PODCAST · business
Financial Flight Plan Podcast
by Tim Estes
Weekly investing and financial planning guidance with Certified Financial Planners Tim Estes and Brie Reyes in Fort Worth, TX
Episodes
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Why Retiring In 2026 Is Different Than It Used To Be
Retirement planning today doesn't look like it did even a decade ago, let alone the way it looked for our parents. On this episode, we’ll give you 5 realities you need to be aware of in 2026 to build toward a successful retirement. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call:...
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Giving Your Financial Plan a Bird's-Eye View
Every October, hundreds of hot air balloons rise over Albuquerque for the largest balloon festival in the world. No two pilots fly the exact same path, and none of them can control the wind. Turns out, that's not a bad way to think about a financial plan either. Important Links: Website:...
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Why People Keep Working In Their Retirement Years
More people in their 60s and 70s are staying on the job than ever before, and it's not always about the money. Let's dig into the real reasons retirees keep showing up to work. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402
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Keep It or Toss It? A Financial Document Checklist
Somewhere in a drawer, a filing cabinet, or a shoebox in the closet, most of us are holding onto financial paperwork we don't actually need. And we’re probably missing a few things we do need. Let's sort out what stays, what goes, and where it all belongs. Important Links: Website:...
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The Financial Worries That Keep People Up at Night
When it comes to financial planning, everybody has something that bothers them. Today we're walking through some of the most common pain points we see and the real conversations that happen around them. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402
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The 5 D's of Retirement Planning
Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually holds up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter- which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. Either way, the five D's are worth…
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What Your 4th of July Traditions Can Teach You About Money
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...
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OpenAI, SpaceX, and You — Should You Care About the IPO Boom?
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:...
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54 Million Workers Had No Retirement Plan. That Just Changed
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...
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Why Spending in Retirement Is Harder Than It Sounds
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…
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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,...
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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…
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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:...
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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
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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:...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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....
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Most Americans Are Forced to Retire Early - Are You Ready?
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...
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5 To-Dos for Year End Planning
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:...
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Social Security Shake-Up: How Raising the Retirement Age Could Impact You
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…
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For Couples, Retirement Planning is a Team Sport
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...
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Your Guide to Medicare's Open Enrollment Plan
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:...
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Is This 'Retire on $42/month' Article Clickbait?
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…
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Adventure Awaits! Retirement Travel Planning
One of the more exciting parts of the retirement planning process is dreaming about the lifestyle you want to enjoy. For many retirees, travel is a big part of that vision. However, budgeting for trips in retirement isn't quite the same as when you're working and can count on regular paychecks to...
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Retiree Insurance: The Basics You Must Know
While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end. So, what types of coverage should you…
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Steering Clear of Retirement Stress
Psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we’ll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process. Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/…
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Finance Fortress: Practical Strategies for Retirees Against Scams & Fraud
As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today’s retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and...
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The Best Kept Secret in 401(k)s
401(k)s have changed a lot since the beginning of the game and many of them have a powerful tool that not many people know about. Join us in today's episode as we shed light on this often-overlooked feature within the 401(k) community and explore its potential benefits. And make sure to stick...
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Patience Pays: The Power of Delayed Gratification (Part 2)
Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’re back to talk more about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards… Important...
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Patience Pays: The Power of Delayed Gratification (Part1)
Sometimes it’s hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit when you should really consider the delayed rewards… Important Links:...
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End of Year Financial Planning for 2023
Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in…
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Best Practices for Cyber Security
In a digital world filled with evolving cyber threats, protecting your financial well-being has never been more crucial. In today's episode, we're going to take you through a checklist of some important issues to be aware of when it comes to cyber security. Tune in for some invaluable tips and…
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