Financial Flight Plan Podcast

Tax Mistakes New Retirees Make

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.
 
Important Links:
Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/
Call: 817-444-8402

Risk Tolerance: Preparing for Market Turbulence

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 Changing in 2026 (And Why It Matters to Your Money)

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

What White Christmas Teaches Us About Retirement

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

What Thanksgiving Traditions Teach About Retirement

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

Retirement Health Care Costs Just Jumped Again (2025 Update)

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

The Hidden Medicare Penalty You Might Be Paying

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 I Won’t Live to 90, Should I Claim Social Security Early?

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: 817-444-8402

Gen X, It's Your Turn to Think About Retirement

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 get serious about what retirement will look like for your generation.
Important Links:
Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/
Call: 817-444-8402

Control the Controllables

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