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Airline pilots

10 moments for airline pilots.

Name the moment, not the job title. Each one has a hook line to open a post or video with, its ringtone (the letter, bill or date people react to before they think) and what's at stake.

  1. Regional to major airline

    “Just got the call from a major? Your 401(k) contributions are about to explode. Plan them.”
    Ringtone
    The new-hire class date
    What's at stake
    Big pay jumps and large employer contributions at majors.
  2. First-year pay cut at a major

    “First year at a major pays less than your regional captain seat. Budget for the dip.”
    Ringtone
    The first-year pay scale
    What's at stake
    Seniority reset means temporary income drops.
  3. Upgrade to captain

    “Upgrading to captain? The raise is big. Decide where it goes before it arrives.”
    Ringtone
    The upgrade bid award
    What's at stake
    Large raises are the moment to set savings.
  4. Hitting the 401(k) limit

    “Major airline contributions blow through IRS limits. Some carriers pay the excess in cash.”
    Ringtone
    The 401(k) limit notice
    What's at stake
    Excess contributions and market-based cash balance plans need planning.
  5. Medical certificate risk

    “One failed medical can end a flying career. Loss-of-license insurance matters.”
    Ringtone
    The FAA medical exam
    What's at stake
    Income protection through disability or loss-of-license coverage.
  6. Contract ratification

    “New contract ratified with retro pay? That lump sum needs a tax plan.”
    Ringtone
    The retro pay deposit
    What's at stake
    Retro pay and bonuses increase taxes.
  7. Furlough or industry downturn

    “Furlough rumors? Pilots who survived 2001 and 2020 kept six months of cash.”
    Ringtone
    The furlough notice
    What's at stake
    Industry cycles require reserves.
  8. Commuting and two households

    “Commuting to your base? Crash pads and travel costs add up. Plan your real expenses.”
    Ringtone
    The crash pad lease
    What's at stake
    Commuting costs affect budgets.
  9. Five years from 65

    “Pilots: 65 is coming whether you like it or not.”
    Ringtone
    The mandatory retirement date
    What's at stake
    Mandatory retirement at 65 means a fixed date to plan around.
  10. Life after the cockpit

    “Retiring from the airline? Your income drops on a date set by law. Plan the next decade now.”
    Ringtone
    The final flight
    What's at stake
    Retirement income, health coverage and second careers.

Make a video about one See advisors for airline pilots

General education, not financial advice. Check rules and figures against current law before you publish.