Women's Money Wisdom

Hosted by Melissa Joy, CFP®

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Oct 2026

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You’re working hard, caring for everyone else, and managing a thousand details a day - but when was the last time you focused on your finances? As a woman, you might carry the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving, parenting, career-building, and household management. It’s no wonder financial planning tends to fall to the bottom of your list -yet it’s one of the most important tools you have for protecting your future, your family, and your peace of mind. Women’s Money Wisdom is here to change that. Hosted by Melissa Joy, CFP®, founder of Pearl Planning in Dexter, Michigan, this weekly podcast is your space for practical insights and relatable advice to help you take control of your financial life. From investing and retirement to navigating life transitions and shifting your money mindset, you'll gain the clarity and confidence you need to make empowered decisions. Maybe you’re preparing for retirement, juggling the needs of both kids and aging parents, or growing a business you’ve built from the ground up. You want to build wealth in a way that reflects your values. You want guidance that honors your full life, not just your portfolio. And most of all, you want a trusted partner who sees the whole picture, not just the numbers. If you’re ready to stop putting yourself last - at least financially -this podcast is your starting point. Subscribe to Women’s Money Wisdom and make your financial future a priority. The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https://pearlplanning.com/

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October 13, 202642 min

Episode 345: Investing in Line with Your Values: Vegan and Climate-Conscious Portfolios with Claire Smith

Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Claire Smith , CEO of Beyond Investing and founder and Chief Investment Officer of Beyond Impact, to talk about building a portfolio that reflects personal values. Claire traces her path from investment banking and investment consulting to a decision to devote her career to vegan, climate-conscious investing. She explains how the rules-based screens behind the Vegan Climate ETFs decide which companies are included and which are left out, from fossil fuel producers to supply chain businesses tied to animal agriculture, and how proxy voting and direct company engagement, including an example involving Apple and leather watch straps, can be used to influence corporate behavior. The conversation then turns to private markets, where Claire explains how venture capital differs from publicly traded funds, what it means to back seed-stage companies in alternative proteins and animal-free materials, and why these funds are generally limited to accredited and institutional investors. Melissa and Claire also take on a common question about values-based investing, whether it means giving up returns, with Claire sharing what she has observed since the ETF launched and a reminder from Melissa that past performance does not predict future results. What You'll Learn How a career in investment banking and investment consulting led Claire Smith to build vegan and climate-conscious investment products What Claire means by "what gets financed gets done," and why she sees withdrawing financing as one way to influence the companies we invest in How rules-based screens decide which companies are excluded, including supply chain businesses tied to animal agriculture and fossil fuels, and how mid-cap holdings are used to rebalance sectors What cap-weighted indexes are, and why a stock falling out of a major index can matter How fund sponsors use proxy voting, shareholder resolutions, and direct engagement to influence the companies they hold Why Claire says a disproportionate number of exploited animals are female, and why she raises it from a feminist standpoint How venture capital differs from an ETF, including seed investing, ten-year time horizons, limited partners, and who can access these funds What Claire has observed about the performance of her ETF since launch, and why past performance does not predict future returns About the Guest Claire Smith is the CEO of Beyond Investing, a registered investment adviser formed in 2017 to create publicly available vegan and climate-conscious investment products, and the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Beyond Impact, a venture capital firm focused on plant-based, alternative protein, and animal-free materials companies. Beyond Investing created the US Vegan Climate Index, which is tracked by the US Vegan Climate ETF (ticker VEGN), launched in September 2019, and offers an international Vegan Climate ETF. Before founding Beyond Investing, Claire spent decades in finance, including roles at UBS and as a partner at the alternatives advisory firm Albourne Partners. She was named Investment Leader of the Year in the 2022 Environment Finance Sustainable Investment Awards. Beyond Investing: beyondinvesting.com US Vegan Climate ETF: veganetf.com International Vegan Climate ETF: veganclimateetf.com Beyond Impact: beyondimpact.vc Beyond Investing on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beyond-investing Beyond Investing on X: @BeyondInvest The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

October 6, 2026Episode 34437 min

Episode 344: Walking on Broken Glass: Recognizing Workplace Bias and Career Takedowns with Shannon Nutter

Doing great work is supposed to protect your career. But what happens when being a high performer, speaking up, or challenging the status quo is exactly what puts you at risk? Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Shannon Nutter , a global executive, board director, and founder of My Classroom Economy, whose career includes leadership roles at Vanguard, Deloitte, and General Motors. Shannon is the co-author, with Julia C. Carreon, of the new book Walking on Broken Glass: Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling, a decoder kit for recognizing the biases and double standards that have been normalized in so many workplaces. Shannon explains the idea of a "takedown," when accomplished people, many of them women, are purposefully managed out after they push back, question power, or simply succeed. After a single LinkedIn post flooded her inbox, she paused writing to interview more than 100 people, and she shares the early signs and signals that emerged from those stories. She and Melissa also unpack the Goldilocks syndrome, why so many women personalize what is actually systemic, and the everyday choices we can all make as colleagues, leaders, consumers, investors, and voters to change the culture. Along the way, Melissa connects it back to financial planning: your career is often your largest asset, and preparing for career risk is part of protecting your balance sheet. What You'll Learn What a "takedown" is, and why high performers who challenge the status quo, question compensation, or exceed their goals can be the ones managed out Early warning signs to watch for, from canceled one-on-ones and shrinking decision rights to a sudden performance plan after a new boss or merger Practical ways to protect yourself: documenting achievements, keeping your resume current, and building a network outside your company The Goldilocks syndrome, and why women are so often described as too much or too little but rarely just right Simple, low-risk phrases you can use in a meeting to redirect credit or reframe biased feedback for a colleague Why workplace bias is systemic rather than personal, and how that recognition can be validating How your choices as a leader, consumer, investor, and voter can push for change, even if you are not in the C-suite Why career risk belongs in your financial plan, since your human capital is often the largest asset on your balance sheet Guest Bio Shannon Nutter is a global executive, board director, business advisor, and author with more than two decades of leadership experience at organizations including the Vanguard Group, Deloitte, and General Motors. She is the founder of My Classroom Economy, a free K-12 program that teaches children financial responsibility through experiential learning. Shannon is the co-author, with Julia C. Carreon, of Walking on Broken Glass: Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling (Practical Inspiration Publishing, 2026). She holds a BA from Macalester College and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Connect with Shannon: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shannon-nutter Co-author Julia C. Carreon on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julia-c-carreon Book: Walking on Broken Glass: Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling My Classroom Economy: myclassroomeconomy.org The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

September 29, 2026Episode 34342 min

Episode 343: Giving with Purpose - A Guide to Charitable Planning and Donor Advised Funds with Grace Bernhardt

Charitable giving can grow your impact, pass your values to the next generation, and lower your tax bill, but only when the intent to give is genuine. Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Grace Bernhardt, Director of Charitable Solutions and Advisor Experience at Raymond James Trust, for a wide-ranging conversation on charitable giving philosophy and the planning tools available to put it into practice. Melissa and Grace walk through the full spectrum of giving vehicles, from private foundations and charitable lead and remainder trusts to the fast-growing donor advised fund, explaining how each structure works, who it tends to fit best, and the tax and legacy benefits each one offers. The conversation goes beyond the mechanics to explore why families give: using philanthropy to pass down values across generations, preparing heirs to be good stewards of wealth, and building giving strategies around major income events like a business sale, a large bonus year, or an inherited retirement account. Grace and Melissa also share how they each use donor advised funds in their own families, and Melissa reflects on why charitable giving should never be pursued purely for a tax break if the charitable intent isn't genuinely there. What You'll Learn The difference between a private foundation, a donor advised fund, and community foundations, and how to choose among them How charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts work, and when each one makes sense Why donor advised funds have become one of the fastest-growing charitable structures in the industry How donating appreciated stock or other assets, rather than cash, can help you give away a future capital gains tax liability How to use charitable giving strategically around high-income years, bunching deductions, and inherited retirement accounts How to set up successor donors and legacy giving plans so a donor advised fund can outlast your lifetime Why charitable giving should be grounded in genuine intent, not pursued for tax benefits alone About Grace Bernhardt Grace Bernhardt is Director of Charitable Solutions and Advisor Experience at Raymond James Trust, where she works with clients and financial advisors on philanthropic planning strategies, including donor advised funds, private foundations, and charitable trusts. She previously served as Director of Sustainable Investing at Raymond James. Learn more about Raymond James Charitable at raymondjamescharitable.org or connect with Grace on LinkedIn . The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

September 22, 2026Episode 34235 min

Episode: 342 Understanding Your Money Behavior: How Identity Drives Financial Decisions with Hugh Massie

Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Hugh Massie , founder of DNA Behavior International, to explore how our natural, hardwired behavior shapes the way we make financial decisions, especially under pressure. Hugh traces his path from CPA to behavioral pioneer, explaining how a simple observation, that people revert to their instinctive behavior when money puts them under stress, led him to build an objective measurement system now used in more than 125 countries. Together, Melissa and Hugh unpack why a strengths-based conversation, rather than a deficit-based one, keeps clients empowered and engaged, and why understanding a person's struggles (their strengths overplayed) is just as important as celebrating their talents. The conversation turns to couples and money, where Hugh shares how opposite behavioral styles often attract each other in early marriages, and how an advisor can serve as a bridge that helps both partners feel heard rather than sidelined. Hugh also introduces DNA Behavior's assessment tools, including the newly launched GoDNA.ai, and explains how identity, not just strategy, is the foundation every sound financial decision should flow from. What You'll Learn Why people revert to their natural, instinctive behavior when money puts them under pressure The difference between a strengths-based financial planning conversation and a deficit-based one, and why it keeps clients empowered Why understanding a client's “struggles” (strengths overplayed) matters as much as celebrating their strengths How identity, not just goals or strategy, is the foundation every financial decision should flow from Why couples often marry someone with an opposite behavioral style, and how that shows up in money decisions How an advisor can act as a neutral bridge that helps both partners in a relationship feel heard How DNA Behavior's assessment tools, including the new GoDNA.ai platform, measure natural behavior in minutes About Hugh Massie Hugh Massie is the Founder and Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior International, “The Behavior and Money Insights Company,” which he founded in 2001 after beginning his career as a CPA and wealth manager in Sydney, Australia. Now based in Atlanta, Hugh has spent more than two decades building behavioral assessment tools that measure people's natural, hardwired behavior, work that today reaches individuals and organizations in more than 125 countries. He is the author of several books, including Financial DNA: Discovering Your Unique Financial Personality for a Quality Life, and is also the co-founder of Boys Without Fathers, a nonprofit mentoring organization. Website: https://www.dnabehavior.com Try GoDNA: https://www.godna.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/ The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

September 15, 2026Episode 34146 min

Episode 341: Saving Without Limits: How ABLE Accounts Empower People with Disabilities with Scott de Varona

Most people have never heard of an ABLE account, but it may be one of the most useful and underused tools in disability financial planning. Melissa Joy, CFP®, is joined by Scott de Varona, division director of MiABLE, Michigan's ABLE savings program, to explain how these accounts let people with disabilities save and invest money without jeopardizing benefits like Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP. For decades, individuals had to stay under a $2,000 asset limit to keep those benefits. ABLE accounts, modeled after the 529 education savings plan, changed that by giving people with disabilities a legal way to shelter savings, up to $20,000 a year, or $35,650 for those who are employed, while still qualifying for the programs they depend on. Scott and Melissa cover who qualifies (the eligibility window recently expanded from before age 26 to before age 46), what the money can be used for (housing, transportation, technology, health and wellness, and even funeral expenses, among many other categories), and how the accounts work alongside special needs trusts and other estate planning tools. They also discuss an important open question: the Medicaid clawback provision that currently allows states to recoup funds from an ABLE account after the owner's death, and the pending state and federal legislation aimed at eliminating it. With an estimated one million Michiganders eligible and fewer than one percent enrolled, this conversation is a reminder that ABLE accounts likely apply to more listeners, or their family members, than they might expect. What You'll Learn What an ABLE account is and how it protects eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, and other disability benefits Who qualifies: the recent expansion of the eligibility window from disability onset before age 26 to before age 46 The three ways to prove eligibility, including SSI/SSDI status, the compassionate allowances list, or a physician certification 2026 contribution limits: $20,000 annually, plus up to $15,650 more for employed account owners under ABLE to Work The wide range of qualified disability expenses, from housing and transportation to assistive technology and funeral costs How authorized individuals can manage an account on behalf of someone who lacks capacity The current Medicaid clawback provision and the pending state and federal legislation that could eliminate it How ABLE accounts can coordinate with special needs trusts and other estate planning strategies About Scott de Varona Scott de Varona is the division director of MiABLE , Michigan's ABLE savings program for people with disabilities, and has led the program since its creation. He has worked for the State of Michigan since 1999 in various roles within the Departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services. Scott holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northwood University and an MBA from the DeVos Graduate School of Management. Learn more or start an account at Michigan.gov/MiABLE . The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

September 8, 2026Episode 34031 min

Ep 340: No One Tells You What to Do First: An Operating System for Life's Hardest Transitions with Samina Bari

After her husband Doug's sudden death in 2023, Samina Bari discovered that having a will, a trust, and a team of trusted professionals in place made almost no difference in the chaos that followed. What she needed was not a checklist, but a guide, someone or something to tell her what to do first, second, and third while she was too overwhelmed to think clearly. That gap became the foundation for Farewell, the first life admin operating system built to help individuals and families move through loss, divorce, aging parent care, and other major life transitions with clarity instead of chaos. Samina joins Melissa Joy, CFP®, to talk about what she calls life administration, the emotional, legal, financial, and practical work most of us postpone because it is simply too heavy to face. She explains how Farewell uses an empathetic AI to meet people where they are emotionally, break large to-do lists into manageable steps, and walk families through everything from locating vital documents to navigating an aging parent's finances. The conversation also turns personal, as Samina shares what she wishes more people understood about supporting someone through the loss of a spouse, and why she wrote Don't Call Me Widow to help close that gap. What You'll Learn Why Samina calls the tangle of legal, financial, and emotional tasks after a major life event “life administration,” and why no system existed to manage it How Farewell's empathetic AI checks in on how you're feeling and curates next steps accordingly What to expect when gathering essentials like death certificates, and why timing and sequencing matter How families can delegate tasks and control what each member can see and do Why the planning phase, before a crisis hits, is where tools like Farewell add the most value How financial advisors can use Farewell to see client progress and offer more integrative support What Samina wishes people understood about showing up for someone who has lost a spouse About Samina Bari Samina Bari is the founder and CEO of Farewell , the first life admin operating system for financial advisory firms and their clients. She spent three decades leading more than $40 billion in biotech mergers and acquisitions before the sudden death of her husband, Doug, in 2023 revealed a systemic gap in how individuals and families navigate loss and major life transitions. Samina is an Operating Partner at How Women Invest and the two-time Amazon bestselling author of Don't Call Me Widow and I Can, I Will and I Did: Lessons on Life, Love, and Leadership . Learn more at saminabari.com and withfarewell.com . The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

September 1, 2026Episode 33946 min

Episode 339: Go Ahead: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked (and Didn't) with Joseph Moore, PhD

Historian and investor Joseph Moore, PhD, spent over a decade digging through 300 years of American financial advice to find out what actually worked, and what everyday people, not just the Rockefellers of the world, were told to do with their money. In this conversation with Melissa Joy, CFP®, Joseph explains why Americans used to say “go ahead” instead of “get ahead,” what that shift in language reveals about self-reliance and the American dream, and why perspective on how hard life used to be (one and a half shirts per person in 1870, no flush toilets well into the twentieth century) can reframe how we think about today's challenges. They also dig into a subject close to Melissa's heart: the long, well-documented history of women managing, investing, and building wealth, from Ladies' Home Journal financial columns to Abigail Adams quietly out-investing John Adams. Joseph shares what his own real estate investing taught him about the myths of passive income, makes an unlikely defense of personal finance gurus, and reflects on how his working-class upbringing in rural South Carolina shaped a book that became a national bestseller. What You'll Learn Why Americans historically said “go ahead” instead of “get ahead,” and what that language reveals about self-reliance versus collective pessimism How dramatically material life has improved in the last 150 years, and why that context matters when comparing today's challenges to the past Why the idea of a long history of stay-at-home moms is a myth, and how women's self-employment and part-time income kept most American families afloat The overlooked history of women investing in mortgages, securities, and real estate going back to the 1700s, including Abigail Adams's investment returns Why real estate is not always a passive investment, and what it actually takes to make money owning it A historian's case for what personal finance gurus get right, and where their advice tends to fall short Why saving a percentage of every paycheck in the stock market is newer advice than most people realize The power of living on one income and investing the other, a strategy with roots stretching back generations Guest Bio Joseph Moore, PhD, is a national bestselling author, historian, and investor whose self-experimentation with history's wildest financial strategies made him financially independent in his mid-40s. His writing has appeared in The New York Times and through HarperCollins and Oxford University Press. His new book, How to Get Rich in American History: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked (and Didn't) , is an instant USA Today bestseller. You can find his free newsletter and more of his writing at josephmoorebooks.com , and follow him on Instagram . The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

August 25, 2026Episode 33843 min

Ep 338: The Midlife Plot Twist: Rewriting Your Money, Relationships, and Life Story with Lindsay Goldwert

Midlife comes with plenty of taboo topics that rarely get discussed together: money, sex, and the fantasy of burning it all down. Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Lindsay Goldwert, a writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Slate, and MarketWatch, and the author of Bow Down: Lessons from Dominatrixes on How to Be a Boss in Life, Love, and Work, a Glamour Magazine Best Book of 2020. Lindsay is now the co-author of The Midlife Plot Twist: How to Reboot Your Life Without Burning It Down (Even If You Really, Really Want To), out this September. She and Melissa talk about why it is so hard for women to ask for what they want, and why that difficulty tends to build up quietly until it boils over. The conversation covers why financial planning benefits from a therapist's sense of empathy, how couples can use a financial planner as a neutral party for hard conversations, and why proactively involving a financial planner before a relationship ends, not after, tends to lead to better outcomes for everyone. Lindsay and Melissa also get into how small, incremental investments in friendships, hobbies, and curiosity pay off over a lifetime, why knowing what you do not want is just as valuable as knowing what you do want, and why midlife deserves to be treated as a plot twist worth celebrating rather than a crisis to survive. What You'll Learn Why asking for what you want is especially hard for women, and how that difficulty compounds over time if left unaddressed Why a good financial planner should function like a financial therapist, holding space for feelings as well as numbers How bringing a financial planner into a relationship can give every partner's voice a seat at the table, and why that matters most in unequal power dynamics Why getting financial planning support before a relationship ends, rather than after, tends to lead to fairer and faster outcomes How to have tough money conversations with aging parents about wills, executors, and financial oversight before a crisis forces the issue Why small, incremental investments in friendships, hobbies, and curiosity are a legitimate use of money for long term health and longevity Why knowing what you do not want anymore is just as valuable as knowing what you do want Why midlife deserves reframing as a plot twist to celebrate rather than a crisis to survive Guest Bio: Lindsay Goldwert is an editorial director and writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Slate, MarketWatch, and many others. She is the author of Bow Down: Lessons from Dominatrixes on How to Be a Boss in Life, Love, and Work (Simon & Schuster, 2020), a Glamour Magazine Best Book of 2020, and the co-author, with Gabrielle Moss, of The Midlife Plot Twist: How to Reboot Your Life Without Burning It Down (Even If You Really, Really Want To) (Running Press, September 2026). Connect with Lindsay: Website: lindsaygoldwert.com Instagram: instagram.com/lindsay_goldwert Melissa Joy, CFP®, is the founder and president of Pearl Planning, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Dexter, Michigan. Pearl Planning is a registered investment advisor with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. This podcast offers news, commentary, and generalized research, not personalized investment advice. Nothing on this podcast should be interpreted to state or imply that past performance is an indication of future performance. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Mellissa Joy hosts the Women's Money Wisdom podcast, where she talks with experts and everyday women about the real financial questions and challenges women face. Lindsay Goldwert is not a client of Pearl Planning and is not being compensated for sharing her opinion and experience with our firm. The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

August 18, 2026Episode 33740 min

Ep 337: Retirement Myths, Busted: What Financial Planners Really Think About Retirement with Stephanie McCullough

Retirement talk tends to fixate on a magic number, but Melissa Joy, CFP®, and fellow financial planner and podcaster Stephanie McCullough argue the real work happens well before and long after that number is reached. In this candid conversation, the two planners compare notes on what they see in their own practices: clients who retire on a fixed rule of thumb only to discover it doesn't flex with real life, retirees who under-spend out of fear even when the plan says they can afford more, and families quietly overwhelmed by aging parents' finances, unspoken inheritances, and adult children who haven't yet launched. Melissa and Stephanie also dig into the myths that shape how people think about retirement long before they get there, from the outdated idea that retirement equals age sixty-five, to the belief that a portfolio should get more conservative simply because a client is getting older. They close with a rapid-fire round covering the most overrated retirement rule of thumb, the most underestimated expense, and what people should and shouldn't be losing sleep over, before reflecting on how their own work with retirees has shaped how they each plan to retire themselves. What You'll Learn Why the idea that retirement equals age sixty-five is outdated, and how ageism, layoffs, and longer lifespans complicate that math Why Melissa and Stephanie now encourage many clients to spend more, not less, in the early years of retirement The difference between a plan “failing” and a plan needing adjustment, and why that framing matters Why the four percent rule and age-based portfolio allocation are two of the most overrated pieces of retirement conventional wisdom The most underestimated retirement expenses, including Medicare surcharges (IRMAA) and dental care How to navigate family conversations about aging parents' finances, inheritance, and adult children who still rely on financial support Why having a plan for aging in place, or choosing not to, is one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning Why even confident self-managed investors need a transition plan for handing off financial management as they age The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...

August 11, 2026Episode 33637 min

Episode 336: Even More Than Money: Designing a Financial Life on Your Own Terms with Shanna Due

What is money actually for? On this episode of Women's Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, welcomes Shanna Due, CFP®, founder of Due Financial and editor of the book series More Than Money and Even More Than Money, back to the podcast to talk about her newest project. Shanna walks through how a group of advisors turned an idea into a traditionally published book, why the follow-up book needed to go further than the first, and how the five-purposes framework, living, changing, dreaming, giving, and enduring, reframes money as a tool for a meaningful life rather than an end in itself. The conversation also digs into how readers can use the book to find and vet a financial advisor, from understanding the alphabet soup of credentials to knowing what questions to ask and what a real advisor relationship looks like over time. Melissa and Shanna talk candidly about permission to spend versus permission to save, giving during your lifetime, and why finding an advisor you genuinely like and trust matters just as much as their credentials. All proceeds from the book benefit Third Decade, a nonprofit that provides long-term financial coaching to people rebuilding their financial lives. What You'll Learn How a group of financial advisors turned an idea into a traditionally published book, twice Why Even More Than Money was built around a five-purposes framework: living, changing, dreaming, giving, and enduring The difference between a must-save mindset and giving yourself permission to spend Why giving during your lifetime can be as meaningful as giving through an estate How to decode financial advisor credentials and know what questions to ask before hiring one What a real financial advisor relationship looks like, from one-time projects to ongoing partnerships Why liking and trusting your advisor matters as much as their technical expertise How the book's proceeds support Third Decade, a nonprofit providing long-term financial coaching The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...