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

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.

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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

www.peakwm.com

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

www.peakwm.com

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

www.peakwm.com

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

www.peakwm.com

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

www.peakwm.com

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.

Check out our most recent episode with Nick and Evan.

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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

www.peakwm.com

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.

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

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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

www.peakwm.com

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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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

www.peakwm.com

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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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

www.peakwm.com