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

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Oct 22, 2025

EP 286: Diversifying Your 401(k): Should You Consider Private Assets?

Oct 22, 2025

11 min

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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Aug 11, 2025

EP 285: Planning for Retirement: Insights on Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Aug 11, 2025

9 min

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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Aug 5, 2025

EP 284: What Does It Take to Feel Wealthy?

Aug 5, 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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Jul 28, 2025

EP 283: France Raised Retirement Age: Is the U.S. Next?

Jul 28, 2025

7 min

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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Jul 25, 2025

EP 282: Par for the Course: Happy Gilmore's Holey Finances

Jul 25, 2025

7 min

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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Jul 21, 2025

EP 281: Big Business Then vs. Now: Lessons from 1990 to 2025

Jul 21, 2025

8 min

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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Jul 14, 2025

EP 280: What the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Mean for 529 Plans

Jul 14, 2025

9 min

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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Jul 7, 2025

EP 279: The Halftime Breakdown: Key Lessons from 2025 So Far

Jul 7, 2025

7 min

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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Jun 23, 2025

EP 278: Intern Edition – Jacob Strom's Journey to Peak

Jun 23, 2025

7 min

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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