Women's Money Wisdom

Hosted by Melissa Joy, CFP®

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Aug 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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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 LearnHow a group of financial advisors turned an idea into a traditionally published book, twiceWhy Even More Than Money was built around a five-purposes framework: living, changing, dreaming, giving, and enduringThe difference between a must-save mindset and giving yourself permission to spendWhy giving during your lifetime can be as meaningful as giving through an estateHow to decode financial advisor credentials and know what questions to ask before hiring oneWhat a real financial advisor relationship looks like, from one-time projects to ongoing partnershipsWhy liking and trusting your advisor matters as much as their technical expertiseHow the book's proceeds support Third Decade, a nonprofit providing long-term financial coachingThe 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 4, 2026Episode 33529 min

Episode 335: The R.E.A.L. Method: Making Confident Real Estate Decisions After 55 with Donna Castillo

Real estate decisions carry enormous financial weight, and yet many people navigate them with a realtor who treats the work as a side hustle rather than a true advisory relationship. Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Donna Castillo, a top 1% producer realtor with Intero Real Estate Services in Silicon Valley, to talk about what separates a transactional agent from a real financial partner. Donna shares how she works with clients neighborhood by neighborhood, weighing schools, square footage, and competitive dynamics so buyers can win a home without overpaying by six figures.The conversation turns to Donna's R.E.A.L. Method, a framework she created specifically for homeowners over 55 who are weighing whether to stay put, downsize, or explore new options like an ADU or a 55-plus community. Melissa and Donna cover capital gains exposure on long-held homes, the role of a good lender in structuring financing around equity compensation and investment portfolios, and why having candid family conversations about aging in place, trusts, and estate plans is one of the most generous things a person can do for the people they love.What You'll LearnWhy working with a realtor who treats real estate as a true advisory relationship, not a side hustle, matters most on high-value transactionsHow hyper-local market knowledge, down to the specific street, shapes a competitive offer strategyThe R.E.A.L. Method: a framework built for homeowners 55-plus to evaluate reality, equity, available options, and lifestyle impactHow capital gains exclusions work for primary residences, and why the math differs for single versus married homeownersHow a 1031 exchange can defer capital gains on rental property, and why the full proceeds need to stay in real estateWhy using investment portfolios, RSUs, and other equity compensation to finance a home purchase requires careful tax planning with the right lenderThe importance of having proactive conversations with family about aging in place, trusts, and estate plans before a crisis forces the decisionConnect with Donna:Website: donnacastillo.comFacebook: facebook.com/gotodonnaThe 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...

July 28, 2026Episode 33428 min

Episode 334: The Most Important Financial Decision You Will Make

Most investors assume the key to building wealth is picking the right stock. Melissa Joy, CFP®, says the far more important decision is how you structure your portfolio in the first place, and how much risk you choose to take on. In this solo episode, Melissa breaks down asset allocation, the mix of cash, bonds and stocks that make up an investment portfolio, in plain language, without requiring a finance degree to follow along.Melissa walks through the fundamentals of stock and bond investing, explains the common shorthand investors use to describe their portfolios (like 60-40 or 80-20), and shares how she helps clients think through allocation decisions using broader, 15 to 20 percent notches rather than micromanaging every 5 percent. She also digs into the questions that matter most when setting your own mix: your time horizon, your investing psychology, your tax situation, and how you would actually feel if your portfolio dropped 20 to 30 percent for an extended period. The goal, she says, is not the perfect allocation. It is one that helps you stay invested through both difficult and exuberant markets.What You'll LearnWhat asset allocation actually means, and why it matters more than picking individual stocksThe differences between cash, bonds and stocks, and the pros and cons of eachHow to read portfolio shorthand like 60-40 or 80-20Why Melissa builds portfolios in 15 to 20 percent notches instead of fine-tuning by 5 percent incrementsHow time horizon, investing psychology and tax considerations shape the right mix for youWhy the first days of retirement can be the riskiest, and how allocation needs can shift over timeHow to check your current asset allocation and decide whether it needs adjustingThe 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...

July 21, 202636 min

Episode 333: Protecting Your Family From AI-Powered Scams and Fraud With Patrick Coughlin

AI has made everyday life more convenient, but it has also given scammers a powerful new set of tools. In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, is joined by Patrick Coughlin, CEO of Savi Security and author of the new book The Dark Side of the Boom: How Scammers Hijacked the AI Revolution. After building and selling a cybersecurity company to Splunk, Patrick shifted his focus to protecting everyday families following a deeply personal experience: a sophisticated AI voice cloning scam that targeted his own mother.Patrick walks through how AI tools are supercharging scam operations around the world, why imposter scams have become the most reported fraud type in the country, and the practical habits families can build to protect themselves, from creating a family code word to running a second channel check before sending money. Melissa and Patrick also discuss the role financial advisors and trusted contacts can play in catching fraud early, and how parents can talk to kids and teens about digital safety without shame.What You'll LearnHow an AI voice cloning scam targeted Patrick Coughlin's mother, and what helped her recognize it in timeWhy digital fraud now costs Americans almost $200 billion a year and has grown eightfold since the launch of ChatGPTThe "five families of fraud" and how scam organizations around the world specialize like businessesWhy imposter scams are now the number one reported fraud type, making up 33 percent of all scams in 2025What a "hot zone" moment looks like, and the three ingredients scammers rely on to pressure victimsHow a family code word and a second channel check can stop a scam before money changes handsWhy caller ID can be faked, and what to do instead if you get a call from your bank's fraud departmentThe role trusted contacts and financial advisors can play in catching fraud earlyHow to talk with teens and aging parents about scams without shame, and why younger generations are targeted more often than they realizeHow free tools like ScamWise can give you a fast second opinion on a suspicious text, email, or piece of mailDownload the Digital Fraud Protection GuideConnect with Patrick: LinkedInFollow Patrick: InstagramSavi Security: WebsiteSavi Security LinkedIn: LinkedInSavi Security Instagram: InstagramThe Dark Side of the Boom: BookThe 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...

July 14, 2026Episode 33232 min

Episode 332: Budgeting for Beauty: The Financial Side of Med Spa Investing with Stephanie Stewart

What would it look like if your financial plan actually included a line item for aesthetics? Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Stephanie Stewart, PA-C, founder of The Aesthetic Method, an award-winning medical spa in Ferndale, Michigan, to have the honest conversation that most financial planners and patients avoid entirely. From the secret dollars women squirrel away for skincare to the emotional weight of wanting to invest in how you look and feel, this episode brings a private topic into the open where it belongs.Stephanie shares her remarkable path from emergency medicine to entrepreneurship, sparked by a car accident at 15 that required years of facial reconstructive surgeries. She opens up about the real cost of injectable treatments, what a full face assessment actually looks like, and how to find a provider you can trust. Melissa and Stephanie also explore the parallel between financial planning and aesthetic medicine, two fields built on transparency, trust, and the courage to say no when it is not the right fit.What You'll LearnHow burnout in the emergency department led Stephanie to found The Aesthetic Method in 2018Why women often keep aesthetic spending secret, and how to change that conversationWhat happens during a full face assessment and how a personalized treatment plan is builtThe difference between neuromodulators, bio-stimulators, and filler, and how long each lastsReal cost ranges for common injectable treatments, from 500 dollar Botox sessions to 3,500 dollar Sculptra plansGreen flags and red flags to look for when choosing a med spa providerWhy a provider willing to say no is a sign of someone looking out for youHow financial planners and aesthetic professionals share a standard of care worth seeking outConnect with Stephanietheaestheticmethod.comInstagram: The Aesthetic MethodThe 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...

July 7, 2026Episode 33139 min

Episode 331: Getting Out of Debt: What Nonprofit Credit Counseling Can Do for You with Bruce McClary

Debt is one of the most emotionally charged topics in personal finance -- and one of the most common. This week Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Bruce McClary, lead spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), to take the stigma out of the conversation and walk through what it actually looks like to get professional help with debt. Whether you're watching balances creep up, fielding collection calls, or just feeling the financial squeeze of a world where credit card interest rates are hovering around 23%, this episode is for you.Bruce brings decades of front-line experience as a former credit counselor, debt collector, and lender to the conversation. Together, he and Melissa break down how nonprofit credit counseling works, what a debt management plan (DMP) actually involves, and how it compares to for-profit debt settlement companies -- including the details those TV commercials conveniently leave out. They also cover when bankruptcy might be the right move and where to find trustworthy, low-cost help.What You'll LearnWhy debt struggles are more common than you think -- and affect households at all income levelsWhat happens during a free initial credit counseling session with an NFCC member agencyHow a debt management plan (DMP) works, including reduced interest rates, eliminated fees, and account re-agingWhat unsecured debt is and which types of debt can be enrolled in a DMPThe real math behind for-profit debt settlement programs -- and what those commercials don't tell youHow student loans, medical bills, and other debt types fit into the bigger pictureWhen bankruptcy might be a suitable option and how nonprofit counseling factors into that processWhere to find a verified nonprofit credit counselor through NFCC.org or by calling 1-800-388-2227The 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...

June 30, 2026Episode 33020 min

Episode 330: Are You the Family CFO? Recognizing the Invisible Work of Managing Household Finances

In many households, one person quietly carries the full weight of the family's financial life: tracking premiums, coordinating with advisors, managing the budget, and planning for the future. Melissa Joy, CFP®, founder and president of Pearl Planning, calls this person the family's chief financial officer, and she has been seeing the role come up repeatedly in client conversations. Whether that responsibility falls on a spouse, a partner, or a single individual managing everything alone, the invisible work of being the household CFO deserves a closer look.In this solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explores the hidden costs of carrying that financial load, the risks that can build when only one person holds all the knowledge, and how to build a stronger financial team, with or without a financial planner. She walks through practical steps for creating regular money meetings, shares what a productive financial check-in actually looks like, and explains when it might be time to bring in outside support. If you have ever felt the weight of managing your family's money mostly on your own, this episode is for you.What You'll LearnWhat the role of the family CFO actually looks like, and why so many people fall into it by defaultThe hidden costs and invisible mental load that come with being the primary financial decision-maker in a householdSigns that you may be carrying too much financial responsibility on your ownWhat those not in the CFO role may be missing, and why that gap can matterHow to run a productive monthly money meeting using a structured agendaWhen it makes sense to bring in a financial professional to help share the loadHow the stakes change as you approach retirement and why more shared financial knowledge matters thenThe 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...

June 23, 2026Episode 32921 min

Episode 329: Mid-Year Markets and Investments Check-In with Melissa Joy, CFP®

As we move into the second half of the year, Melissa Joy, CFP®, takes a solo deep dive into five major themes shaping the current investment landscape. From artificial intelligence and IPO cycles to persistent inflation and the resilience of employment, Melissa unpacks what is actually happening in the markets and what it means for your financial life.Rather than reacting to pessimistic headlines, Melissa walks through the data behind recent market performance, explains why earnings growth matters as much as price, and offers a grounded perspective on how to stay disciplined through uncertainty. This episode is a reminder that a sound financial plan, paired with a diversified investment strategy, is still the most powerful tool you have.What You’ll LearnWhy artificial intelligence continues to drive market concentration and what that means for your portfolioWhat to expect from high-profile IPOs like SpaceX and Anthropic as they enter public marketsHow corporate earnings growth is affecting valuations even as prices reach all-time highsWhy inflation remains persistent and what factors are keeping it elevatedWhat current unemployment data reveals despite widespread concerns about AI-driven job displacementWhy diversification is working again, including gains in mid-cap, small-cap, and international equitiesHow to think about bonds and interest rates in this environmentThe importance of keeping your financial plan current alongside your investment strategyThe 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...

June 16, 2026Episode 32839 min

Episode 328: Burnout, Sabbaticals, and the Power of Strategic Rest with Molly Rosen

High-achieving women often wear exhaustion as a badge of honor, pushing through until the warning signs become impossible to ignore. For Molly Rosen, co-founder and co-CEO of Project Next Leadership, that moment came while driving between obligations, fantasizing not about a vacation, but about simply being allowed to stop. That recognition led to a sabbatical that stretched from one year to six, a journey that ultimately gave her the perspective, resilience, and clarity to build the leadership coaching company she runs today. In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Molly to explore the realities of burnout for senior women leaders, the under acknowledged impact of perimenopause on career performance, and what it actually takes to build a life and career that is, as Molly puts it, human-sized. Drawing on more than two decades of coaching executives at companies like Pixar, Airbnb, DocuSign, and Samsung, Molly shares the patterns she sees most often in high-performing women, and the strategies that help them find their way back to themselves. What You'll Learn Why working harder stops working at the executive level, and what actually drives advancement How burnout differs from a bad week, and why the body often signals it before the mind does The underreported career cost of perimenopause and menopause for high-achieving women What it means to ask "What is it that only I can do?" and how that question changes everything How to strategically step back from the workforce and return with greater clarity and purpose Why women leaders consistently rate themselves lower than others rate them, and how to close that gap The role of peer networks and cohorts in sustaining women at the top Website: https://www.projectnextleadership.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...

June 9, 2026Episode 32733 min

Episode 327: Prenups as a Partnership: Approaching a Prenuptial Agreement as a Team with Kaylin Dillon, CFP®

Almost everyone has heard of a prenup, but very few of us have actually sat down and thought one through in practical terms. In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, opens up a candid, surprisingly approachable conversation about what prenuptial agreements really are, who they are for, and why they belong in the financial planning discussion. Whether you are considering one for yourself or thinking about the next generation in your family, this is a topic worth understanding before the question ever comes up.Melissa is joined by Kaylin Dillon, CFP®, a fee-only financial planner in Lawrence, Kansas, who has built a specialty around couples with separate assets, blended finances, and prenups. Kaylin reframes the prenup as a partnership exercise rather than a defensive move, walking through what can go into an agreement, why each partner needs their own attorney, how inherited and family wealth complicate things, and the single biggest mistake couples make. It is a thoughtful, practical look at planning for marriage with eyes wide open.What You'll LearnWhat a prenuptial agreement actually is, and why it is not only about divorceWhy each partner should hire their own family law attorney, and how that protects the validity of the agreementWhat can go into a prenup, from current assets and debts to future businesses, homes, life insurance, and even estate termsWhy inherited and family wealth is one of the most common reasons couples pursue a prenup, and how to protect both sidesThe legal standard of unconscionability, and why a 30-day runway before the wedding is far too shortThe number one mistake couples make: rushing the process before agreeing on their own goalsWhy a joint financial plan is Plan A and the prenup is usually Plan BHow a prenup coach can support a couple alongside their attorneys to keep the process focused and less expensiveConnect with Kaylin:Website: kaylindillonfinancial.comThe Prenup Coach: prenupcoach.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprenupcoach/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...

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