Shows
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 283: Rethinking Retirement: The Emotional, Purpose-Driven Side of Life After Work with Dan HaylettWhat if the hardest part of retirement isn’t financial—but emotional?Retirement isn’t the goalpost we’ve been taught to chase. It’s a major life transition, and according to retirement researcher and financial planner Dan Haylett, many people arrive unprepared—not because the math is wrong, but because they never planned for what comes next.Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Dan—author of The Retirement You Didn’t See Coming and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast—to explore the emotional landscape of retirement and why most planning misses the mark. To...2025-08-0538 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 281: Slow Summer for Great Vibes and Money OutcomesSummer often invites us to pack in travel, events, and to-do lists—but what if the most powerful move you could make right now is to slow down?In this solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, reflects on her own slower-paced Michigan summer and the meaningful lessons it’s brought—about happiness, well-being, money, and the beauty of doing less with more intention. Drawing inspiration from the slow living and slow money movements, Melissa shares personal stories, client experiences, and practical ideas for embracing a slower rhythm in both your financial life and everyday choices.Whether you're...2025-07-2221 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 280: One Big, Beautiful Bill: What the OB3 Tax Law Means for Your MoneyIn this special solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA, breaks down the newly passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act—yes, that’s really the name! Signed into law on July 4th, this sweeping piece of legislation (affectionately nicknamed “OB3”) will impact everything from your tax brackets to your charitable deductions, and much more in between. Whether you’re a retiree, parent, small business owner, or high earner, Melissa walks through what’s changing, what’s staying, and what you need to know to navigate the financial road ahead.⚖️ Key Topics Covered:🧾 Tax Brackets...2025-07-1539 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 277: Money Hot Takes: Financial Controversies & Unpopular OpinionsEver feel like some financial "truths" don't quite add up? In this episode of Women's Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, teams up with colleague Alexa Kane, CFP®, for a candid conversation challenging some of the most widely accepted (but often unexamined) money beliefs.🔍 What they unpack:The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay Later: From fast food to impulse buys, installment payment apps are everywhere—but at what cost? Melissa and Alexa reveal how these “convenient” options can become debt traps, especially for younger consumers.The Case Against Agi...2025-06-2430 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 274: Reinventing Life on Your Own Terms with Digital Nomad Sherita JanielleWhat does it really mean to live life on your own terms?Melissa Joy, CFP®, is joined by Sherita Janielle—digital marketing consultant, and entrepreneur who pulls back the curtain on what it looks like to redesign your life after a major transition, reject societal timelines, and prioritize fulfillment, flexibility, and financial sustainability.After a career in finance, Sherita transitioned to entrepreneurship. Following her divorce, she took a leap and embraced a life she once never imagined—working remotely while traveling the world. But this conversation goes far beyond digital nomadism. It’s about crafting a life...2025-06-0334 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 271: Estate Planning Made Manageable with Rachel DonnellyWhat really happens when someone passes away—and are you (or your family) prepared to handle it? In this episode of Women’s Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Rachel Donnelly, founder of Afterlight and author of Late to Your Own Funeral, to unpack the messy, often overwhelming world of death administration.Rachel shares her personal story of becoming executor for both her parents’ estates—while working full-time and raising young children—and how that experience inspired her to build a business helping others avoid the same chaos. Together, Melissa and Rachel dive into the real work t...2025-05-1333 min
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 261: Shifting Identities for Women Including Career and Motherhood with Hannah Moore, CFP®Ever wondered how to balance your career ambitions while thriving as a dedicated mom?In this empowering episode, we’re diving deep into the balancing act of career ambitions and motherhood with an honest, heartfelt conversation about redefining success on your own terms. Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by the inspiring Hannah Moore, CFP®—a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated mom—who shares her journey of embracing multiple roles while staying true to herself.Whether you’re navigating the complexities of the corporate world, building your own business, or managing family life, this episode offers practical...2025-03-0439 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 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 237: Getting Ready to Pay for College with Lucy Valandra, CFP® & Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®Ever wondered how to secure a bright educational future for your children without compromising your own financial well-being? Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, and her insightful colleagues Lucy Valandra, CFP®, and Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®, as they share personal stories and helpful tips to make the college savings process smoother. Lucy starts off with her heartwarming journey as a new mother to twin boys and the proactive steps she's taking toward their education savings. Meanwhile, Alexa, balancing life with two boys and a baby girl on the way, breaks down the many benefits of 529 plans—fr...2024-09-1738 min