The Pilot’s Advisor Podcast

Hosted by Ryan Fleming

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Episodes

222

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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. We’ll teach both pilots and non-pilots what it takes to have a successful financial future. The Pilot’s Advisor Podcast® will answer your questions about 401(k)s, IRAs, taxes in retirement, long term care needs and much more.

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60 recent

August 13, 2026Episode 22045 min

FedEx Pilots: Don’t Spend That Lump Sum Until You Hear This

FedEx pilots are about to receive a significant lump sum, and what happens next could have a lasting impact on their financial future. In this episode, Ryan is joined by David Befort to discuss a strategy pilots may want to understand before that money gets spent, transferred, or committed elsewhere. A lump sum can disappear quickly, but the right strategy may allow it to keep working for years to come. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ✈️ September Lump Sum: FedEx pilots have an important decision ahead 🏦 Infinite Banking: IBC offers an alternative way to put a windfall to work 🛡️ Whole Life Insurance: Properly structured policies can provide guarantees, liquidity, and flexibility 📈 Long-Term Advantages: The goal is to keep more money working inside your financial system 📞 Next Steps: Education and individual planning come before implementation Resources for this episode: EY Article: https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/insurance/how-life-insurers-can-provide-differentiated-retirement-benefits Infinite Banking for Pilots by David Befort Infinite Banking for Pilots: Befort, Mr David: 9798320594668: Amazon.com: Books Connect with David: https://www.davidbefort.com/ www.ibc4pilots.com 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

August 6, 2026Episode 2184 min

Is Your Advisor Talking Over Your Head?

Ever felt like your advisor is speaking a different language? Ryan unpacks what to do when financial jargon gets in the way of understanding your money. He talks about why clear communication matters more than technical terminology and when it might be time to ask for clarification. or a second opinion. Tune in to find out if your advisor’s lingo is a red flag or just a translation issue. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🗣️ Clear Communication: Good advisors adapt to their audience 🖍️ Running Joke: Ryan keeps explanations simple and memorable 🔍 Second Opinion: Ongoing confusion may signal concern 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

July 30, 2026Episode 2174 min

How Much Money Is Too Much in the Bank?

Ever wonder if your “safe” cash is actually holding you back? In this episode, Ryan answers a listener’s question from a pilot who has built up $150,000 in cash but is hesitant to move it because of the security it provides. He explains the difference between liquidity and leaving too much money idle. Stick around to find out if your cash strategy is helping, or quietly hurting, your future. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💧 Liquid Security: Access matters without sacrificing growth 🏦 Checking Balance: Keep only monthly spending needs 📈 Emergency Funds: Long-term reserves may deserve investment 🔓 Liquid Accounts: Taxable investments remain easily accessible 🧰 Retirement Toolkit: Pilots can request planning resources 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

July 16, 2026Episode 21612 min

Dave Ramsey Says You Can Withdraw 8% - Here's What the Research Actually Says

✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way! 🎁 Grab your FREE Retirement Toolkit now → https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Dave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in personal finance. Millions of people have followed his advice out of debt and into savings. But when it comes to how much you should pull from your retirement accounts each year, Ramsey takes a position that some financial professionals find hard to get behind. Today, we break it down: what Dave says, what the research says, and what Ryan actually thinks. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ✈️ Pilot-Level Planning: Complex finances need tailored advice. 📉 Eight Percent Risk: Market averages ignore retirement volatility. 📊 Four Percent Rule: A conservative research-based starting point. 🎯 Custom Strategy: Pensions and spending needs matter. 🔥 Sequence Risk: Safe buckets protect during downturns Ramsey’s 8% Retirement Rule Sounds Nuts At First 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

July 7, 2026Episode 21515 min

Trump Accounts: Free Money or Financial Distraction?

✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way! 🎁 Grab your FREE Retirement Toolkit now → https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/ Trump Accounts are here, but are they really the best way to jump-start your child’s financial future? Ryan explains what these new 530A Trump Accounts are and how they stack up against other options. While the concept of teaching kids to invest early is powerful, Ryan questions whether these accounts are truly the most efficient tool for long-term planning. Before you rush to open one, find out if this is a savvy move or just overhyped “free money.” Here’s what we cover in this episode: 💰 Trump Accounts 101: What are they and how do they work? 🧾 Account Details: Rules, eligibility, and ownership 📈 Investment Choices: Comparing other savings vehicles 🛠️ Practical Steps: What parents should consider Trump Accounts: The Pilot’s Preflight Briefing: https://tinyurl.com/muwa6zrv https://trumpaccounts.gov 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

July 2, 2026Episode 21417 min

What Your 4th of July Traditions Can Teach You About Money

This year's Fourth of July carries a little extra weight as we celebrate 250 years of American independence, and that's worth a moment. But between the hot dogs, the parades, and the fireworks, we started thinking about how many of our favorite holiday traditions have a pretty natural financial parallel. So that's what Ryan’s doing today… and the comparisons might surprise you. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🎆 Market Volatility: Fireworks can be unpredictable 🌭 Emergency Funds: Be ready when life happens 🗽 Financial Freedom: Independence takes discipline 📈 Long-Term Investing: Avoid speculation and gambling 💰 Forced Savings: Consistency creates opportunity 🛫 Pilot Planning: Freedom through preparation 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

June 25, 2026Episode 21326 min

SDBAs vs. Target Date Funds – The 401K Mistake Most Pilots Make

If you're a pilot, there's a good chance your retirement savings are sitting in a target date fund you selected years ago and haven't thought about since. The problem is that the fund doesn't know anything about your pension, your spouse's income, your retirement timeline, or the unique challenges pilots face. In this episode, Ryan explores a little-known feature inside many 401(k) plans and shares research that may change the way you think about retirement planning. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 📉 DIY Penalty: The cost of going alone 🧠 Behavior Gap: Emotions hurt investor returns 💧 Cost Leaks: Small expenses compound over time ✈️ SDBAs Explained: More options inside your 401(k) 📋 Case Study: Personalized planning in action 🚀 Pilot Advantage: Retirement planning beyond average 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

June 18, 2026Episode 2129 min

In Your 50s & 60s? Here's What "Risk" Should Look Like Right Now

Many pilots assume that as retirement gets closer, they should automatically become more conservative with their investments. But according to Ryan, that's not always the right move. He explains why risk management has less to do with your age and more to do with your time horizon, income sources, and retirement goals. If you're trying to strike the right balance between growth, protection, and income planning, Ryan shares a valuable framework for thinking about risk. Here’s what we cover in this episode: ✈️ Risk Management: Matching risk to your situation 📅 Time Horizon: Why age isn't the deciding factor ⚖️ Asset Allocation: Finding the right balance 🚨 Common Mistakes: When being too conservative backfires 💰 Income Planning: Building retirement paychecks 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

June 11, 2026Episode 2117 min

What Does Smart Risk Actually Look Like in Your 30s & 40s?

Risk is unavoidable. The real question is whether the risk you're taking makes sense for where you are in life. In this episode, Ryan explores three common financial personalities among people in their 30s and 40s, and the steady contributor quietly building wealth over time. If you're trying to figure out whether you're taking too much risk—or not enough—Ryan offers a practical framework for evaluating where you stand and where you want to go. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🚀 Aggressive Investing: Why speculation isn't a strategy 💵 Playing It Too Safe: The hidden risk of cash 📈 Power of Compounding: Time is your greatest asset ⚖️ Finding Balance: Taking risk with a purpose ✈️ Pilot Perspective: Why discipline beats prediction 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

June 4, 2026Episode 21019 min

Maverick, Goose, and the Financial Danger Zone

It's summer and nothing says summer quite like Tom Cruise as Maverick soaring across the sky in Top Gun. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original film, and with Tom Cruise's birthday on July 3rd, Ryan figured it was the perfect excuse to revisit some of the most iconic quotes from the franchise and see what they have to say about your financial life. Because Maverick didn't become the best by flying blind and hoping for the best. He had a plan, a co-pilot, and enough self-awareness to know when the risk was worth it. Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🚀 Need for Speed: Avoiding get-rich-quick investing 😎 Ego & Mistakes: Keeping emotions in check ⚠️ Danger Zone: Understanding risk and volatility 📜 Future Planning: Preparing for life's uncertainties 🤝 Find a Co-Pilot: Why guidance matters in retirement 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