E335 - State of the Industry and Your Finances with Jim Higgins & Elise Dominguez

Avination, welcome back to Episode 335 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Host Justin Siems sits down with aviation expert Jim Higgins, a former airline pilot and University of North Dakota professor, and Elise Dominguez, a Certified Financial Planner at Allworth Airline Advisors, for a deep dive into the airline industry and pilot financial planning. They unpack the cyclical nature of pilot hiring—citing 12,000–13,000 pilots hired in 2023–2024, now leveling to a still-strong 4,000–4,500 annually, per FAPA data. Justin shares his journey from a fractional company to a major airline, facing a $120,000 pay cut, while Jim reflects on his wife’s choice to stay a senior FO for schedule flexibility. Elise offers actionable advice for pilots at every stage: new hires like a 24-year-old check airman should start saving early to leverage time, mid-career pilots should max out 401(k) contributions (increasing by 1% yearly) and diversify with Roth IRAs or taxable accounts, and those nearing 65 should explore catch-up contributions ($7,500 at 50, $11,250 super catch-up at 60–63). They also tackle the pilot retirement age debate—will it hit 67?—and how it impacts young pilots’ seniority or senior pilots’ earnings. From avoiding lifestyle creep to planning for “what if” scenarios like furloughs or early retirement, this episode is packed with insights to keep your aviation career soaring. Visit Allworth Airline Advisors for a free consultation to build your personalized financial plan!

I hope you enjoy this podcast and if you're interested in reaching out for more financial information make sure you check out Allworth Airline Advisors!

Hope to see you all at EAA Ariventure!

Justin

Takeaways:

• The state of the airline industry is currently experiencing a hiring slowdown compared to the record-high years of 2023 and 2024, but opportunities still exist.
• Elise emphasizes the importance of starting financial planning early in a pilot's career to build a solid foundation for retirement and future investments.
• It’s crucial for pilots to diversify their investments outside of 401(k)s to avoid over-relying on employer-sponsored plans for retirement income.
• Discussing the emotional aspects of financial decisions is important, as pilots often need guidance to navigate the ups and downs of their careers and personal finance.
• Investing in a health savings account can provide significant tax advantages, especially for pilots with high deductible plans, making it a smart move for long-term financial health.
• Addressing the potential changes in the retirement age from 65 to 67, it's essential for pilots to consider the impact on their career plans and future earnings potential.