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

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Wednesday May 28, 2025

EP 274: Retirement Planning Smart: Roth Conversions with Peak Wealth

Wednesday May 28, 2025

In a recent episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP®, and Jim Pilat, CFP®, of Peak Wealth Management, delve into the strategic decision of Roth conversions in retirement planning. They present a case study comparing the financial outcomes of converting traditional IRA funds to Roth IRAs versus maintaining the traditional structure. Through detailed charts, they illustrate how Roth conversions can potentially reduce future tax liabilities and provide tax-free income in retirement.

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Monday May 19, 2025

EP 273: Start Saving Early: How to Fully Fund College with a 529 Plan

Monday May 19, 2025

On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management dive into the importance of starting early when investing for college. They emphasize that the earlier you begin, the more you can take advantage of compound growth, making it much easier to fully fund a college education. Using tools like 529 plans, families can invest in a tax-advantaged way toward future tuition costs. Nick and Jim break down how much you need to save monthly— depending on the target school and timeline—to stay on track. Their key message: trust the process, start early, and stick to the plan.

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Tuesday May 13, 2025

EP 272: Market Volatility? Don’t Panic—Trust the Plan

Tuesday May 13, 2025

On this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, CFPs Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth talk about why rising advisor attrition rates across the industry don’t reflect what they see in their firm. By focusing on strong client relationships, a team-based approach, and consistent communication, they’ve built a model that keeps clients engaged and supported for the long haul. It’s all about trust, continuity, and delivering real value beyond just investment advice.

From there, they turn their attention to another critical topic: managing risk in today’s unpredictable markets. With volatility making headlines and investor anxiety on the rise, Nick and Jim emphasize that not every fluctuation signals a time to act. In fact, they caution against panic-driven decisions, encouraging clients to stay focused on their long-term goals. At Peak Wealth, the message is clear—success comes from discipline, not reaction, and understanding when not to move is just as important as knowing when to act.

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Monday Apr 28, 2025

EP 271: Real Case Study: What a CFP Saw That Sparked Red Flags

Monday Apr 28, 2025

On a recent episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth delved into a compelling case study featuring a couple in their mid-40s with three kids and a strong household income, now getting serious about their financial future.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) flagged several red flags in their current approach — Jim and Preston unpack these concerns, offering their perspective on whether they agree with the CFP’s assessment and exploring how proactive planning could address these issues before they become costly missteps.

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Monday Apr 21, 2025

EP 270: Market Uncertainty Meets Optimism: Trusting the Plan Through Volatility

Monday Apr 21, 2025

On this episode of Trust the Plan, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth dive into the current market landscape, highlighting the recent wave of uncertainty that’s had investors on edge.

Just when things seemed shaky, markets surged after former President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs—sending a jolt of optimism through Wall Street.

Jim and Preston break down what this could mean moving forward and emphasize the importance of staying the course. As always, they remind listeners: trust the plan, focus on the long-term, and don’t let short-term noise derail your strategy.

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Monday Apr 14, 2025

EP 269: Why Client Education Is the Key to Financial Confidence

Monday Apr 14, 2025

On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® emphasize the power of education and guidance in helping clients take control of their financial future.

For them, it’s not just about managing money—it’s about empowering individuals to truly understand their financial plan, be involved in the process, and feel confident in the decisions they’re making.

By breaking down complex topics and focusing on clear, personalized advice, Nick and Preston aim to inspire clients to make smart choices today that build a secure, fulfilling retirement tomorrow.

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Monday Apr 07, 2025

EP 268: US Market Correction: History, Trends, and What Investors Should Expect

Monday Apr 07, 2025

On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® dive deep into the concept of market corrections and what investors can expect moving forward in the current state of the U.S. market.

They discuss how a correction—defined as a 10% drop from recent highs—can offer both risks and opportunities. By analyzing historic market charts, they explain the patterns of past corrections, and emphasize that while corrections are a natural part of market cycles, they often pave the way for future growth.

The duo discusses how investors can navigate these times by staying disciplined, managing risk, and looking for opportunities when the market stabilizes.

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Monday Mar 31, 2025

EP 268: Maximizing Your Path to Early Retirement with Smart Tax Strategies

Monday Mar 31, 2025

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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Monday Mar 17, 2025

EP 267: 401(k) Debate: TikTok’s Take vs. Peak Wealth’s Expert Advice

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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YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt

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