Advertise on podcast: The Pilot Money Guys

When headlines are shouting about AI, market highs, and economic uncertainty, how do you know what deserves your attention and what is simply noise? In this episode, we unpack listener questions that many investors are quietly asking. Listen in as we explore whether AI is creating a bubble, why all-time market highs aren't necessarily a warning sign, what history tells us about downturns, and more. You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/5dfatzax

What can eight months in a North Vietnamese prison camp teach you about hope, courage and putting the rest of life into perspective? Former Navy pilot and Vietnam POW Mike Penn shares the extraordinary story behind his book, Hope and Courage, from the mission that led to his capture and his time in the Hanoi Hilton to the experiences that shaped his life long after he returned home.  Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/2z7cp9ur

What if the index fund you thought was simple was actually shaped by a complex set of rules, decisions, and trade-offs? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Harvey, Co-Head of Product Specialists and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to unpack what indexing really means. You'll learn how indexes are constructed, who actually makes the rules, how index funds are managed, and why "passive" investing may not be as passive—or straightforward—as it sounds. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/2ttsnwyn

What does it really mean to have "enough"? And how do you know when you've reached it? In this episode, we're joined by Eric Hubbard, paraplanner at Leading Edge Financial Planning, to explore the difference between reaching a financial number and finding true satisfaction in life. We also discuss how pilots can prepare for retirement, not just financially but also emotionally, by understanding what they're retiring to, not just what they're retiring from. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4fpbawmy

Is artificial intelligence really replacing jobs, or is it simply changing the way we work? In this episode, Dr. Jay Jay Billings, CEO and co-founder of Band Gap, cuts through the hype surrounding AI to explain what it actually is, where it's already transforming industries, and why many of the biggest headlines miss the point. You'll learn the difference between traditional AI and today's large language models, how organizations are using AI to solve real-world problems, and why putting customer needs first—not the technology—is the key to successful innovation.  Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdsemstm

How do you stay focused when the headlines are shouting one thing, but the markets are doing another? In this quarterly market update, we unpack the biggest investment stories shaping the second quarter, helping investors separate fact from fiction. You'll learn what drove one of the strongest quarters for U.S. markets in years, why diversification is making a comeback, and what the latest economic data really means for your portfolio. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/mpa9ftfp

What if the most "sophisticated" money moves you've been hearing about online are actually the least helpful for building real wealth? In this episode, we break down seven financial strategies that sound impressive on the surface but can range from genuinely useful tools to misleading traps or outright scams. From viral currency schemes to complex products like structured notes and annuities, the conversation is all about cutting through financial noise and focusing on what actually works.  Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdehcjev

How can high-income professionals and first-generation millionaires support their adult children or grandchildren without creating a sense of entitlement? When does financial help empower the next generation, and when does it accidentally hold them back? In this episode, Charlie Mattingly sits down with Amelie Riendl, an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), to tackle the complex emotional and financial dynamics of giving to "adult-ish" kids. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/5n8bafs3

What do pilots often get wrong about LLCs, taxes, and starting a business? And when does structure actually start to matter? In this episode, we break down some of the most common misconceptions around business formation, tax savings, and self-employment strategies for high-income professionals. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4w4v4xbd

What happens when you stop judging people by their circumstances and start seeing them as human beings first? In this powerful episode, Danielle Lewis shares her journey from her own upbringing to becoming the founder of Village Hope, serving the unhoused community in downtown Atlanta. Danielle opens up about the moment she realized she wanted to dedicate her life to helping people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty, and why compassion often matters more than having all the answers. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4h5ysth2

What's really driving the market right now, and are you paying attention to the right signals? In this episode, we break down what happened in the first quarter and unpack some of the global events quietly shaping investor sentiment, including the situation in Iran and how geopolitical tensions can influence market opportunities and risks.  Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/msjck2fp

What does it really take to be successful with money? And why do even high-income professionals still struggle? In this episode, you'll learn why financial success has far less to do with knowledge and far more to do with behavior. Jason Moore, Certified Financial Therapist, breaks down the hidden patterns, biases, and emotional triggers that influence how we earn, spend, and invest, as well as how these can quietly derail even the most capable individuals.  Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4k6k56nd

There is a lot of financial noise right now, but what actually matters? In this episode, James Angel joins the show to cut through the headlines and explain what's really happening with inflation, the strength of the U.S. dollar, global conflict, China's economic impact, Bitcoin, stablecoins, and the future of the global economy. Listen in to learn why energy is the foundation of the entire economy, how money printing leads to inflation, why the global economy is more connected than ever, and what makes today's economic environment different from past recessions. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/yd5ch94t

What does it really take to retire early as a pilot—and are you truly prepared for what comes next? In this episode, we break down both the financial strategies and emotional realities behind early retirement, specifically for those in aviation careers. You'll learn the essential "science" of early retirement, including how to estimate your true spending needs, manage portfolio risk, plan distributions, and prepare for major costs like healthcare. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/deuraj9n

If you bought and held a mutual fund or ETF, what return should you earn—and why do some investors earn less? In this episode, we unpack the fascinating findings from Morningstar's Mind the Gap study and explore the difference between total returns and actual investor returns. You'll learn what the "investor return gap" is, why it exists, and how timing decisions, emotional reactions, and behavioral biases quietly erode performance over time. Take The Pilot Wealth Index to find out if you are on track for retirement! You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdd2tz84