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

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Check out our most recent episode with Nick and Evan.

Monday Jun 16, 2025

EP 277: Points, Plans, and Purpose: How Evan Chopp Does Money Differently

Monday Jun 16, 2025

In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth, sits down with guest Evan Chopp to explore Evan’s personal finance journey. Evan shares the goals he’s set for himself and his family, how his mindset around money has evolved, and the practical strategies he's using to build financial freedom. The conversation also dives into how travel hacking fits into his broader budgeting approach—saving money while still prioritizing meaningful experiences. It's a thoughtful look at how intentional planning can support both financial wellness and lifestyle goals.

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Check out Evan's first episode with us in 2024.

Monday Jun 09, 2025

EP 276: Maximize Every Point: Travel Hacking with Evan Chopp

Monday Jun 09, 2025

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth and host of the Trust the Plan Podcast, is joined once again by Evan Chopp—points enthusiast and all-around knowledgeable guy—for a deep dive into the Chase Sapphire 100k offer and why it’s one of the best in the game. In this episode, they break down how to follow Evan’s proven strategy to maximize credit card points, redeem them for top-tier travel experiences, and get the most value out of every point. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started, this conversation will help you make the most of your rewards.

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Monday Jun 02, 2025

EP 275: From Paychecks to Payouts: Retirement Spending Trends

Monday Jun 02, 2025

Nick Hopwood and Jim Pilat of Peak Wealth, on their Trust the Plan podcast, recently discussed a Chase Bank data report examining spending patterns in partially and fully retired households with $250,000 to $750,000 in investable wealth. They observed that spending often increases shortly after retirement, driven by lifestyle changes and long-postponed purchases. Over time, however, that spending naturally begins to taper as routines settle and priorities shift. Their discussion emphasized the need for thoughtful retirement planning that accounts for these evolving spending habits.

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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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