Shows
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 270: Spring Clean Your Finances: 20 Ways to Refresh Your Financial Life Right NowSpring is the perfect time for more than just a closet refresh—your finances deserve a reset too!In this practical, action-driven episode of Women’s Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP® shares 20 powerful strategies to reinvigorate your financial life with the same fresh energy that spring cleaning brings to your home.From reviewing your budget in today’s uncertain economy to automating savings and tackling debt in a high-interest environment, each suggestion is designed to be practical, manageable, and highly effective. Whether you’re ready to revamp your beneficiary designations, audit your insu...2025-05-0627 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 268: Mortgage Rates, Market Myths & Smart Home Buying with Erica PowersIs now a smart time to buy a home—or just a risky financial move?On this episode of Women's Money Wisdom, host Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with returning guest and mortgage specialist Erica Powers CMPS®, CDLP®, NMLS#739673. First Merchants Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and a Member FDIC. She unpacks the ever-changing housing market and what it means for your money moves.With over 20 years of experience and certifications in divorce lending and mortgage planning, Erica helps us cut through the confusion about mortgage rates...2025-04-2229 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode of 267: Rethinking Retirement: Spending Surprises, Confidence Gaps & Evolving TimelinesIs your retirement plan based on outdated assumptions—or real-world trends?In this episode of Women’s Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, breaks down how retirement is changing—especially for women and Gen Xers. From unexpected post-retirement spending spikes to the growing trend of phased retirement, Melissa shares insights on what today’s retirees really need to be thinking about.You’ll hear why traditional assumptions about retirement may no longer apply, how inflation and rising costs are impacting timelines, and why confidence levels vary so dramatically between generations and genders...2025-04-1518 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 266: Tariffs, Crashes, and Bear MarketsMarket volatility can be unsettling—but long-term financial success is rarely built on short-term reactions.In this episode of the Women’s Money Wisdom podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP® addresses the emotional and financial challenges that often arise during market downturns. As markets enter bear territory, many investors may feel inclined to make significant changes to their portfolios. Melissa encourages listeners to take a step back and revisit their overall strategy, focusing on long-term planning rather than short-term uncertainty.She discusses general principles and planning considerations that can help investors stay grounded, inclu...2025-04-0824 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 265: Navigating Trump's Proposed College Funding Changes With Ann Garcia, CFP®Are big changes coming to the way we pay for college? In this episode, host Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, and author of How to Pay for College, to discuss the shifting landscape of higher education. With potential policy changes on the horizon, including modifications to student loans, grants, and university funding, families need to be more strategic than ever in planning for college expenses.Melissa and Ann explore the role of the Department of Education, the impact of proposed Parent PLUS loan...2025-04-0132 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 263: Talking About Money and Overcoming Financial Stigma with Author Kathleen Burns KingsburyMoney is everywhere in our lives, yet talking about it remains one of the biggest taboos. In this episode, we bring together—Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, financial psychologist and author, and Melissa Joy, CFP®, founder of Pearl Planning—to explore why breaking money silence is crucial for financial confidence, wealth-building, and stronger relationships.Key Takeaways:💡 The Origins of Money Silence – Kathleen explains how our reluctance to discuss money started centuries ago as a form of protection but now acts as a barrier to financial literacy, confidence, and fair c...2025-03-1839 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 257: Addiction & Your Money with Karen Coyne, CFP®How does addiction impact financial planning, and why is it so often left out of the conversation? In this thought-provoking episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, dives deep into this sensitive yet critical topic alongside Karen Coyne, CFP® of Clarity Planning. Karen shares her personal journey and highlights the significant gap in financial planning education when it comes to addiction and its far-reaching effects on individuals and families.Melissa and Karen explore practical tools for addressing these challenging conversations and discuss how financial advisors can better support clients navigating the complexities of addiction. They also delve into the psychological al...2025-02-0435 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 251: Seeking Contentment in the Holidays & LifeEver wondered how to embrace the holiday season with more joy and less stress?In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® dives into the pressures of holiday obligations and the transformative power of letting go of perfection. Drawing from her own holiday experiences, including cherished traditions at Greenfield Village, Melissa shares how prioritizing joy can create a more fulfilling season.We explore how social media and personal standards fuel comparison, often leading to stress, and how shifting focus to what truly matters can change both your holidays an...2024-12-2410 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 249: Year-End Financial and Tax MovesWhat Financial Moves Should Women Prioritize as 2024 Comes to a Close?As the year winds down and the political landscape shifts under the anticipated policies of President Trump, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, unpacks the key financial strategies women should focus on to optimize their year-end planning. With potential changes to tax policies—including adjustments to the standard deduction and estate tax limits—Melissa offers expert insights to help you navigate the complexities and prepare for a prosperous 2025.This episode dives into actionable tactics, from maximizing retirement contributions to making strategic property tax decisions, all ai...2024-12-1022 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 248 : The Extraordinary Power of Charitable GivingIn this heartwarming Giving Tuesday episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explores the profound connection between gratitude, philanthropy, and personal well-being. Delving into the science and practice of thankfulness, Melissa highlights how cultivating a gratitude mindset can reshape your financial habits, reduce stress, and bring deeper fulfillment to your life.Key Takeaways:The Power of Gratitude: Discover research-backed ways gratitude can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall life satisfaction.Philanthropy as a Gratitude Practice: Learn how incorporating charitable giving into your financial strategy can align your wealth with your values and b...2024-12-0317 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 247: The Soul of Wealth with Author Dr. Daniel CrosbyWhat if wealth isn’t just about numbers? In this transformative episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by Dr. Daniel Crosby to discuss his latest book, The Soul of Wealth. With 50 thought-provoking essays, Dr. Crosby redefines wealth as more than financial figures—highlighting its connection to personal values, mental wellness, and meaningful living. Together, they navigate the powerful intersection of wealth and well-being, offering insights that will inspire you to approach financial planning in a way that aligns with your core values.Key Takeaways:Redefining Wealth: Learn how T...2024-11-2634 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 245: Coping as a Caregiver with Danielle Miura, CFP®, MSFP, EAHow can we manage the heavy responsibilities of family caregiving without sacrificing our own financial and emotional health?In this heartfelt episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Danielle Miura, CFP®, MSFP, EA, with first-hand experience navigating the complexities of caregiving after her grandmother’s fall. Together, they delve into the emotional and financial challenges faced by caregivers and share practical strategies for managing medical care, logistics, and the personal sacrifices that often come with this role. Danielle shares powerful insights from her journey and offers tools to support caregivers in prioritizing their own well-b...2024-11-1241 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 244: How to React to Any Election Outcomes as an InvestorIn this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, dives into the importance of maintaining the right mindset on election day and how political outcomes can affect investment decisions. Drawing from her experiences with clients during past elections, Melissa discusses how political shifts often trigger anxiety and the impulse to react quickly—yet emphasizes the crucial value of focusing on a long-term perspective in investing. Melissa highlights how conventional wisdom about political impacts on markets can often be misleading, noting surprising areas of growth in sectors like alternative energy, despite changing administrations. She also...2024-11-0515 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 242: Investor Lessons from 2024 Detroit Tigers Playoff RunWhat if resilience and strategic thinking could turn the impossible into reality? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® takes us on an inspiring journey through the Detroit Tigers’ rollercoaster 2024 season. With a 0.2% playoff chance at one point, the Tigers made a stunning comeback under the expert leadership of manager AJ Hinch. But this story goes beyond the world of sports—Melissa draws meaningful connections between the Tigers’ success and essential financial principles that can help you in your personal financial journey. We explore how perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability played a crucial role in the Tigers’ turnaround and how tho...2024-10-2224 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 241: Sustainable Fashion with Marcie GreeneCurious about how your fashion choices affect your wallet and the planet? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Marcie Greene, a sustainable fashion advocate and adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, to explore the connections between fast fashion, personal finances, and environmental sustainability. From her retail beginnings to her passion for eco-consciousness, Marcie shares her insights into how consumers can rethink their buying habits and take small steps toward a more sustainable wardrobe. We dive deep into the hidden dangers of PFAS chemicals often found in everyday clothing, revealing how bra...2024-10-1536 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 240: What You Need to Know About Menopause and Your Money with Julia CarreonThe financial and economic impact of menopause is often overlooked, but the numbers are staggering. With 75 million American women in menopause and more than two-thirds of them active in the workplace, the Mayo Clinic reports productivity losses of $1.8 billion and related health care costs reaching an additional $24 billion.In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, welcomes back friend of the show, Julia Carreon. Together, they explore the stigma surrounding menopause and emphasize the importance of taking control of your health and finances before and during menopause. Melissa and Julia also share pe...2024-10-0833 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 239: Reducing Overwhelm by Doing Less With Michelle GauthierEver felt like you're drowning in the quest to have it all? Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, on this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, where she sits down with Michelle Gauthier, a professional life coach and host of Overwhelmed Working Woman. Michelle shares her transformative journey from a high-pressure finance career to a more intentional and balanced life. Together, they explore the societal pressures that often tie self-worth to external achievements and reveal how shifting priorities can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Michelle also delves into the art of setting boundaries, hig...2024-10-0127 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 238: Investing with Human Rights in Mind with William F. SchulzCurious about how corporate responsibility and ethical investing can help shape a better future? Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, as she sits down with William F. Schulz, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, to uncover how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has the potential to impact both business and society.In this episode, Bill shares insights from his memoir Reversing the Rivers and discusses the pivotal moments in history that have fueled the rise of ESG investing—from the fight against apartheid to addressing the challenges of labor trafficking. Together, they explore why ethical practices in sup...2024-09-2425 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 233: Olympic Lessons for InvestorsSummer is winding down, and there is a lot to unpack from the past few months. All the medals have been awarded and as we step off the podium and look towards fall we can’t forget some key takeaways. In the episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® reflects on the summer of 2024, discussing the stock market volatility and the lessons she learned from the Olympics. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and not catastrophizing, drawing parallels between the Olympics and investing. Melissa also highlights the need for diversification in portfolios and the...2024-08-2023 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 232: Bookkeeping and Tax Planning for Business Owners with Ronisa ClarkIf you’re a business owner, you know that the numbers matter. Accurate tracking of cash flow, expenses, and income help you keep tabs on the financial health of your company. In this conversation, Melissa Joy speaks with Ronisa Clark, an expert in bookkeeping for business owners and founder of her own company, Dream Joy Consulting. You’ll hear about the importance of keeping finances in order, common issues faced by business owners, and the basics of cash flow management. From experience, Ronisa shares why accurate bookkeeping and using an accounting system from the start is cru...2024-08-1332 min
Spiritual Spotlight SeriesCultivating Transformative Leaders: Melissa Joy on Empowering Women and Fostering Personal GrowthSend us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to be a transformative leader? Our guest for today, Melissa Joy MBA, a seasoned talent leader and certified master coach, has an inspiring story to share. Her early experiences in the foster care system ignited her passion for empowering others, and that same passion has fueled her rise in the field of human resources. Melissa speaks about the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and inspiring women to reach their full potential. Her insights on reflection, realignment, and personal growth will give...2024-07-2521 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 225: Create Your Dream Home with Melissa Kennedy and Jen HinesmanLooking to build your dream home? In this episode, Melissa Kennedy, President of Meadowlark Design+Build, and Design Director, Jen Hinesman discuss the process of building a custom home designed specifically for you. Using their 20 years of experience, Melissa and Jen explain all the important steps like planning, budgeting, choosing a location, and making sustainable choices.Listen and Learn:The importance of financial planning and budgeting for your dream homeHow to select the right property siteStrategies for making sustainable, eco-friendly choices in home constructionHow to deal with challenges like weather delays and labor shortages2024-06-2533 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 217: Teaching Kids Money Basics with Melissa GordonMelissa Joy is joined by teacher Melissa Gordon to explore why it's crucial for kids to learn about money management early on. Melissa Gordon shares why it’s never too early to start developing budgeting, investing, and retirement planning skills.This episode discusses how having open money conversations at home and school can prevent future financial pitfalls. Listen for why your kids should get involved with hands-on money projects and how you can help guide them as parents. Listen and Learn:The importance of early financial educationTips for making money lessons engaging fo...2024-04-3032 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 209: What Should I Do With Excess Cash?Join Melissa Joy as she discusses the nitty-gritty of handling extra cash and creating emergency funds. Melissa shares practical tips and personalized advice to help you navigate your financial journey - from stressing the importance of yearly check-ins to offering tailored recommendations to specific situations. Don’t miss out on this enriching episode that offers practical wisdom for effectively managing and investing cash reserves. Listen and Learn:Understand strategies to maintain and adjust your emergency reserve rangeDiscover a collaborative approach to financial planning so you and your partner are equipped to face the future wit...2024-03-0516 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 208: How To Stop Financially Supporting Your Adult ChildrenMelissa Joy explores a significant yet often overlooked trend: the increasing dependence of adult children on their parents for financial support. Drawing from a recent Credit Karma survey, which reveals that one-third of American adults rely on parental financial assistance, Melissa delves into the problems this trend can cause for parents while also providing practical measures to promote financial independence within families.Listen and Learn:Proactive ways to prepare your kids to support themselvesWhat to do when you're ready to reduce your financial supportHow to manage if you are overcommitted & need to cut the...2024-02-2721 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 205: How To Get Organized And Reduce Tax Season StressJoin Melissa Joy as she simplifies the often-overwhelming world of filing your taxes. In this episode, Melissa dives into strategies for managing taxes effectively while providing tools to enter tax season with confidence and organization.Listen and learn:How to get organized and reduce your tax season stressKey points to start collecting important documentsWhy paying "zero" in taxes may not be the win you think it isResources mentioned in this episode:What Documents Do I Need to Collect for Filing My 2023 Tax Return Important Financial Numbers for 2023Important Financial N...2024-02-0617 minWomen's Money WisdomEpisode 200: Setting Financial Resolutions and Goals for 2024In this episode, Co hosts Melissa Joy and Melissa Fradenburg kick off the new year with a lively discussion on how to set and achieve your financial resolutions for 2024. They emphasize the importance of taking a strategic approach to your financial planning and share practical tips to help you get organized and stay on track throughout the year. The Melissa's share actionable steps you can take to start the year on the right financial footing, including budgeting, automating savings, and optimizing interest rates on your savings accounts. They also remind listeners to consider their tax planning needs and the...2024-01-0218 min