Financial Flight Plan Podcast

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

Tactile Management vs Passive Management: What's Right for You?

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

Looking Back at Past Market Meltdowns

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

How a Reduction in Force is Impacting Federal Employees

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 employees, and they’re here to offer insights, guidance, and reassurance. 
Federal Employee Initial Meeting
https://calendly.com/federal-employees
 
Important Links:
Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/
Call: 817-444-8402

American Airlines Layoffs & Furlows - How to Prepare

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 aviation employees and their families on how to prepare for uncertain times ahead.
 
Important Links:
Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/
Call: 817-444-8402

Strategies to Claim the Most in Social Security

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