who's ever felt this anxious. But the truth is, some of the greatest investors in history have lived through chaos, and they left behind wisdom that still applies today. In this episode, Ryan responds to wisdom from experts like Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, and Jack Bogle to remind us how to think, act, and stay grounded when everything feels uncertain. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    April Fool's: Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 19:15


    April Fool's Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we're uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves. Ryan unpacks the financial “pranks” people may fall for—from too-good-to-be-true returns to myths about Social Security, taxes, and healthcare in retirement. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Bracket Picks and Stock Myths

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 22:32


    When it comes to investing, are you picking winners or just playing favorites? In this episode, Ryan breaks down how our emotional biases, gut instincts, and misplaced confidence can sabotage even the best financial intentions. Using bracket-building and sports betting as a metaphor, Ryan explores how chasing individual stocks is a lot like guessing tournament upsets: unpredictable, addictive, and often disappointing. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Retirement Lessons From The Masters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 17:34


    What does Augusta National have in common with your retirement plan? A lot more than you think. Ryan uses the game of golf—and the iconic Masters Tournament—as a powerful metaphor for achieving retirement success. We drive into key takeaways, like why consistency leads to better retirement results as opposed to risking it all for a “hole-in-one” and how diversification is just like using a full set of clubs. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Market Shoots Up on 90-Day Pause on Tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 7:56


    If there's ever been a great example of why you stay invested and avoid trying to time the market, it would be these recent market movements from tariff news. After days of sharp declines, the announcement that there will be a 90-day pause on tariffs for 75 countries and increased pressure on China led to an instantaneous pop upwards. In this quick update, we'll discuss how emotional decision-making can derail a portfolio and the hidden risks of going to cash. Every day of big gains or sharp losses is a reminder of the power of discipline and the cost of hesitation. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Markets Plunge on Trump Tariff News – How Should You Invest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 9:54


    The news of Trump's tariffs has caused global markets to go into a tailspin, and that means panic has started to set in for many investors. Seeing red numbers across your portfolio is never easy, but what if you saw this as an incredible opportunity rather than a time to get out of the market? Today we'll talk about how long-term investors can use these dips as a chance to increase contributions and take advantage of short-term volatility. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Is 2025 A Bad Time To Retire?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 12:17


    Is 2025 a bad year to retire? With headlines swirling about market volatility, federal layoffs, and a possible recession, it's a question many pre-retirees—especially pilots—are asking. If you were targeting this year for a retirement date, let's find out if Ryan thinks pilots should still retire or put their plans on hold. Here's what we cover in this episode:

    Market Corrections: Panic or Opportunity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 8:21


    With markets off to a volatile start in 2025, many investors are feeling uneasy. But should you be worried? Ryan took a break during a recent trip to an advisor conference to share some thoughts on the recent market pullback, explaining why it's normal, healthy, and even an opportunity for long-term investors. If you're concerned about the latest market turbulence, please reach out and let's have a discussion.   Here's what we cover in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 – Fear and greed 3:27 – Buying opportunity 5:51 – It's like flying Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com   Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/   Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/   The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2

    Should You Stay in Cash or Keep Investing in Your 401k?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 11:39


    The thought of a market crash will often make investors rethink their portfolio and move into cash. That's what one American Airlines pilot reached out to us about recently. He has concerns about the market so half of his 401K is in cash, but now he wants to know when he should start investing it again. Today we're going to answer that question and have a broader discussion about the risks of trying to time the market. Here's what we cover in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 0:32 – Today's question 2:50 – Changes as you approach retirement 7:22 – How investing has evolved 8:45 – Conservative doesn't equal safe   Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com   Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/   Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/   The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2

    Financial Lessons from the Past 6 Months & Early 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 11:42


    We haven't lacking headlines over the past six months but the craziness can provide some valuable lessons for investors. In this episode, we take a closer look at the recent fluctuations in the financial markets and the emotional responses of investors during turbulent times. Understanding the purpose of your investments is crucial. Many investors fall into the trap of reacting impulsively to headlines, often overlooking the bigger picture of their financial goals. By focusing on long-term strategies, you can mitigate the emotional turmoil that often accompanies market fluctuations. Here's what we cover in this episode: 0:00 – Looking back on 2024 1:00 – Bumpy start to 2025 2:12 – Emotional reactions 4:30 – Maintaining a long-term view 6:29 – The best investors 8:58 – Understanding the market   Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/ The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2  

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