Delta’s record-breaking $1.4 billion profit-sharing payout for 2024 has employees buzzing, with many set to receive an average of five weeks’ pay as their share. If you’re a pilot benefiting from this bonus, what’s the best way to put it to good use?

Join Scott and Marc as they explore how to strike the right balance between celebration and strategic financial planning. From bolstering emergency funds to maxing out 401(k) contributions early in the year, they share practical steps to make the most of your windfall.

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

0:00 – Intro

1:40 – Delta’s record profits

3:24 – What to do with it?

7:57 – Final takeaways

Delta Profit Sharing Article:

https://news.delta.com/delta-employees-receive-average-five-weeks-pay-annual-profit-sharing

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

In this episode, Scott and Marc chat about a recent lawsuit filed by an American Airlines pilot, which challenged the integration of ESG criteria into the company’s 401k plans. This opens up a wider discussion about the importance of transparency and fiduciary responsibility in retirement planning.

Listen in as Scott explains the difference between fiduciary and suitability standards and why understanding this could help you make more informed investment choices. Tune in for practical insights on how to get the most out of your 401(k) plan, whether you're a pilot or not!

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

0:00 – Intro

0:39 – Overview of ESG

2:26 – Fiduciary duty vs suitability standards

3:38 – American Airlines lawsuit

5:52 – Understanding and optimizing your 401(k) plan

Lawsuit Article

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-airlines-focus-esg-401-183725452.html

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

We’ve all heard about the importance of contributing to a 401(k) for retirement. But is it really enough on its own? For some, maybe it is, but it’s always wise to explore other options and keep an open mind.

In this episode, Scott dives into a range of strategies that could help you build wealth for retirement, from Roth IRAs and the "backdoor" Roth to life insurance, real estate investments, and tax loss harvesting.

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

0:00 – Intro

1:05 – Figuring out how much you need to save

2:45 – Backdoor Roth

5:34 – Life insurance and real estate

8:39 – Tax loss harvesting

11:02 – Closing thoughts

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

In this episode of the Wealthy Pilots Podcast, Scott Osborn breaks down where to contribute your money in 2025. Learn why diversifying your savings across Roth, tax-deferred, and taxable accounts can help you retire with more flexibility and fewer tax headaches. Discover simple tweaks that can make a big difference for your future—whether you’re just starting or already maxing out your 401(k).

Here’s what you’ll learn on this episode:

•The importance of diversifying retirement savings across different tax buckets (Roth, tax-deferred, taxable) to mitigate future tax rate increases
•The benefits of contributing to a Roth 401(k) vs a traditional pre-tax 401(k)
•The concept of in-plan Roth conversions and how they can be used to strategically build tax-free retirement savings

Episode chapters:

0:00 – Intro
0:46 – Happy New Year
1:20 – Healthy Financial Habits
3:40 – Different Buckets of Money
4:50 – Why Roths Are Worth Investigating
6:45 – Roth 401(k)s & In-Plan Conversions
8:45 – Balancing Your Tax Burden
9:40 – A Regret You Don’t Hear

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

In this episode of The Wealthy Pilot's Podcast, we discuss recent developments in market-based cash balance plans within the airline industry, focusing on United Airlines pilots’ rejection of their proposed 2024 contract. Scott and Marc break down how these unique retirement plans work and why pilots are concerned about their long-term financial benefits.

They also explore the trade-offs between opting into market-based cash balance plans versus taking the money upfront and investing it independently. Tune in for valuable insights into these plans and what pilots should consider when deciding on their retirement strategies.

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

0:00 – Intro

0:53 – How the plans work

4:09 – What drove United’s choice?

5:41 – Taking control of our finances

8:19 – Looking ahead

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

In this episode of The Wealthy Pilot's Podcast, Scott and Marc break down the latest Federal Reserve rate cuts and explore what they mean for the economy, businesses, and financial planning. With interest rates on the decline, they discuss how this could impact mortgage affordability in 2025 and why large companies are likely to make more aggressive investments. They also dive into the potential opportunities these rate cuts present for investors.

Throughout the conversation, Scott and Marc talk about the importance of diversification, tax strategies, and proactive financial planning in navigating this shifting economic landscape. Tune in to understand how these changes might affect your finances and how proactive planning can help you make the most of these shifts as we head into 2025!

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

0:00 – Intro

1:06 – Scott’s thoughts on Fed rate cuts

3:20 – The importance of diversification in portfolios

5:54 – Fed rate cut’s anticipated impact

6:36 – Looking at inflation

9:00 – Staying focused on the big picture

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to take a step back and review your financial planning. In this episode, Scott discusses important year-end strategies to help you optimize your finances before December 31. He covers key topics like Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, HSA contributions, and other essential tasks that could make a big impact on your financial situation.

Plus, Scott offers a look ahead to 2025, with insights into changes in tax brackets, contribution limits, and how strategic adjustments today can set you up for a more secure financial future. Tune in for some great insights before the year wraps up!

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

0:00 – Intro

1:40 – When you need to get contributions in

3:54 – Tax loss harvesting

6:20 – Considerations for business owners

8:21 – Contribution limits

10:11 – HSAs

13:51 – Federal tax brackets

15:50 – The power of small adjustments

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner

In this episode of The Wealthy Pilots Podcast, Marc and Scott dive into the current state of the airline industry and chat about both the challenges and successes some airlines are facing. From record travel numbers to struggling airlines like JetBlue and Spirit, they discuss how rising fuel costs and labor issues are affecting profitability.

With larger airlines doing well, smaller regional carriers are left to fight for better contracts and compensation. Whether you’re dealing with furloughs or enjoying high earnings, Scott shares valuable insights on how to plan for both the good and the bad times ahead.

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

0:00 – Intro

1:00 – Contributing factors

3:01 – The trends of larger carriers vs smaller carriers

5:30 – You need a plan for if/when things go wrong

6:52 – An example of good planning

Resources:

Schedule A Call with Scott: http://callosborn.com/

Scott's Book, A Pilot's Guide To Maximizing Wealth & Cashflow In Retirement: https://amzn.to/3xSn1ii

The Pilot's Planner Website: https://thepilotsplanner.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotsPlanner