The $700K Income Trap
High earnings don’t always mean financial security. Discover how one unexpected career shift exposed critical financial blind spots for one pilot couple—and what they did to regain control of their future.
Don’t let a high income fool you into financial planning complacency
Hannah and Cliff, both accomplished airline pilots, built a strong financial foundation—or so they thought. With a combined income of $700,000, military benefits, and a $2.5 million portfolio, financial stability seemed guaranteed.
But when Hannah was suddenly forced into early retirement, their entire plan was thrown into question. Without a clear financial strategy, they were at risk of spending down their savings too quickly, missing tax-saving opportunities, and facing uncertainty about their future.
Their biggest mistake? Assuming high income alone meant long-term financial security.
What You’ll Learn in This Case Study
- How a sudden retirement revealed major gaps in their financial plan
- Why high-income earners are often at risk of lifestyle inflation and overspending
- How financial planning helped them optimize debt, tax strategies, and retirement cash flow
- The steps they took to ensure financial stability—without scrambling for another job
Are You Making the Same Mistakes?
Many pilots assume they are financially set, but even 35+ years in the cockpit doesn’t guarantee a smooth landing into retirement. Without a plan, even a strong income can quickly become a financial trap. Download the case study to see how airline-specialized advice from Allworth transformed Hannah and Cliff’s financial future—and how you can do the same.
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