In this episode, Ryan is joined once again by CPA Zach Smith to unpack the FedEx TA 26 retirement choices, this time from a tax and long‑term planning angle. Instead of just chasing the biggest paycheck, they explore how pensions, 401(k)s, and new cash-balance options can create either freedom or a “ticking tax time bomb” in retirement. If you’re a FedEx pilot facing this decision, this conversation will challenge how you think about taxes, flexibility, and your family’s legacy.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

💰 Three Choices: Each leads to very different outcomes

🧨 Tax Pressure: Income stacking creates future problems

🛡️ Guaranteed Income: Stability comes with tradeoffs

🧾 Limited Control: Some plans restrict your flexibility

🚀 More Flexibility: After-tax dollars give you options

💡 Smarter Mix: Roth + brokerage create long-term advantages

FedEx TA26 Retirement Option Tool:

https://retirepilots.com/fedex-ta26-tool/

FedEx TA 2026: 3 Retirement Options That Could Change Everything

https://pilotsadvisor.podbean.com/e/fedex-ta-2026-3-retirement-options-that-could-change-everything/

Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com

Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/

The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2

USE THIS: FedEx TA26 Retirement Option Tool. Check out our educational modeler - https://retirepilots.com/fedex-ta26-tool/

FedEx pilots are facing a major decision with three very different retirement options, each with long-term implications for income, flexibility, and legacy in the 2026 tentative agreement. While the details are still evolving, the choice between a pension-style income, a hybrid approach, or a more flexible contribution-based plan could shape your financial future for decades. In this episode, Ryan breaks down each option in simple terms, highlighting the pros, cons, and key factors to consider.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

✈️ Three options offer very different retirement outcomes

💰 Taxes play a major role in long-term results

📊 Control vs. guarantees is a key tradeoff

⏳ Longevity impacts which option makes sense

🧠 Personal goals matter as much as the math

Get the Summary of Proposed FedEx Retirement Changes: https://retirepilots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FedEx_TA_2026_Retirement_Plan_Options-PDF-Recap-for-Show-Notes.pdf

Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com

Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/

The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2

AI isn’t just a buzzword, it’s quickly becoming one of the biggest unknowns in retirement planning. Pilots in their 50s and 60s are actively searching for answers about how this technology could impact their future. Ryan tackles the most common AI-related questions pilots are Googling right now, and where human judgment still plays a critical role.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

📊 Portfolio Exposure: Many investors don’t realize how much AI exposure they already have

⚖️ Risk vs Opportunity: AI could drive growth, but also increased volatility

⏳ Early Retirement Thinking: Fear shouldn’t be the reason you retire early

🧠 AI Planning Tools: Helpful for information, but not a replacement for strategy

🚧 Human Element: Emotion, context, and experience still matter in decision-making

See the Morgan Stanley prediction: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/morgan-stanley-predicts-ai-won-073000488.html?guccounter=1

Invesco’s Winter 2026 DC Participant Pulse Survey: https://401kspecialistmag.com/dc-participants-open-to-private-markets-and-ai-with-guardrails-invesco-survey/

Retire Pilots - https://retirepilots.com

Get your FREE Retirement Toolkit - https://d74164fb.pages.infusionsoft.net/

Pilot Tax - https://pilot-tax.com/

The Pilot's Advisor Podcast is also on video. Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3EIEBW2