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

Hosted by NIck Hopwood, CFP and Jim Pilat, CFP

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Episodes

329

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® And Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management on our Journey to a peace of mind retirement.

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60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 34419 min

Why Weren’t We Taught THIS in High School?!

Why are students taught algebra and history, but many graduate without knowing how to budget, invest, use credit or prepare for retirement? Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management discusses the growing push to bring personal finance education into high schools, including the new AP Business with Personal Finance course. From budgeting and saving to investing, borrowing, taxes, insurance and long-term financial planning, students are getting an opportunity to learn money skills they can actually use in everyday life. Preston breaks down why learning these concepts before adulthood could help young people make smarter financial decisions, avoid costly mistakes and start building good financial habits earlier. The new AP course combines personal finance with business, entrepreneurship and real-world projects, giving students practical experience alongside college-level coursework. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

August 31, 2026Episode 3437 min

$40 TRILLION in U.S. Debt: Should Americans Be Worried?

The U.S. national debt is approaching $40 trillion, but what does that actually mean for you and your financial future? Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management joins The Steve Gruber Show to discuss the growing national debt, Social Security, Medicare, the U.S. economy, and what today’s fiscal challenges could mean for younger generations. Nick also shares what individuals and families can do now to prepare, plan ahead, and take greater control of their financial future. 🌐 Visit PeakWM.com to learn more. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

August 12, 2026Episode 3427 min

The Market Had a MONSTER Week. What Comes NEXT?

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management joins Steve Gruber to break down the current state of the U.S. economy and financial markets. Nick and Steve discuss the Dow pushing 55,000, last week’s monster market performance, inflation at 3.5%, and what these economic trends could mean for investors, retirement planning, interest rates, and the markets ahead. Get Nick’s perspective on market momentum, inflation, the economy, and what investors should be watching right now. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

August 11, 2026Episode 34138 min

Can You Afford the Life You Want in Retirement?

Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management join Ryan Ermanni on WJR’s No Lazy Money to talk about the true cost of owning a boat, planning for retirement, Social Security, and when you can actually afford to enjoy the things you’ve worked hard for. From lifestyle spending and retirement income to making smart financial decisions, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone thinking about retirement and their financial future. Like, subscribe, and follow Peak Wealth Management for more financial planning and retirement content! — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

August 4, 2026Episode 34011 min

What Our Peak Intern Learned That the Classroom Couldn’t Teach

Join Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management as he sits down with Peak summer intern Joey Ingram to reflect on an incredible internship experience. As Joey prepares to return to Michigan State University, he shares what he learned during his time at Peak, the meaningful opportunities he was given, the skills he developed, and how this experience will shape his future career. If you're a student interested in finance, investing, internships, wealth management, or career development, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it's like to gain real-world experience in the financial planning industry. Catch up with Joey and the Peak team, and hear firsthand how hands-on learning can make a lasting impact. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- 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 they can Retire With Peace of Mind Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

July 22, 2026Episode 3397 min

AI Investing, Trump Accounts & Market Outlook

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth joins Steve Gruber for a timely discussion on the U.S. economy, today's markets, and what investors should know about retirement planning. They cover the rise of AI investments, why Venmo shouldn't be used as a bank account, the new Trump Accounts for children, and practical strategies for building long-term wealth. Tune in for expert financial insights, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more investing, retirement, and personal finance content from Peak Wealth. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- 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 they can Retire With Peace of Mind Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

July 16, 2026Episode 3387 min

What the Economy Means for Your Money Right Now

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management, joins Steve Gruber on Daybreak to discuss the latest outlook for the economy, inflation, interest rate hikes, and the risks facing retirees. Learn how changing market conditions could impact retirement planning, investment strategies, and long term financial goals. Listen to this timely conversation for practical insights on navigating economic uncertainty and making informed financial decisions. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- 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 they can Retire With Peace of Min Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

July 7, 2026Episode 33737 min

Roth Conversions, Mortgage Payoff & Midyear Financial Review

Nick Hopwood, CFP® , and Jim Pilat, CFP® , join host Ryan Ermanni on the latest episode of The No Lazy Money Show on WJR to discuss Roth conversions, retirement planning, mortgage payoff strategies, investing, and the latest SpaceX news. They also share a practical midyear financial review with tips to help you evaluate your portfolio, reduce taxes, and stay on track toward your long term financial goals. If you are looking for expert financial planning advice and retirement strategies, this episode is packed with timely insights you can use. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- 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 they can Retire With Peace of Mind Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

June 29, 2026Episode 33611 min

The Biggest Spending Questions—Answered by CFP® Professionals

How much should you spend if you want to retire comfortably? In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Preston Gee, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® answer the biggest retirement planning and budgeting questions they hear from clients. They discuss smart spending habits, budgeting strategies, renting vs. buying a home, and how today's financial decisions can impact your future retirement. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or getting closer to retirement, understanding how to spend wisely is just as important as knowing how to save and invest. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ How much you can afford to spend while staying on track for retirement ✔️ Renting vs. buying a home: Which is better for your financial plan? ✔️ Budgeting tips that support long-term financial success ✔️ Common spending mistakes that can delay retirement ✔️ How to balance enjoying life today while planning for tomorrow ✔️ Questions financial advisors hear most often about spending and retirement If you're searching for advice on retirement planning, budgeting, personal finance, investing, financial freedom, retirement savings, wealth building, or money management, this episode is for you🔔 Subscribe to the Trust the Plan Podcast for weekly conversations on retirement planning, investing, taxes, Social Security, financial planning, and building long-term wealth. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- 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 they can Retire With Peace of Mind Stay Connected With Us: Podbean: https://findingtruewealth.podbean.com/ YouTube: / https://www.youtube.com/@peakwealthmgmt Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement/ X: https://x.com/nhopwood1 https://www.peakwm.com/

June 24, 2026Episode 3357 min

The Truth About Interest Rates, Inflation, and Your Retirement

Nick Hopwood, CFP® , joined Steve Gruber on Daybreak to discuss inflation, interest rates, market volatility, and key financial planning moves for the second half of the year. Nick shared his outlook on Federal Reserve policy, explained why market corrections are normal, discussed the recent SpaceX IPO, and highlighted the importance of a midyear financial checkup, including reviewing 401(k) contributions, retirement projections, spending, and beneficiary designations. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------ 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 they can Retire With Peace of Mind. Stay Connected With Us: Podbean: https://findingtruewealth.podbean.com/ YouTube: / https://www.youtube.com/@peakwealthmgmt Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement/ X: https://x.com/nhopwood1 https://www.peakwm.com/