Pilot’s Portfolio

In this episode, Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, discusses the newly signed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), breaking down the key tax changes and how they'll directly affect your bottom line. Tim explains the impact of maintaining current tax brackets, the increased standard deduction, and significant enhancements to State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions. He covers new provisions for charitable deductions, expanded chil...

In this final episode of the Loss of Medical series, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® turns the spotlight on United Airlines. Tim offers a full breakdown of United’s disability coverage—from how benefits are calculated to the contractual caps and offsets that impact long-term payouts. He also reviews the ALPA supplement options, including monthly add-ons and a lump sum feature. 

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• United’s D...

In this episode of Pilot’s Portfolio, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® continues the Loss of Medical series with a deep dive into what happens if a Southwest Airlines pilot loses their medical. Tim outlines why Southwest’s program may be the most pilot-friendly of all the majors, including generous long-term disability benefits, a built-in COLA, a flexible tax election, and the unique “new hire bridge” benefit for newer pilots. If you fly for...

In this detailed solo episode of Pilot’s Portfolio, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® walks Delta pilots through everything they need to know if they lose their medical and can’t fly. From contractual long-term disability benefits and the Delta Pilots Mutual Aid (DPMA) program to ALPA’s voluntary insurance options, Tim explains how to layer your benefits, understand offsets, and evaluate your real financial protection. This episode is packed w...

In this special episode of Pilot's Portfolio, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® sits down once again with Kevin Walker, CEO of Beacon Relocation, to break down current trends in the housing market that every pilot should be paying attention to. From shifting interest rates to buyer leverage, Tim and Kevin discuss what has changed since the last real estate conversation and how pilots can take advantage of current conditions. Plus, Tim sha...

In this focused solo episode, Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, breaks down what happens if an American Airlines pilot loses their medical and becomes unable to fly. Tim reviews the employer-provided long-term disability plan, the union-sponsored POD and PMA supplements, and how pilots can combine these for up to 90% of pre-disability income. From elimination periods to taxation choices and income offsets, this episode equips you with the kno...

In this episode of Pilot’s Portfolio, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® shares practical strategies for building financial resilience in volatile times. Drawing parallels between aviation safety and financial planning, Tim explains how pilots can strengthen their financial "redundancy" to absorb unexpected challenges like airline slowdowns, downgrades, or health setbacks. Whether you're buying a home, saving for retirement, or t...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, and John Engel, COO of Gulf Coast Western, as they discuss strategic investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector that could help high-earning pilots. This episode offers an insider look into tax benefits and how to leverage investments to offset high W2 incomes and to secure tax advantaged future income. Dive deep into the mechanics of oil investments and learn how to navigate this market with ind...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, in a profoundly important episode of Pilot's Portfolio, where he tackles the uncomfortable yet crucial topic of estate and financial planning for pilots. With a recent tragic aviation incident as a backdrop, Tim highlights the necessity of being prepared for unforeseen events. This discussion is not just about planning for growth and success but ensuring stability and security for your loved ones.

Wh...

In this insightful solo episode, Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, explores how pilots can maintain command over their personal finances amidst market turbulence and external economic factors. Tim emphasizes the importance of focusing on what pilots can control in their financial planning, from responding to market conditions to proactive financial strategies. Join Tim as he guides you through managing the uncertainties of the financial world...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, and Kevin Walker, CEO of Beacon Relocation as they discuss real estate benefits specifically tailored for pilots and air traffic controllers. Recorded shortly after the PSA and army helicopter crash, this episode acknowledges the recent tragedy. This episode focuses on financial savings in real estate transactions for pilots and air traffic controllers. Kevin shares his decades of experience in real esta...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, in this informative episode of Pilot's Portfolio as he discusses the latest updates and changes in retirement contributions for pilots. Tim discusses the implications of increased contribution limits and how these adjustments can impact your financial planning. Additionally, he shares an IRS provision that bugs him concerning retirement savings. Tim invites listeners to share their feedback, what do...

Welcome to "Pilot's Portfolio" formerly known as the Pilot Money Podcast. 
In our inaugural episode of the new season and under a new banner, Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, reintroduces the show with fresh insights and a renewed focus. As we begin a new year of financial planning for professional pilots, Tim discusses the recent market results, the implications for your investments, and strategies to ensure you're n...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, as we soar through the most impactful moments of our inaugural season on the Pilot Money Podcast. This special episode compiles the best insights, advice, and discussions from the past year, featuring key financial strategies, listener favorites, and expert tips tailored for pilots. From navigating investments to planning for retirement and beyond, relive the highlights that have equipped our community t...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, as he dives into crucial year-end financial strategies that can significantly impact your financial health. As 2024 draws to a close, Tim emphasizes the importance of making timely decisions that utilize year-end financial opportunities like Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and charitable giving. Each of these strategies has specific deadlines and benefits, making them essential considerations for ...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, as he welcomes NMLS 2498573 Bobby Baker, an experienced aviator and mortgage specialist with Trident Home Loans, to the Pilot Money Podcast. In this episode Bobby shares his dual expertise in aviation and home financing, offering tailored mortgage solutions for pilots. Drawing from his unique background in both the military and commercial aviation, Bobby discusses how pilots can navigate the often-comple...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, as he explores what to expect during open enrollment, a key time for pilots to reassess and select their benefits for the upcoming year. As we approach the end of 2024, it's essential to make informed decisions that align with both your immediate needs and long-term financial goals. This episode provides a thorough breakdown of the various benefits available—from health insurance to legal benefits—a...

Join Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, in a special crossover episode from his appearance on the "Ready 4 Pushback" podcast, hosted by Nik Fialka, recorded on March 18, 2024. In this episode, Tim shares financial advice for pilots, particularly focusing on veterans transitioning to civilian aviation careers. Tim delves into the nuances of managing finances in such transitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and maximizi...

In this special episode of the Pilot Money Podcast, Timothy P. Pope, CFP®, focuses on the remarkable efforts of pilots providing disaster relief following Hurricane Helene. As the storm wreaked havoc from Florida to Virginia, causing unprecedented damage and displacement, the pilot community, led by Operation Airdrop, rallied to deliver essential aid to those hardest hit, particularly in Western North Carolina.

Timothy discusses the...