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Join Nick Hopwood, CFP® And Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management on our Journey to a peace of mind retirement.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP®, hosts of the Trust the Plan Podcast, discuss a tax planning case study focused on achieving early retirement outside of traditional retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.
They emphasized that a key strategy for early retirement is having access to funds without needing to tap into retirement accounts, which often come with penalties for early withdrawal.
By effectively managing taxes and diversifying income streams, individuals can set themselves up for financial independence much earlier than traditional retirement planning might allow.
This approach focuses on smart tax strategies, investments, and withdrawal planning to create more flexible financial freedom.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this episode of Trust the Plan, Peak Wealth’s Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® dive into the growing TikTok debate surrounding 401(k) plans. TikTok critics argue that 401(k)s aren’t a reliable retirement strategy, citing concerns over fees, market volatility, and limited flexibility.
Nick and Jim take on these claims head-on, sharing their expert insights on why 401(k)s remain a valuable tool for long-term retirement planning. They highlight the benefits of tax advantages, employer matches, and disciplined saving, explaining why 401(k)s can still play a crucial role in building a secure financial future.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management delve into the current economic landscape, discussing crucial topics like tariffs and inflation. Their conversation provides insightful perspectives on how these factors are influencing the market today. They explore how tariffs, especially with global trade tensions, are impacting prices and supply chains, while also analyzing the broader implications of inflation on investments and consumer behavior. This discussion is timely, offering listeners a chance to connect economic theory to real-world market trends.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
In a discussion sparked by a Wall Street Journal article titled "The U.S. Economy Depends More Than Ever on Rich People", Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® delve into the crucial role of consumer spending in driving economic growth. They emphasize how, despite challenges in other sectors, the wealthiest individuals are responsible for a significant portion of spending in the U.S. economy.
This group’s purchasing power, from luxury goods to high-end services, has become a critical engine for sustaining economic momentum, as their expenditures contribute disproportionately to overall demand, helping to prop up the broader economy.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP®, hosts of the Trust the Plan Podcast, discussed the intersection of Big Ten basketball, focusing on Michigan and Michigan State, while also diving into an important financial topic—1031 exchanges. Nick, with his extensive experience in real estate, shared firsthand insights into how clients often come to him seeking advice after selling property and wanting to avoid paying taxes on the gain.
They explored the possibilities within the 1031 exchange framework, explaining how this rule allows investors to defer taxes by reinvesting in similar property. Their conversation provided valuable guidance for those navigating the complexities of real estate investments.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® discuss the concept of "money dysmorphia," a psychological phenomenon where people perceive themselves as having more financial stability or wealth than they actually do.
They explained how this distorted view can lead to poor decision-making and unhealthy financial habits, as people might feel financially secure when, in reality, they’re not. They emphasized that our feelings about money and finances often don’t reflect the true reality of our situation, pointing out that our perceptions can be misleading and cause unnecessary stress or overconfidence.
It’s a reminder to develop a clear, honest understanding of our finances rather than relying on a skewed sense of security.
—
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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
On the latest episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® discuss several hot-button topics, including their Super Bowl predictions (listen to see if they predicted correctly).
The duo goes on to examine the stock market's performance over time, exploring key events since the 1900s. By analyzing historical data and trends, they assess how the market responded to major events and how current shifts in the economy might influence future stock behavior.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Preston Gee, CFP® sits down with Nick Hopwood, CFP® to discuss his financial plan for 2025, reflecting on the lessons he's learned from the challenges and successes of 2024.
Preston opens up about how his approach to investing, budgeting, and wealth-building has evolved over the past year, highlighting key adjustments he's making to better navigate the shifting economic landscape.
With a focus on adapting to both market uncertainties and personal growth, Preston shares actionable insights on how he plans to stay ahead in 2025, while avoiding the pitfalls that held back some investors in 2024.
—
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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
In this feel-good edition of the Trust the Plan Podcast, hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® come together for their highly anticipated annual episode, offering an in-depth look at their personal financial family plans for 2025.
Nick dives into the strategies and goals he’s crafted to secure his family’s financial future in the coming year, while Jim shares his own unique approach to financial planning, offering valuable insights for listeners.
With a focus on long-term stability, family values, and actionable steps, this joint episode serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for families looking to build a secure and prosperous 2025.
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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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
On this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® explore the intricacies of IRA beneficiary designations, with a special focus on the IRA Beneficiary Family Tree.
They discuss key scenarios, including how distributions work when leaving an IRA to an organization, your spouse, or your children. Nick and Jim explain the tax implications and strategic considerations for each option, such as how IRAs transfer to a surviving spouse with potential benefits, the options available to children and other heirs, and how charitable organizations are treated differently.
This episode provides listeners with practical insights on how to structure IRA beneficiaries to best fit their family’s financial goals and legacy.
—
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: findingtruewealth.podbean.com
YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt
Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast)
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement
Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1