The Wealthy Pilot's Podcast: Financial Flight Controls for Today's Commercial Airline Pilots

The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) is here, and with it comes tax updates that could shape your financial strategy for years to come. In this episode, Scott and Marc break it all down in clear, practical terms: what stays, what changes, and what it means for pilots, high earners, and retirees alike. But here’s the catch: many of these changes are temporary, so smart planning now could make a big difference later.

Here’s some of what we di...

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, this episode explores what independence truly looks like in retirement, beyond fireworks and freedom. Scott dives into five core areas of independence that every retiree (or future retiree) should be aiming for as they prepare for life after work. It's not just about having enough money, but having control, peace of mind, and a plan that works.

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

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Estate planning is something we all know we should do, but it’s often pushed to the bottom of the list. In this episode, Scott shares a heartbreaking real-life story: a close friend’s brother died suddenly at 42. Recently divorced, with two young sons and no estate plan in place, the aftermath was a painful legal tangle. It’s a tragic example of what happens when planning is left undone, and how the people you love end up bearing t...

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?

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

📏 Why the 4% rule became the “default” retirement plannin...

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one? 

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

🧭 Why defaulting to a target-date fund could misalign with your goals

📉 How these funds reduce risk—but possibly too early or too much

⚠️ The hi...

A little hope is good for the soul, but when it comes to retirement planning, wishful thinking can lead to serious financial mistakes. Today, Scott’s walking through five common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly damage your retirement, and how you can build a plan that protects your future instead of relying on luck.

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

🧾 A major tax myth you need to face

🏠 Does cost of living...

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, Scott breaks down the challenges Type A investors face when market volatility strikes and why a hig...

We’ve all heard that Americans don’t save enough for retirement, but what if the opposite is true for you? Can you save too much? In this episode, Scott tackles a surprising but important question raised by a listener: “Are we over-saving at the expense of living now?” As an airline professional, it can be easy to feel like you’re doing too little, or maybe even too much. This conversation helps you find the balance.

Here’s some of ...

Recession fears are back in the headlines, but should they be back in your financial plan, too? We’re in the middle of earnings season and data is coming in, so Scott will tackle the question: Are we heading for a recession? 

With shrinking GDP, rising inflation, and uncertain interest rate moves by the Fed, we’ll try to decipher what the latest economic signals really mean and discuss how investors should think about their portfoli...

In part two of this special Masters series, Scott takes us to the “back nine”- the final stretch of retirement planning where pressure builds and smart decisions matter most. From avoiding risky plays in your 50s and 60s to understanding how emotions can derail your strategy, Scott lays out what it really means to finish strong.

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

⛳ Why “Amen Corner” = age 50+ in your financial life

🎯 Avo...

The Masters is a beautiful reminder of just how much strategy, patience, and long-term focus goes into a great round of golf. Turns out, retirement works a lot like the game. Today, we’re teeing up a few key lessons from the course and how they translate into smarter planning for your financial future.

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

⛳ What golf teaches us about investing

⚠️ Avoiding overconfidence after short-term win...

Plenty of people have concerns about stock market volatility, a potential recession on the horizon, and fears for the economy amidst federal layoffs and tariffs. What if you’ve had 2025 marked on the calendar for a while as the year you plan to retire? Is this a bad time to do it?

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

0:00 – Intro

2:08 – Headline response to market

3:49 – Sequence of returns risk

6:19 – Different market sector...

What if you could become your own banker and take control of the way you finance your life? Today we’re excited to welcome on Brian Moody and Hans Tooey of Remnant Finance to explore the Infinite Banking Concept- a financial strategy designed to help you protect, save, and grow your wealth without relying on traditional banks.

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

0:00 – Intro

1:00 – Background on our guests

4:50 – The Infini...

Thinking about starting a side gig? Many pilots explore side hustles like real estate or passion projects, but how do these extra income streams impact retirement planning? Are there tax advantages you should be taking advantage of? And how can you ensure your side hustle is working for you, not creating extra stress?

In this episode, Scott breaks down the impact of side gigs on your long-term financial plan. We’ll discuss the most ...

If you’ve spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? Scott works with a lot of highly skilled, intelligent professionals. So, for someone like this, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value?

In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they’re probably fine on t...

The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy?

In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the backstory of tariffs- what they are, why governments impose them, and the historical context of them. We’ll also break down the new tariffs t...

Valentine’s season is all about love, but let’s be honest, money plays a huge role in any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting out, financial stress can put a strain on even the strongest partnerships. So, how do you talk about money without killing the romance?

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the questions every couple should ask about finances and retirement. 

Here’s some of what we discu...

Whether it's for a home remodel, a major purchase, or just to cover unexpected expenses, where should you turn for cash when you need it? In today’s episode, Scott breaks down the three primary avenues for obtaining cash: 401(k) loans, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), and personal loans. 

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each option and what pilots should keep in mind before borrowing. As always, be sure to consult a qua...

Should you own airline stock? With the airline industry experiencing a rollercoaster of performance this past year alone, it’s an interesting question to discuss. In this week’s episode, Scott and Marc explore the complexities of investing in airline stocks and how emotional biases can influence investment decisions. 

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

0:00 – Intro

2:24 – Company bias and emotional investing

6:47...