In the first episode of Season 3, our host, Certified Financial Planner™ and GA pilot, Tim Pope recaps 2025’s market and policy shifts, and he explains why diversification and tax-centered planning made the difference this year, especially for high-income pilots.

Tim also highlights key tax law changes, reflects on aviation incidents that underscore the importance of estate planning, and previews what is ahead for the podcast in 2026, including more interviews, peer stories, and strategy focused episodes pilots can apply.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• 2025 Market Recap: How the year played out, from early volatility and a 19% drawdown in April to a roughly 17% gain for the S&P500 by year end.
• Why Diversification Mattered: How international stocks, precious metals, and bonds contributed to returns, and how different asset classes responded as the Federal Reserve cut rates.
• New Tax Law Changes: An overview of the extension of the 2017 tax cuts and the increase of the SALT deduction cap to $40K dollars, and why these changes are especially relevant for pilots in higher tax states.
• Planning Through a Tax Lens: How Roth decisions, brokerage account efficiency, charitable strategy, and portfolio rebalancing can be evaluated with taxes in mind.
• Estate Planning Reminder: Why beneficiary designations, guardianship decisions, and core documents such as wills and powers of attorney are important parts of a pilot's financial picture.
• Looking Ahead to 2026: More focused solo episodes, expert guests, and conversations with pilots navigating similar financial decisions.

Resources:

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This episode is sponsored by: Beacon Relocation

Beacon Relocation is a real estate firm helping pilots and air traffic controllers save money on their real estate transactions. By tapping into their network of over 1500 real estate agents across the country, pilots can save 20% of the real estate agent’s commission towards your closing cost on the sale or purchase of your home. Visit https://www.beaconrelocation.com/ to learn more.

Timothy P. Pope is a Certified Financial Planner™and principal owner of 360 Aviation Advisors, LLC (“360 Aviation Advisors”), a registered investment advisory firm. Investment advisory services are provided through 360 Aviation Advisors, in its separate and individual capacity as a registered investment adviser. Podcast episodes are provided through Pilot’s Portfolio, in its separate and individual capacity.

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