As the new year begins, Melissa Joy, CFP®, helps listeners slow down and reset before diving into financial to-do lists.

In this solo episode, Melissa lays out seven financial planning themes to help guide decisions in 2026. After an intense year of headlines, market shifts, and economic noise, this conversation offers perspective and grounding for those navigating what she calls the “messy money middle.”

Rather than reacting to the news cycle or trying to predict the future, Melissa focuses on practical planning themes — from diversification and human capital to tax changes, estate planning, and lifestyle pressures — all designed to help listeners approach the year ahead with clarity and flexibility.

This episode is meant to level-set expectations and provide a thoughtful framework for anticipating a successful year with your money.

In this episode, Melissa explores:

• Why diversification and rebalancing matter after a strong year for markets
• How international stocks, alternatives, and AI are shaping investment conversations
• Protecting your human capital and preparing for potential job disruptions
• Evaluating the return on investment when spending on skills and career development
• Key tax law changes and what they may mean for planning in the year ahead
• Updates to retirement catch-up contributions and charitable giving rules
• Why estate planning still matters, even when estate taxes may not apply
• How declining interest rates affect cash, savings, and investment decisions
• Determining how much cash to keep versus invest
• Navigating lifestyle inflation and the financial realities of the sandwich generation

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:...

As the year comes to a close, Melissa Joy, CFP® invites you to slow down.

This short, reflective solo episode is a pause button — a chance to step off the financial treadmill, release guilt, and reset how you think about money before jumping into goals, resolutions, or to-do lists.

Rather than focusing on what still needs to get done, Melissa encourages listeners to notice what worked, acknowledge invisible financial wins, and reconnect with a definition of wealth that goes beyond account balances.

This episode is designed as a mindset reset — an “exhale” — to help you enter the new year with more clarity, intention, and self-trust.

In this episode, Melissa explores:

• Why year-end reflection matters more than year-end hustle
• How to identify and celebrate your financial wins, including the quiet ones
• Releasing guilt and shame tied to past money decisions
• Reframing wealth around values, time, and relationships — not just numbers
• How aligning spending with personal values can simplify decision-making
• The power of “set it and forget it” systems to reduce financial stress
• Choosing a money word or theme for the year ahead
• Simple challenges (like no-spend periods or intentional splurges) to reset habits
• Using a “stop, start, continue” framework to carry clarity into the new year

Key takeaway

You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward — you need a lighter mindset, clearer values, and permission to acknowledge progress.

Before diving into goals and action steps, this episode offers space to breathe, reflect, and reset your relationship with money.

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:...

As we close out the year, Melissa Joy, CFP® steps back from the day-to-day headlines to examine the biggest money trends and economic stories that shaped 2025. Instead of reacting to weekly market noise, this episode offers a thoughtful top-10 look at the forces influencing markets, households, and financial planning — and what they may signal for the year ahead.

From the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting government policy to persistent affordability challenges and changing investment landscapes, Melissa breaks down complex topics with clarity and context. She explores how these trends showed up in real life for investors, savers, borrowers, and families — and why discipline and planning mattered more than prediction this year.

Throughout the conversation, Melissa connects the dots between policy, markets, and personal finance, reminding listeners that while we can’t control outcomes, we can control preparation.

Highlights include:

• Why artificial intelligence became the dominant market and cultural story — and what it means for jobs, productivity, and energy demand
• How tariffs evolved throughout the year and the real economic costs for consumers, businesses, and farmers
• Key changes in the new tax law and why tax planning is becoming more complex, not less
• The ripple effects of the prolonged government shutdown on workers, small businesses, and economic data
• Why interest rates didn’t fall as much as expected — and how that impacted borrowers and savers differently
• Persistent affordability concerns and the growing divide between households
• The growing influence of private equity and private debt across the economy
• Why markets delivered strong returns despite overwhelming negative headlines
• How higher education and student loans are undergoing structural change
• The broader financial implications of GLP-1 drugs and rising healthcare costs

As we head into 2026, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what really mattered in 2025 — and why staying focused on what you can control remains one of the most powerful financial strategies available.

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:...

Student loans aren’t just a financial obligation — they’re a moving target. Rules shift, repayment plans evolve, forgiveness programs get redefined, and big deadlines are on the horizon. To help make sense of it all, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with student loan expert David Gourley, founder of K-12 Planning, to break down the latest changes and what they mean for borrowers today.

David brings deep expertise from years of helping educators, public service professionals, and families navigate the student loan maze. Together, Melissa and David walk through what’s stable, what’s shifting, and what borrowers need to pay attention to right now — especially as 2026 brings some of the biggest changes we’ve seen in years.

They explore why Public Service Loan Forgiveness remains intact (despite the headlines), the critical steps Parent PLUS borrowers must take before federal doors close, and how the upcoming Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) could reshape long-term planning for millions. David also shares the little-known strategies around tax filing, repayment timing, and consolidation that can dramatically change someone’s loan trajectory.

Highlights include:

• Why PSLF is not going away — and who still qualifies
• How adjunct professors can use a multiplier to qualify as full-time
• The crucial July 1, 2026 deadline for Parent PLUS consolidation
• What RAP is, how it compares to IBR, and why timing matters for borrowers
• How long-term forgiveness works (20, 25, or 30 years) — and when it may be taxable
• How filing taxes married filing separately can significantly reduce payments
• The risks of relying on lower payments when interest continues to grow
• What changes to borrowing limits mean for grad students and parents
• When refinancing to a private loan may actually make sense
• How to plan ahead when student loan rules continue to evolve

If you’re navigating repayment, planning for forgiveness, or preparing to send a child to college, this conversation offers clarity in a landscape that rarely stands still. Melissa and David bring the context, strategy, and grounded perspective borrowers need to make confident decisions — today and in the years ahead.

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:...

We’re revisiting one of our most-requested conversations — a practical, myth-busting look at estate planning with Melissa Joy, CFP®, and Ashley Waddell-Tingstad, founder of Treetown Law.

Trusts often sound complicated or “for someone else,” but Ashley breaks them down into simple, everyday tools that protect families, minimize stress, and provide clarity during life’s biggest transitions.

What You’ll Learn:

 • The essentials: Why powers of attorney and healthcare directives are the cornerstone of any estate plan.
• Trusts vs. probate: What probate really involves — and why many families prefer to avoid it.
• Beneficiary designations: How small updates can prevent major complications.
• Revocable living trusts: The privacy, flexibility, and ease they provide (no, you don’t need to be wealthy).
• State-specific guidance: Why your plan should be created with local laws in mind.
• Post-death protection: How trusts help shield assets from legal and financial vulnerabilities.

Whether you’re planning for the future or simply want to understand your options, this replay delivers clarity and confidence.

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:...

Creativity isn’t just inspiration — it’s a practical tool for better work, clearer thinking, and a more sustainable career. For our 300th episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Dr. Natalie Nixon, CEO of Figure 8 Thinking and author of Move, Think, Rest, to rethink productivity and build a healthier operating rhythm for the year ahead.

Natalie draws on her background in anthropology, fashion, global business, and academia to explain why traditional “always-on” productivity models no longer serve us. She introduces her Move–Think–Rest human operating system and shows how small shifts in movement, intentional thinking time, and meaningful rest can reduce burnout and unlock creativity at every level.

Together, Melissa and Natalie dig into the generational pressure many women feel to overachieve, over-deliver, and never say no — and how boundary-setting is now essential not just for wellbeing, but for strong financial planning over a lifetime.

Highlights include:

• Why shifting from “productivity” to “cultivation” changes how we approach work
• How the Move–Think–Rest framework helps build creativity into daily routines
• Practical ways to incorporate movement into a busy workday
• How mind wandering and micro-retreats improve clarity and problem-solving
• Why rest needs to be modeled across an organization
• The financial consequences of burnout and stepping away from the workforce too soon
• How to set boundaries when what got you here won’t get you where you’re going
• How to use Natalie’s 66-day challenge to build new habits for the year ahead

If you’re ready to rethink the way you work — and create more space for creativity, energy, and purpose — this milestone conversation is a powerful place to begin.

If you’re ready to rethink the way you work — and create more space for creativity, energy, and purpose — this milestone conversation is a powerful place to begin.

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:...

When three dementia diagnoses hit her family at once, Nicole Smith, Author of Diagnosis Dementia, didn’t plan to become an expert—she had no choice. In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, talks with Nicole about navigating the overwhelming realities of caregiving for aging parents while raising kids, maintaining a career, and trying to hold everything together.

Nicole shares her personal story of managing care for three parents across multiple states during COVID, the lessons she learned about elder care, and why she now advocates for better preparation and open communication around aging and incapacity.

Key Topics Covered:

•  How to manage multiple dementia diagnoses within one family.
•  Building your caregiving “team” with medical, legal, and financial professionals.
• Why early planning and clear documentation make all the difference.
•  How to have difficult family conversations about aging, capacity, and long-term care.
• Balancing caregiving, parenting, and personal well-being as part of the “sandwich generation.”
• Why lifestyle choices—like sleep, exercise, and stress management—can help prevent dementia.
•  The emotional side of caregiving: guilt, burnout, and learning to set boundaries.

Melissa and Nicole also discuss how professionals—financial advisors, attorneys, and healthcare providers—can help families prepare before a crisis and support caregivers with empathy and clarity.

✨ This conversation is both practical and deeply human—a reminder that caring for others starts with caring for yourself.

Connect with Nicole Smith:
Website: njsmithbooks.com
Instagram: @dementiabookreview
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utnicolesmith/

Daughterhood.org – caregiver support community

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:...

If you’ve been hearing more talk about health insurance costs lately — you’re not alone. From higher renewal premiums to open enrollment decisions, healthcare has become one of the biggest line items in many household budgets.

In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, talks with Cole Craven, co-founder of Move Health, about what’s really happening with health insurance in 2025 and how to make confident decisions for your family or your retirement.

Cole works closely with financial planners to help clients understand their options, and he shares practical insights you can use right now — whether you’re choosing coverage through your employer, the marketplace, or looking ahead to early retirement.

You’ll learn:

• What’s driving healthcare costs higher in 2025
• How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace actually works
• The difference between COBRA, private plans, and marketplace coverage
• What to know about tax credits (and what might change next year)
• Why planning for healthcare is essential if you’re retiring before 65
• How to find the right help during open enrollment

If you’ve ever said “I’d retire early if it weren’t for health insurance,” this conversation is for you.

Resources:

• Learn more about Move Health: advisors.movehealth.io
• Connect with Cole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-craven/, 
• Follow Move Health https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-health-partners

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:...

What if you could give your kids a real head start—not just for college, but for life?

Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with fintech founder Philip Barrar to talk about building generational wealth the modern way—through financial literacy, access, and the right tools.

Philip shares how his company, Future Money, is helping families create a foundation for financial security—no trust fund required. From innovative accounts like the Junior Roth IRA™ (a 529-to-Roth pathway) to new “Trump Accounts” launching under the SECURE 2.0 Act, they explore how technology is democratizing wealth-building for everyday families.

Melissa and Philip also dig into:

• 💬 Why conversations about money at home matter more than ever
• 💸 How to make financial tools accessible without needing a million dollars first
• 🧠 Lessons in financial confidence for parents and kids
• 📈 New, tax-advantaged ways to invest for your child’s future

Together, they reframe generational wealth as something inclusive, intentional, and deeply personal—a legacy built not only on dollars, but on knowledge and confidence.

Connect with Philip:

https://www.futuremoney.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbarrar/

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:...

What if your money mindset mattered as much as your money habits? 💭

This week, Melissa sits down with Aja Evans, licensed mental health professional, president of the Financial Therapy Association, and author of Feel Good Finance, to explore how emotions, upbringing, and self-worth shape the way we earn, spend, and save.

Together, they unpack how to identify your money story, recognize emotional spending triggers, and find balance between saving, spending, and satisfaction. From “Target trips gone wild” to understanding the dopamine behind shopping, Aja explains why awareness—not shame—is the first step toward financial peace.

You’ll learn how to:
 💡 Uncover emotional roots behind your money habits
 💡 Reframe guilt or scarcity into confidence and clarity
 💡 Recognize when spending is self-care vs. self-sabotage
 💡 Build a “feel-good” financial plan rooted in contentment, not comparison

Whether you overspend, underspend, or just want a healthier money mindset, this episode will help you bring a little more feel-good into your finances.

📘 Learn more about Aja’s work:

Connect on IG: @ajaetherapy

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaevans/

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:...