Check the Forecast
Inspect the Aircraft
File a Flight Plan
Communicate
Have Backup Systems in place
Know the Hazards
Planning for a Strong Financial Future isn’t any different!
Barbara James isn’t just a pilot—she’s a freedom fighter for women. She’s seen too many friends blindsided by financial ruin, widows left in tears with nothing but debt and broken promises. That pain lit a fire in her soul and gave birth to the Legacy Flight Plan™—a battle-tested system built to create pension-like income that lasts.
This photo, taken in San Diego in 2002, captures more than a moment—it captures a mission. Barbara stands with her dear friend Peggy beside the Cessna, a symbol of freedom, courage, and sisterhood. It was women like Peggy—strong, brave, and overlooked by traditional financial systems—that inspired Barbara’s life’s work. Every flight reminded her: women deserve to feel safe, in control, and unstoppable.
From Arizona’s struggle, her faith fuels freedom – Barbara is an Arizona Native and her ancestors were early settlers who in 1875, driving 400–500 head of cattle, 69 horses and 8 mules into the Arizona Territory following the long journey from Oregon. Arriving at the Arizona Border posed a big problem; the Indian Guides hired for the trip abandoned the party, unwilling to venture into Apache territory.
The family’s disappointments, struggles and triumphs were documented by those family members, including befriending the Apaches, nursing them when ill, and learning their language; in return, the Apaches provided protection for them during long trips by wagon “up the Black Canyon” (now the Black Canyon Freeway) to Flagstaff for business, while Apaches stood on horseback, allowing the Porter family to pass safely through. During that time, other pioneer parties attempting the trip were massacred—one wagon train, carrying 100 pioneers, lost their lives.
From Arizona’s struggle, her faith fuels freedom – Barbara is an Arizona Native and her ancestors were early settlers who in 1875, driving 400–500 head of cattle, 69 horses and 8 mules into the Arizona Territory following the long journey from Oregon. Arriving at the Arizona Border posed a big problem; the Indian Guides hired for the trip abandoned the party, unwilling to venture into Apache territory.
The family’s disappointments, struggles and triumphs were documented by those family members, including befriending the Apaches, nursing them when ill, and learning their language; in return, the Apaches provided protection for them during long trips by wagon “up the Black Canyon” (now the Black Canyon Freeway) to Flagstaff for business, while Apaches stood on horseback, allowing the Porter family to pass safely through.
During that time, other pioneer parties attempting the trip were massacred—one wagon train, carrying 100 pioneers, lost their lives.
Barbara’s family traded land with Teddy Roosevelt to build Roosevelt Dam. Without "Roosevelt Dam", there would be no water to support the Valley of the Sun and Phoenix would not exist.
Her family’s homestead is commemorated on Arizona maps as the “Porter Spring Recreational Site”.
Being raised by descendants of pioneers explains Barbara’s spirit, tenacity, and desire to work with others… and she believes that “No matter what age we are, we have a responsibility as we get older to share what we have learned to help others.”
Barbara’s experiences in Financial Services makes her keenly aware of how Financial Education for Women, even in this modern era, is lacking. “Financial Education in this country gets a D- grade.”
Barbara has met countless women who have been devastated by financial loss and is working to ensure “no woman in her world would be left unprotected.” She has established The National Academy for the Financial Empowerment of Women to provide financial education to women aged 17 through retirement, including Guaranteed Lifetime Income.
6,156 women turn age 65 every day in the U.S. and don’t have a way to ensure that their retirement nest egg will last their lifetime. Barbara transforms fragile 401(k)s into pension-like plans built to endure—just like the desert rock she grew up on. Her mission? To help you stand firm, fearless, and financially free. From the basics of managing their money and resources, to values and resources for women entrepreneurs, she decided to focus on serving women—and create opportunities for them to learn how to avoid debt, even homelessness, and emerge financially triumphant.
Later, when a close friend lost everything—including her home—to hidden debt, Barbara made a vow: no woman in her world would be left unprotected. That personal mission has only grown stronger over time. In a 1995 photo, Barbara stands alongside two inspiring women—Wendy Welt (left), a motivational speaker, advocate, and coach for people with disabilities, and Jessica Cox (right), the world’s first armless airplane pilot. Their courage reflects the same fearless spirit Barbara brings to her work. Today, she transforms fragile 401(k)s into pension-like plans built to endure—just like the desert rock she grew up on. Her purpose? To help you stand firm, fearless, and financially free.
Barbara’s life has always defied gravity. A licensed pilot, serial entrepreneur, and woman of deep faith, she chases freedom with purpose. Whether flying over red rock canyons in her Comanche, hosting women’s financial workshops, or hiking with her dogs, Quinn and Indy, Barbara lives boldly.
Barbara’s dogs, Quinn and Indy, aren’t just companions—they’re reflections of her fierce loyalty. The same heart that protects them now protects you. When life turns uncertain, she locks in your future with unwavering care—because loyalty, like love, never wavers.
Barbara doesn’t sugarcoat. When she speaks, rooms go still—because she says what others won’t. She’s seen too many women misled by bad advice, left picking up the pieces alone. Her words don’t just inform—they empower. With heart and honesty, she guides women through the fog of fear and into retirements filled with clarity, confidence, and control.
Barbara’s proprietary process—the Legacy Flight Plan™—isn’t just a financial strategy; it’s a safety net, a compass, and a mission map built to protect your future. Every woman’s journey is unique, but the flight path follows four powerful steps:
Pre-Flight Assessment
A personal review of your current financial picture, retirement goals, and hidden risks.
Risk Radar Lock
Barbara identifies the threats that could derail your retirement, from market volatility to tax traps and inflation.
Pension Power Mapping
Your custom plan is built to turn unpredictable assets into income that feels like a paycheck again.
Legacy Lift-Off
With your plan in place, you step into a future with clarity, security, and the ability to bless others without fear.
Sick of money fears grounding your dreams? Barbara is here to help you rise. In your free Sky Session, she’ll guide you through her Legacy Flight Plan™—a step-by-step process built to help women turn uncertainty into strength and build pension-like income they can count on.
This isn’t a generic financial plan. It’s a personalized path for women who want to protect what matters, avoid painful missteps, and live life on their terms.
She’s One of You
Not a suit behind a desk, but a sister-in-arms who’s lived through loss, witnessed the pain of bad advice, and built real solutions.
Built for Women, Not Wall Street
The Legacy Flight Plan™ is tailored to the emotional and financial needs women face—especially during widowhood or major life transitions.
No B.S. Advice
Barbara simplifies the complex and shields you from risk with clear, real-world strategies.
Price Isn’t the Problem
Inaction Is - Waiting, guessing, or trusting the wrong people can cost far more than any fee ever will.
Your Current Advisor Isn’t Focused on You
Most advisors aren't built to meet the unique needs of women. Barbara is.
You’ll Feel Empowered, Not Pressured
With Barbara, planning becomes a journey of strength, support, and security.
Real Results for Real Women
Just ask those who’ve attended her events and worked with her—they walk away with confidence, clarity, and control.
Copyright Barbara James - 2025