
Episodes

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
EP 287: Unlocking the J.P. Morgan Guide to Retirement
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
On the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP®, and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth dive into insights from the J.P. Morgan Guide to Retirement, offering practical ideas and concepts around getting started with saving, preparing for, and living in retirement.
They emphasize the importance of evaluating Roth contributions at various life stages, noting that younger investors often benefit most from Roth accounts due to lower current tax brackets, while those in peak earning years may need to weigh traditional vs. Roth options carefully.
The discussion encourages listeners to think strategically about retirement planning early on, adapting their approach as financial circumstances evolve.
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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

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
EP 286: Diversifying Your 401(k): Should You Consider Private Assets?
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
On this episode of Trust the Plan Podcast with Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth, the focus was on the rising availability of private investments within 401(k) plans. They discussed how options like private equity and private credit, while traditionally reserved for institutional investors, are slowly being introduced into retirement accounts through specialized structures. Although access is still limited and not open to all participants, regulatory changes and industry innovation are beginning to pave the way. Nick and Preston emphasized that while these investments can offer diversification and long-term growth potential, they come with added complexity and are best suited for well-informed investors with a long time horizon.
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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 Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth explore the topic of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and why they matter in long-term planning. They explain how CCRCs offer a range of living options within one community, allowing individuals to transition smoothly as their care needs change. Nick and Preston highlight key considerations like contract types, financial planning, and timing, stressing that understanding these elements early can help families make more confident and informed decisions about the 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

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
EP 284: What Does It Take to Feel Wealthy?
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
On this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® of Peak Wealth discussed a Schwab survey that asked people how much money it takes to feel wealthy. They explored how people's perceptions of wealth are often tied to specific financial milestones, reflecting what they believe would provide comfort, security, and a sense of success.
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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 Jul 28, 2025
EP 283: France Raised Retirement Age: Is the U.S. Next?
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
On this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, financial experts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® discuss the uncertain future of Social Security, referencing both U.S. developments and international changes.
They noted that the U.S. Social Security program is projected to be unable to pay full benefits by 2033—just eight years away—unless reforms are made. Nick emphasized that while nothing is likely to change in the short term due to political gridlock, future adjustments are inevitable.
They pointed to France’s recent 2023 decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, despite widespread protests, as an example of how other countries are already acting. Such moves abroad could foreshadow difficult but necessary decisions facing the U.S. system in the years ahead.
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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 Jul 25, 2025
EP 282: Par for the Course: Happy Gilmore's Holey Finances
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
On this feel-good edition of the Trust the Plan podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® dive into the lighthearted financial plot flaws in the classic comedy Happy Gilmore, just in time to celebrate the release of Happy Gilmore 2, 30 years after the original hit theaters.
From Happy’s plan to win prize money to save his grandmother’s house, to the questionable handling of her overdue tax payments and looming eviction, Nick and Jim have a blast breaking it all down. It’s a fun way to kick off the nostalgia and excitement for the long-awaited sequel. Stay tuned for our full review of Happy Gilmore 2, coming soon!
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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 Jul 21, 2025
EP 281: Big Business Then vs. Now: Lessons from 1990 to 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth, hosting the Trust the Plan Podcast draw a thoughtful comparison between the major blue‑chip companies of the early 1990s and today’s corporate giants. They reflect on how, back then, names like GE, Exxon, IBM and Coca‑Cola dominated with longstanding industrial and consumer staples.
In contrast, their 2025 lineup features tech‑driven titans and digital platforms whose influence extends far beyond traditional market sectors.
Through this discussion, they underscore how the shift from physical goods to data‑powered services has radically transformed which companies shape and lead the global 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

Monday Jul 14, 2025
EP 280: What the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Mean for 529 Plans
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management discusses potential changes to 529 plans if the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” passes. They outline how the bill aims to expand the flexibility and allowable uses of 529 funds, making these education savings accounts more adaptable to a broader range of educational and financial goals. The conversation focuses on how the updates could affect how families plan for education expenses, including potential new options for using leftover funds.
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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 Jul 07, 2025
EP 279: The Halftime Breakdown: Key Lessons from 2025 So Far
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management announce that the firm now oversees $400 million in assets under management, marking a significant milestone in their continued growth.
In their July halftime report episode, they reflect on overall market performance through the first half of 2025 and share insights on what investors might expect in the months ahead. They discuss broader economic themes and emphasize the importance of staying diversified, remaining adaptable, and keeping a long-term perspective as the financial landscape continues to shift.
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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 Jun 23, 2025
EP 278: Intern Edition – Jacob Strom's Journey to Peak
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Check out a special episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast with Nick Hopwood, CFP® featuring our standout Peak summer intern, Jacob Strom. In this episode, we dive into Jacob's unique journey—what brought him to Peak, his passion for finance, and the path that led him here. It's an inspiring conversation that highlights the next generation of talent in the industry. Don’t miss it—tune in to learn more about Jacob’s story and his time with the Peak team.
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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
