Financial Flight Plan Podcast

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 we're doing today… and the comparisons might surprise you.   Important Links: W...

SpaceX. OpenAI. These and other names have been dominating the headlines. The IPO market is heating up and clients are asking questions. Today we're keeping it simple. What do retirees and pre-retirees need to understand about IPOs before they get caught up in the excitement?   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

There’s some big retirement news out of Washington worth understanding. President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement savings for the tens of millions of Americans whose employers don't offer a plan. Today we're breaking down what was signed, what it means in practice, and what questions it raises for your own retirement picture.   Important Links: Webs...

Most retirement conversations are about saving enough. Today we're talking about the other side of that. What happens when you've saved, you're there, and you still can't bring yourself to spend it? It's more common than people admit. And it can quietly rob you of the retirement you worked so hard to build. Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a few unwelcome surprises. The rules have changed, the income sources have shifted, and strategies that made sense during your working years may no longer apply. Today, we're looking at some of the biggest tax mistakes retirees make, as discussed in a recent Kiplinger article , and whether these match what we see in the real world.  ...

Some people love a thunderstorm. Others panic when the clouds roll in. Today, we’re talking about risk tolerance through the lens of weather. There’s nothing wrong with having different reactions to the same events. But pretending you’re someone you’re not? That can get expensive.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

What’s new in 2026 for retirees & pre-retirees? From Social Security and Medicare to tax breaks and retirement contributions, this year brings several updates that could quietly impact your cash flow, taxes, and savings strategy.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Before you rewatch White Christmas this season, remember that buried in the songs and snowstorms are some surprisingly good retirement lessons. Let’s pull a few gems from Bing Crosby and the gang.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

From the Macy’s parade to carving the turkey, Thanksgiving traditions can teach us a lot about what makes a great financial plan. Let’s match some of the most loved parts of the holiday with the money lessons they represent.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Fidelity just released their 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate . The number is staggering: $172,500 for a 65-year-old retiring today. The bigger problem? One in five Americans haven’t even thought about health care costs in retirement. Today we’ll break down what this means, why it matters, and how to prepare. Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your income’s too high, there’s a hidden surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands a year. It’s called IRMAA. And most people don’t see it coming. Let’s break down who’s impacted and how to avoid it. Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

If your parents passed away relatively young, it’s only natural to wonder whether you’ll follow the same path. And from a financial standpoint, does that change how you should approach things like retirement planning and when to draw Social Security benefits? We’ll answer a listener’s question on this exact topic on today’s episode. Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call:...

Cue the mixtape of Nirvana, Madonna, and Prince… Gen X, it’s your turn to get ready for retirement. And the stakes are high. You were the first 401(k) generation, hit by two major market crashes, and now you’re entering retirement with more financial uncertainty than the Boomers before you. But you also have something else: resilience. If you're in between your mid-40s and early 60s, it’s time to...

Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that actually move the needle in retirement.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about what your investment strategy should look like, especially in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, you are absolutely not alone. One of the most common questions Brie hears from clients is: “Should I just invest in index funds and ride it out?” or “Should someone be adjusting my portfolio as the market shifts?” Today’s episode is going to help you answer...

It's been a volatile month. And if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, we look at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next.   Important Links: Website...

Lately, headlines have been filled with news about federal employees- layoffs, uncertainty, and growing concerns, especially for those nearing retirement. If you’re feeling anxious about what’s ahead, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into what’s happening, what you need to be aware of, and how you can prepare. Brie and the team at Estes Financial specialize in working with federal e...

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice, Tim Estes, CEO of Estes Financial and former American Airlines Captain. It's been a difficult year for the American Airlines community, and today, Tim shares his perspective on the challenges facing the aviation industry in 2025. From tragic losses to financial uncertainty and industry-wide furloughs, this episode will provide essential advice for...

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Did you know most Americans retire earlier than planned, often due to unexpected health issues, job changes, or financial surprises? These challenges can force people out of work early, leaving them unprepared for decades of retirement. In this episode, we’ll explore recent research highlighting the importance of planning for early retirement, even if it’s not in your current plans.   Important Li...

We're quickly approaching the end of the year, and, as always, there are some items to take care of from a financial planning standpoint. Before we turn the calendar over to the new year, let's talk about 5 to-dos to put on your checklist for the year-end.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to what retirement is going to look like? If not, it’s time to talk. Listen to this episode where we'll explore why it’s so important for couples to have detailed conversations about their finances and retirement futures. We’ll cover exactly what you need to discuss, and how to handle any disagreements.   This episode was recorded on 9/11, a d...

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! But what does this mean for you? How does the process work, and who should be paying close attention? In this episode, we’ll break down everything you need to know about navigating this crucial period.   Important Links: Website:  https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

Imagine retiring comfortably on just $42 per month—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s exactly the assertion you might have seen in the headline of a recent article online. So today, we’ll dive into the sensational claim and uncover what it really takes to build your retirement nest egg.   Article: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/buying-stocks/articles/you-can-retire-on-4167-a-month-if-y...