Use this link to download your own copy of the calculator in this video:

This video shows how to use a calculator I built to decide if (more likely when) it makes sense for a Widget pilot to participate in the Market Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) pending IRS approval right now.

The first part of this video summarizes the basics of the plan. If you’re familiar with that info, you can skip to the calculator walk-through.

00:00 – Intro and disclaimers
05:45 – Retirement plan and MBCBP basics (experienced investors can skip this)
24:32 – Pending questions related to MBCBP (Don’t skip this!)
29:26 – Calculator Inputs
57:08 – Example results

Remember: don’t ask for permission to edit my copy of the calculator! Instead, use one of the following to get your own:

File – Make a copy
or
File – Download

If you fly for a different airline, this should help you see what’s available at the competition. You may want to consider encouraging your union to negotiate for a similar benefit. Or, if you’re choosing between major airline options, this should be part of the calculus in deciding whether to choose Delta.

Related Resources:

LOA 20-04 – the agreement with which we approved the MBCBP:

NN 22-01 – Goes into great detail on the MBCBP submitted to the IRS, including the ability to move your funds to an IRS under your own control starting at age 59 1/2:

NN 22-07 – The announcement of our Agreement in Principle (AIP) for Contract 2023. This calculator gives you the option of using the figures for pay raises and 401k contribution increases from the AIP:

Read the original Trinity Study that established the “4% Rule” (of thumb) in 1998 here:

Michael Kitces wrote an excellent crosscheck of the 4% rule following the 2008 finanical crisis.

Perhaps Kitces’ most important commentary on the 4% rule happened quite recently on Episode 351 of the Bigger Pockets Money podcast. He justifies the rule in the context of 2022’s post-COVID recession. You should definitely listen to it!

The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement ( shows how quickly any of us can reach financial independence, and illustrates how savings rate is the key variable in how long it takes to reach FI. (You should read the rest of MMM in its entirety. Even if you don’t like his tone or adopt everything he says, it’s a mindset worth considering).

HSA – The Ultimate retirement account by The Mad Fientist. This is the best explanation I’ve ever seen for illustrating how powerful the HSA is as an investment vehicle.

The Simple Path to Wealth (affiliate link: summarizes all these principles and shows you how to put them into action.

Here’s a discussion of the difference between tax deductions and tax credits, in case you’re not clear on the difference yet: …(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: IRA Accounts

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