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

In this new episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management talk about a self-growth exercise created by the actor/comedian, Martin Short. In a recent podcast, Martin shared how he reflects on and analyzes these areas of his life regularly to see where he is excelling and which ones could use some work. Listen to learn more about how this could be beneficial for your life...

Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management  talk about how the current real estate market has influenced people to make big home-buying decisions — whether it be to move into a new house or get a second one. Before you make a decision that could impact your retirement goals, it is important to have a plan before taking the leap. Learn more about what to anticipate in this epi...

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management talk about the stock trading and investing app Robinhood. They dive in on recent news about a user's giant tax bill and share their thoughts about the recent "short squeeze" phenomenon and compare and contrast to the market of 1999. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymou...

In a recent survey,  Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management read that 65 percent of people had no idea how much they spent last month. This episode serves as a reminder on the importance of tracking our expenses so we can reach our financial and retirement goals. Join us to learn more about how you can get on the right track today!  — Peak Wealth Management is a financial...

Whether if you are just starting out in real estate investing or a seasoned veteran in the market, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management is joined by Katie Nolff, real estate agent, who shares her expertise in the field. In this episode, you'll learn everything from where the real estate market is trending in Michigan, benefits of rental home prope...

Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management as they talk about what we are seeing in the low interest rate environment — and what could happen next in the market. They also share a case study where they worked with clients who have differing parental beliefs when it comes to how to pay for the college education of their children. Learn more about this and more in our late...

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management talk about why working on financial plans as a team is beneficial for their clients - and the strengths of doing so while preparing for meetings, looking at client cash flow and investment projections.  - Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providin...

The mission at Peak Wealth Management is to guide clients on their journey so they can retire confidently. In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® highlight this by focusing on four important questions we must reflect on when it comes to our financial journey to retirement. Whether if you are just starting out in your career or preparing to retire, this episode is filled with tips...

Joining Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management this week is Aaron "Lucky" Li, acupuncturist and owner of Livonia Acupuncture. In this special episode, Aaron shares his journey — beginning with his move to the United States from China at the age of 13. After graduating from the University of Michigan with an economics degree, he talks about how his mother's influence in the work of acupunctur...

In this special episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management chats with his 11-year-old son, Jack Hopwood on entrepreneurship. During the summer of 2020, Jack began first business called Jack's Services where he assists people in his community with yard work projects. Listen in as Jack shares what inspired him to start his own business — and what his goals are for the future.  — Peak Weal...

We are switching it up with this episode! Join Jim Pilat, AIF® as he chats with Patti Wojcik , operations manager here at Peak Wealth Management. Learn more about our team in this highlight diving in on all things Patti. 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 dec...

In this special episode, join Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management as he chats with Gwendolyn Smith , operations associate at Peak. Get the scoop on all things Gwen as she celebrates her two year anniversary with our team!  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 mak...

In this special episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, AIF® of Peak Wealth Management hold the Peak State of the Union to share highlights from 2020 — including an increase in new clients, how they navigated the pandemic, and team updates. Listen here to learn more. Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and...

In this episode, Nick Hopwood , CFP® and Jim Pilat , AIF® of Peak Wealth Management discuss college savings plans for families to better identify available routes to take for their children. Nick and Jim dive in on ways to fund college, why we should put money into a 529 savings account, and how we can create educational legacies.  — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth manage...

Nick Hopwood of Peak Wealth Management sits down to chat with Greg Dooley , founder of MVictors.com . Greg has shared his knowledge of the University of Michigan athletics history for U-M athletic department events, for Alumni clubs, on campus in undergrad classes, and more. In this episode, Nick and Greg talk about how he started, what you can expect from MVictors in the future, and also shares s...

In this episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management dive in on income segmentation and bucket investing. Learn more about how these strategies can get you further on your retirement journey. — 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 so...

This week we are heading into 2021 — and before we do, Nick Hopwood talks with Jim Pilat about the financial plan he has for his family in the New Year. From expense tracking to debt management and more, listen to learn more about what our Peak Vice President has planned financially.  — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providi...

Kevin O'Leary AKA Mr. Wonderful, a businessman featured on the television show Shark Tank said people should strive to pay off their debts entirely by the age of 45. Listen to this episode to learn more about Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management think... Do they agree?  — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by provid...

How important is it to keep your finances organized? In this episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management discuss why it is beneficial to stay on top of your finances and investments. Nick and Jim talk about the top items you should know in order to build a strong financial foundation. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We...

In this new episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management discuss the importance of a good personality fit when it comes to client/financial planner relationships. Learn more about other factors that should go into building a strong financial foundation as a team. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing ed...

Whether if you are looking to work with a financial advisor for the first time or interested in switching it up with someone new, you'll want to listen to this episode to learn more about the most important questions you'll want to ask the financial advisor. Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management highlight the top 5 questions you need to ask while interviewing an advisor to work with...

Say hello to lifestyle creep. Lifestyle creep, also known as lifestyle inflation, can sneak up on you and prevent you from building a strong financial foundation. Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat are joined by Patti Wojcik . The trio talk about the phenomenon of a lifestyle creep — and how Patti first realized she identified with it. In this episode, you'll learn more about what a lifestyle creep is and...

In this bonus episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management hosted a webinar in partnership with Brian Vincent of C.L. Finlan Insurance to talk about Medicare Enrollment.   In our webinar, you'll learn: Original Medicare — Initial Eligibility/Enrollment Medigap (a/k/a/ Medicare Supplement) + stand-alone Part D Rx PDP Card vs. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Choosing the m...

Throughout our lives, we all experience transitions— ones that have the ability to impact us financially. Whether it be a divorce, birth of a child, retirement, loss of a spouse — it is important to have a plan as you navigate these changes.  In this episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat talk about life transitions, and why it is beneficial to plan ahead. Learn more about how our Peak Wealth team ca...

In this new episode, Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth Management highlight socially responsible investing — or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) referring to a class of investing where people seek positive returns and long-term impact on society, environment, and the performance of business. Learn more about the impact of ESG and ways it can make a difference in how we invest.  P...