Originally Posted by gasnhaul

First of all I hope anyone who actually read this put some thought into it but...

This is some of THE WORST financial advice I have ever seen! Hopefully few to none will actually follow any of this garbage.

First off, let's do a reality check. The last time ANY US airline pilot group was allowed to strike was in 2010...Spirit. Hell, they probably wouldn't even be allowed to strike because they're now "too big". If you think for a second we're gonna EVER be allowed to strike...well (insert stupid bridge for sale or whatever other expression here). We are what is known as an economically essential entity...won't happen, EVER.

OK now to the things they mentioned. IF we were actually allowed to strike (which we won't be) the company would have to relent pretty much immediately, but knowing we can't they really don't have to prepare or think about it. Long term living without a job due to a strike is NOT something you should be thinking about. You SHOULD always be prepared to have your funds reduced...you could lose your medical for one reason or another, you could need extended time off to take care of a loved one, etc so yes always have a plan for that but this bag of $hit from the union is exactly that.

- First off, the market is not doing well right now and is at historic lows in case you missed it. Recommending you stop investing due to a strike is one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard...

- Next, your taxes. Are they aware that if you reduce your tax payments you can actually be fined by the IRS for not paying enough? That's right kids, Uncle Sam wants his money today, not paid in full later and if you don't pay enough on a quarterly basis you can get slapped with penalty payments at the end of the year...ask me how I know.

- Increasing insurance deductibles to the legal limit?!? No pilot group has been allowed to strike since 2010 so odds of us going on strike are...well zero but accidents happen every day, all the time. So you want us to prepare for something that won't happen by increasing the payout on something that likely could happen? Who the hell wrote this? This is sound financial planning?!?

- Purchase a quality used vehicle. That's right because all of us are great shade tree mechanics and always buy "quality used cars" that never break down as opposed to getting something new/newer that has a warranty. Especially go down to a single car. What are the odds it'll break down, outside of any warranty right when you need to do something important like go to the hospital for an emergency or go to work for your next trip? I bet they're (the odds) higher than us going on strike.

- Home refinance. They of course have considered the perils of this one...like closing costs, recurring interest costs (ie extending your payback terms), etc. Seriously?

- Send little Susie to public schools in Memphis. Yup...that'll get ya lots of love for the rest of your life from your kids. Also, see the car thing above...you'll be needing said reliable vehicle to take your now traumatized child to lots and lots of therapy and just think of the costs associated with that! Ah, never mind, just pack her up with her peanut butter and cracker sandwich, tell her to grow a pair and quit being such a whining prima donna!

Good talk..