SDBAs vs. Target Date Funds – The 401K Mistake Most Pilots Make

The Pilot’s Advisor Podcast · Jun 25, 2026 · 26m

If you're a pilot, there's a good chance your retirement savings are sitting in a target date fund you selected years ago and haven't thought about since. The problem is that the fund doesn't know anything about your pension, your spouse's income, your retirement timeline, or the unique challenges pilots face. In this episode, Ryan explores a little-known feature inside many 401(k) plans and shares research that may change the way you think about retirement planning.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

📉 DIY Penalty: The cost of going alone

🧠 Behavior Gap: Emotions hurt investor returns

💧…