I doubt social security factored much into most boomer pilots' financial planning.... that would be beer money compared to traditional airline compensation. They probably banked on the historic high pay and DB retirement plans, which mostly went away in the first decade of this century. Compensation came back in large part but that doesn't help much if you're 60+.

As an early 50 year old now, it’s depressing beyond belief to think that $3-5 million saved NOW won’t be enough to sustain expenses between 62/65-death/death of spouse.

Lord help me, I got into this gig late (late 20’s). It’s not that hard if you save and marry someone who has similar habits.

Xist. At that level you’re doing better than the vast majority of Americans who’ll be working forever. (Yeah. WE’RE there. Don’t **** off your spouse. Join a gym and don’t cheat. Buy flowers. Go out to eat. ).

The rec here is get an airline job in your 20s-30s, live like a pauper, invest it all in real estate and spend half your life dealing with broken toilets and evicting bad renters?

Why? You’re not going to be Musk, Bezos or Gates. This ain’t that career.

Live under your means. Invest prudently. Don’t divorce. You’ll do fine.

Sometimes the divorce is just a necessary thing…but if you do, for gods sake try not to get lawyers involved and do it before you upgrade!

Try not to get married in the first place if divorce will be necessary. Before you take the plunge...

Understand where she's coming from: family, parents, upbringing, friends. If it's different than yours, could be a problem.

Mutual commitment to fitness and healthy lifestyle is good... after age 40 the grass on the other side won't look so good as everybody else lets themselves go.

If her family is a hot mess, that might be OK if she's committed to not living her life that way. If her friends are a hot mess, big red flag right there.

Have in-depth discussions over a lengthy period about lifestyle, kids, money, geography, and airline life and hardships.

Make sure she's grown-up enough to actually know what she wants.

Don't marry a divorcee (this is for the younger guys, if you're both older, post-kids with a notch on the belt you know the drill). Single mom might be OK if she had the sense to not marry the loser father in the first place.

I know this from 1) getting lucky myself and 2) observing friends and family not get so lucky.

I disagree

ALWAYS better to divorce than live with a ****ing ***** the rest of your life. What's that worth?

and now we know why you don’t want to retire

Who said I don't want to retire? Don't get my jollies flying jets anymore I can guarantee you that, been there done **** long enough. Just value my career and pay more than most weak sisters here do.

BTW remarried someone with a hell of a lot more assets than your typical pilot so please don't feel for me haha 😆
I'm set just hate constantly explaining to my wife why we are all such loser's and weak at contract time lol. Truth hurts.

and misogyny? Love it

Sounds like you were a real gem to live with. Good for her for getting out