Advertise on podcast: Financial Flight Plan Podcast

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: 817-444-8402

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

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

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

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

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 knowing. Read the Kiplinger article HERE.   Important Links: Website: https://www.estesfinancial.net/ Call: 817-444-8402

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

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

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

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