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

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

Jun 9, 2025

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

Jun 9, 2025

29 min

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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Jun 2, 2025

EP 275: From Paychecks to Payouts: Retirement Spending Trends

Jun 2, 2025

10 min

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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May 28, 2025

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

May 28, 2025

7 min

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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May 19, 2025

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

May 19, 2025

8 min

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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May 13, 2025

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

May 13, 2025

15 min

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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Apr 28, 2025

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

Apr 28, 2025

9 min

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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Apr 21, 2025

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

Apr 21, 2025

8 min

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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Apr 14, 2025

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

Apr 14, 2025

11 min

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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Apr 7, 2025

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

Apr 7, 2025

12 min

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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