Trust the Plan Podcast with Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP®

On this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® dive into a fascinating analysis of consumer confidence trends segmented by political affiliation, drawing on a JP Morgan chart spanning from 2000 to the present. The data vividly illustrates how consumer sentiment among Republicans and Democrats has fluctuated in response to major events such as 9/11, the...

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® & Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth are joined by Scott Donnell, founder of GravyStack and DinnerTable.com. With over 7 million families served, Scott is the leading expert in financial literacy and building stronger families. In this episode, Scott will talk about how to teach your kids & grandkids about money, the basics of the Home Economy, and why all...

In the latest episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® & Jim Pilat, CFP® dive into the intricacies of Monte Carlo simulations and their application in financial planning. They discuss how these simulations offer a more nuanced view of potential financial outcomes, revealing that not every year follows a linear path. Instead, Monte Carlo models account for a range of possible s...

In this episode of The Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and J im Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth delve into an intriguing case study that highlights the dynamic nature of retirement planning. The episode explores how they initially advised a client against an early retirement, only to reassess and recommend retirement just a few months later. This swift turnaround was unprecedented in their e...

Nick Hopwood, CFP®  and  Jim Pilat, CFP®  of Peak Wealth welcome you to explore the Peak Process, a comprehensive approach designed to empower clients on their journey to financial success. At Peak Wealth, we believe in crafting personalized strategies that align with your unique goals and aspirations. Our process begins with a deep understanding of your current financial landscape and ambitions,...

Join hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® on the Trust the Plan Podcast, where they delve into the intricate world of stock market behaviors following geopolitical upheavals and pivotal historical moments. In this episode, they explore how stocks react to these events, offering deep insights into market trends, investor sentiment, and the strategies that emerge in the aftermath. Whether it...

Welcome to the Trust the Plan Podcast with Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® . In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of annuities with a focus on buyer beware. Annuities can be complex financial instruments, often carrying hefty penalties if terminated early.  Nick and Jim discuss the importance of understanding these penalties and exploring the best strategies for navigating annu...

Welcome to the Trust the Plan Podcast with hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® where we delve into real-life case studies and expert insights on preparing for retirement and navigating the uncertainties of the future. Join us as we explore success stories and lessons learned from individuals who have achieved peak wealth sharing, offering actionable strategies for financial preparedness a...

In this episode of Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management delve into the dangers of Americans chasing high interest rates, exploring how the allure of high returns can lead to a 'cash trap'. They dissect insights from a recent Wall Street Journal article , offering practical advice on navigating the complex world of financial investments and avoidi...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® delve into the art of maximizing airline miles with special guest, Evan Chopp. Evan shares strategies and tips on how to rack up those valuable miles efficiently. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the points game, you won't want to miss this deep dive into earning and redeeming airline rewards. Tune in...

Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® on the Trust the Plan Podcast as they delve into the crucial role of brokerage accounts. In this insightful episode, Nick and Jim illuminate the importance of strategic financial planning and how leveraging brokerage accounts can pave the way to financial independence. From investment strategies to navigating market fluctuations, they provide invaluable...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP®, listeners gain valuable insights into navigating the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) strategy. Nick and Jim delve into the principles of FIRE, emphasizing the importance of disciplined saving, strategic investing, and living below one's means.    They discuss how individuals within the FIRE movement...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, we delve into a topic that's frequently raised by our clients: navigating inherited IRAs. Join our hosts, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® as they expertly guide us through the intricacies of inherited individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and share invaluable strategies for mitigating taxes associated with them. Inherited IRAs present unique ch...

Welcome to Trust the Plan podcast! In this special episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® talks with Preston Gee, CFP® on his transformative journey: a month of eliminating all unnecessary expenses. Together, they delve into the intricacies of financial discipline, sharing personal insights, practical tips, and inspiring anecdotes. From budgeting basics to creative ways of finding free entertainment, the duo...

Welcome to Trust the Plan Podcast with your hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® & Jim Pilat. CFP®! In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of financial planning, uncovering the crucial role of financial planners and the comprehensive coverage of a well-crafted financial plan. Join us as we demystify the responsibilities of financial planners, who act as guides on your journey to financial succ...

Welcome to the Trust the Plan Podcast with Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management. In this episode, we delve into the essential topic of retirement planning with a comprehensive checklist. Join us as we guide you through the crucial tasks to tackle at various stages of your life leading up to retirement. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, we've got you cover...

Welcome to Trust the Plan, the podcast where we break down financial decisions to help you make informed choices. In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® dive into a common dilemma: Should you prioritize paying off your home with a lower interest rate quickly, or invest your dollars in a money market when rates are higher? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of both strategies....

Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management as they delve into Nick's illustrious 25-year journey in the finance industry. Nick mentions that throughout his career, clients frequently come to him during an election year asking how it could impact their investments. As we near closer to the U.S. Presidential Election in November, Nick and Jim debunk common misconceptions s...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® & Preston Gee, CFP® delve into the advantages of transitioning into part-time work during your retirement years, exploring how it can bring purpose, fulfillment, and a sense of balance to your life.  Along with discussing the many benefits of gradual retirement, Jim and Preston also share a variety of part-time ideas for retirees l...

In this episode, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of the Trust The Plan Podcast tackles the topic of maximizing your inheritance by discussing the question of whether or not you should take out your beneficiary IRA funds. Jim and Preston weigh the pros and cons of tapping into your inherited IRA funds early versus letting them continue to grow tax-deferred. They discuss the potential benefits...

Join hosts Jim Pilat, CFP, and Preston Gee, CFP, on the Trust the Plan Podcast as they delve into the essential topic of retirement savings adequacy in their latest episode, "Is Your Retirement Savings Enough? Signs You Might Be Falling Short." With their combined expertise, Jim and Preston provide valuable insights and practical tips to help listeners assess their current financial situation and...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston, Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management take a deep dive into the highly-anticipated Preston Gee 2024 Financial Plan. Gain a perspective from a younger generation — as Preston discusses changes from 2023 to 2024- including marriage, buying his first new home, and paying off student loans. Learn how Preston's financial plan can...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management are diving into the important topic of financial foundations for kids and guiding parents on how to instill good money habits in their children. Nick says he was inspired while attending a conference where he connected with Scott Donnell, founder of GravyStack . Nick and Jim discuss the...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® talks with Jim Pilat, CFP® about his experience meeting Dr. Michael Roizen, author of The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow . In Dr. Roizen's book, he explores the latest advancements in longevity research and shares valuable insights on how we can all unlock the secrets to living a longer, healthi...

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management discuss the meaning of obtaining the $1 million status- and how its meaning has evolved over time. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and guidance, we inspire our clients to make great decisions s...