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

337

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 28, 2026Episode 35111 min

STOP Paying Off Debt? You Might Be Making a Mistake

Is all debt bad debt? Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth, explores the difference between good debt and bad debt and how understanding the distinction can help you make smarter financial decisions. Learn how certain types of debt, when used strategically, may help build wealth, support long-term financial goals, and create opportunities for your future. Preston also discusses the types of debt that can hold you back financially and why paying them off as quickly as possible may be the best approach. Whether you're focused on financial planning, debt management, building wealth, or achieving financial freedom, understanding how debt fits into your overall financial strategy is essential. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more personal finance insights, wealth-building strategies, and financial tips from Peak Wealth! ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

October 21, 2026Episode 3507 min

The Fed’s October Surprise? Is Another Rate Hike Coming?

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® , of Peak Wealth Management joins Steve Gruber to discuss the stock market, the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting, and whether another interest rate hike could be an October surprise. They also explore expectations for a potential December rate hike, historical stock market trends following midterm elections, and year-end tax planning strategies to help you prepare for the year ahead. Stay informed on the economy, investing, retirement planning, and ways to make smarter financial decisions. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

October 20, 2026Episode 34937 min

Is Your Money at Risk? Inflation, Fed Rates & Retirement

Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® , and Jim Pilat, CFP® , of Peak Wealth Management on WJR’s No Lazy Money with host Ryan Ermanni as they discuss the latest economic news, inflation, Federal Reserve interest rates, annuities, and important steps to prepare for retirement. Get insights on what’s happening across the country and how it could impact your financial future. Getting a second set of eyes on your retirement plan is always a good idea! Like and subscribe for more Peak Wealth content, and visit peakwm.com/wjr 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

October 13, 2026Episode 34816 min

Roth Conversions: The Retirement Tax Trap Nobody Talks About

Are Roth conversions worth it? Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth breaks down Roth IRA conversions, who benefits most, who should avoid them, and how converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA could impact your retirement taxes. Learn how to make smarter retirement planning decisions, minimize taxes, and build tax-free retirement income. Like, subscribe, and follow our page for more episodes of the Trust the Plan Podcast! — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

October 6, 2026Episode 3477 min

Is America Becoming Unaffordable?

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth joins Steve Gruber to discuss the latest economic trends impacting American families, including falling oil and gas prices across the country, inflation, affordability, and rising mortgage rates pushing toward 7.5%. They break down what these trends could mean for the average household, the economy, and the financial outlook for Americans. Plus, they discuss what investors and families should be watching next. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

September 28, 2026Episode 3467 min

Fed Hikes Rates for the First Time in 3+ Years: What Happens Next?

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth joins Steve Gruber to discuss the Federal Reserve’s first interest-rate hike in more than three years, what higher rates could mean for the U.S. economy, and why the Retirement Red Zone is such a critical time for investors. They also cover retirement planning, markets, economic trends, and what Americans should be watching next. — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

September 15, 2026Episode 34539 min

You Could Be Making These Costly Money Mistakes

Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management join Ryan Ermanni on WJR’s No Lazy Money to discuss 401(k) contributions, managing investments, retirement planning, and more. Learn how thoughtful financial decisions can help you make the most of your retirement savings and investment strategy. Get a second opinion at peakwm.com/wjr . Like and subscribe for more Peak Wealth content! — ✅ Apply For A Free Retirement Planning Session ✅ peakwm.com/start-here ------------------------------- Stay Connected With Us: Podbean YouTube Apple Facebook X Peak Wealth

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