By Scott Johnson, CFP®
What do you do when you have two passions you want to pursue? You find a way to make them work together. At least that’s my story! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in finance and investing, but also fascinated by the aviation world. I decided to jump headfirst into both industries so I could find a way to help others become secure in their financial situation.
Starting Out
Since I’m only one person, with the same amount of hours in a day as you, I decided to start my professional career in the finance industry first due to my educational background. I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Birmingham-Southern College, quickly followed by a master’s degree in finance from Auburn University. I then spent a handful of years working as an investment research analyst before becoming a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, earning my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations along the way.
Then I took a break from finance to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional pilot, which, as many of you know, takes a lot of time and commitment. I earned the necessary hours while working as a certified flight instructor and then got a job as a First Officer. After all this, I was finally ready to combine these passions. I founded Aviation Wealth Solutions to do just that—use my financial knowledge and firsthand experience as a pilot to help other pilots manage their money and conquer the challenges that are unique to their career.
My Role Today
Now I am both a pilot with SkyWest Airlines and founder and president of Aviation Wealth Solutions, an independent, fee-only financial advisory firm. I spend my days helping pilots create, grow, and protect their wealth with strategies and processes designed specifically for their unique career and lifestyle. I like to think of myself as a financial co-pilot, offering advice and recommendations that help pilots pursue a more stable financial future.
The Best Part
The best part of what I get to do every day is relate to the pilots I work with and help them navigate the financial opportunities and obstacles they face, like mandatory retirement age, lucrative benefits packages, uncertain economic situations, and more. I have the tools to both understand their life and find solutions to their concerns. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a client reach their financial goals and become financially independent, working as a pilot because they love the job, not because they have to. I do what I do so I can add value to people’s lives and make a difference not just for them, but also for their families and future generations.
What’s Your Story?
As a pilot, you are educated, bright, and a practical problem-solver. But just because you are a master in your particular field doesn’t mean you have the desire, time, or resources to manage your money with the same amount of skill as you fly your aircraft. I’d love to help you maximize your financial life so you can focus on your career and your family. Contact me at scott@avwealthsolutions.com or (205) 583-6575 to schedule your free introductory meeting, whenever and however it works for you and your schedule.
About Scott
Scott is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and the founder of Aviation Wealth Solutions with over 10 years of experience in the financial industry. He is also a pilot with SkyWest Airlines and has experience as a certified flight instructor. Scott knows firsthand the joys of the freedom of flight and wants to provide each of his clients with the freedom of becoming financially independent. He is passionate about helping pilots leverage the benefits and earnings they have access to so they can work because they want to, not because they have to. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s degree in finance from Auburn University. Scott currently resides in Birmingham, AL, with his wife and two daughters. To learn more about Scott, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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