Best Of Trust the Plan Podcast 2025
The Best of 2025 Trust the Plan Podcast is here! Join us as we recap our most popular and impactful episodes of the year, highlighting the conversations that resonated and the insights that mattered most. Review the year with hosts Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth, and check out our full lineup of episodes from throughout 2025. Thank you for being part of the journey, and stay tuned for new content coming in 2026!
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EP 264: Maximize Your Investment: Strategies for the 1031 Exchange
Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP®, hosts of the Trust the Plan Podcast, discussed the intersection of Big Ten basketball, focusing on Michigan and Michigan State, while also diving into an important financial topic—1031 exchanges. Nick, with his extensive experience in real estate, shared firsthand insights into how clients often come to him seeking advice after selling property and wanting to avoid paying taxes on the gain.
They explored the possibilities within the 1031 exchange framework, explaining how this rule allows investors to defer taxes by reinvesting in similar property. Their conversation provided valuable guidance for those navigating the complexities of real estate investments.
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EP 272: Market Volatility? Don't Panic — Trust the Plan
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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EP 265: Inside the U.S. Economy: How the Rich Keep Spending and Fueling Growth
In a discussion sparked by a Wall Street Journal article titled "The U.S. Economy Depends More Than Ever on Rich People", Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® delve into the crucial role of consumer spending in driving economic growth. They emphasize how, despite challenges in other sectors, the wealthiest individuals are responsible for a significant portion of spending in the U.S. economy.
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EP 261: Preston Gee's 2025 Financial Playbook: A Look Ahead
In this episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Preston Gee, CFP® sits down with Nick Hopwood, CFP® to discuss his financial plan for 2025, reflecting on the lessons he's learned from the challenges and successes of 2024.
Preston opens up about how his approach to investing, budgeting, and wealth-building has evolved over the past year, highlighting key adjustments he's making to better navigate the shifting economic landscape.
With a focus on adapting to both market uncertainties and personal growth, Preston shares actionable insights on how he plans to stay ahead in 2025, while avoiding the pitfalls that held back some investors in 2024.
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EP 262: Stock Market Trends: A Historical Look at Major Events
On the latest episode of the Trust the Plan Podcast, Jim Pilat, CFP® and Preston Gee, CFP® discuss several hot-button topics, including their Super Bowl predictions (listen to see if they predicted correctly).
The duo goes on to examine the stock market's performance over time, exploring key events since the 1900s. By analyzing historical data and trends, they assess how the market responded to major events and how current shifts in the economy might influence future stock behavior.