Is your 401k a Scam?

Pilot’s Portfolio

In this episode, Tim asks the question many pilots hear in the cockpit: Is your 401(k) a scam? He walks through why 401(k)s exist, how they replaced pensions, and what today’s airline plans actually offer: contribution mechanics, investment menus, legal protections, and employer contributions specific to the majors. Tim also shares a listener email requesting a cargo-carrier disability deep-dive and invites other cargo pilots to weigh in.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• Pensions vs. 401(k)s: Why pensions faded (PBGC oversight, funding issues)
  and how 401(k)s became the primary retirement tool.
• How Airline 401(k)s Work: Salary deferrals: pre-tax and Roth, after-tax
  contributions, investment menus, brokerage window.
• Contribution Limits & Employer Money: What “up to $70,000 per year”
  includes: deferral, after-tax non-Roth, NEC; why big plans mean lower-cost
  funds.
• Ownership & Vesting: Immediate vesting when dollars hit your account: what it means if you stay or leave.
• Legal Protections & Risks: 401(k)s protected from creditors, suits, bankruptcy; IRA and Roth IRA bankruptcy protection to ~$1.7M through 2028; civil-suit rules vary by state; QDROs in divorce are the exception.
• Beneficiaries that Bypass Probate: Keep beneficiaries current to speed
  distributions and reduce taxes.
• What Might Be Coming Next: In August order asks DOL to review alternatives
  in 401(k)s: private equity, private credit, crypto, real estate, digital assets

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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