What if fear could become the framework for your strength?

Chiropractor, business owner, and TEDx speaker Dr. Rubina Tahir joins Melissa Joy, CFP® for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation on navigating fear, health, and money with courage and clarity.

Rubina shares her journey as a BRCA1 carrier, her shocking breast cancer diagnosis just weeks before delivering her TEDx talk, and how she built a practical framework—Honesty, Options, Decisions—to move from paralysis to empowerment. Along the way, she reveals why self-talk can be life-saving, how body autonomy shaped her medical choices, and what financial lessons she learned from facing the unexpected costs of cancer treatment.

Together, Rubina and Melissa unpack the intersections of health and money: why knowing your deductible is essential, the role of disability insurance, and how emergency reserves protect you from both everyday curveballs and life-altering diagnoses.

This episode is a reminder that while fear is inevitable, you do have power over your plan.

💡 Key Themes Covered:

• How “financial scar tissue” from past experiences shapes both money and health choices
• Why self-talk and inner dialogue are powerful tools for resilience
• The importance of body autonomy and choosing what’s right for you in medical decisions
• Knowing your medical deductible and building cash reserves as part of financial self-care
• Disability insurance, business continuity, and other protections for life’s “what-ifs”
• How community, advocacy, and the Making Strides Walk fuel hope and healing

🔗 Connect with Dr. Rubina Tahir
🎥 TEDx Talk

💗 Fundraising page (Making Strides Walk, October)

 📸 Instagram & Instagram (Positivity & Truth)

 Facebook

 💼 LinkedIn

🌐 Website

Twitter/X

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 biggest money challenges aren’t about math at all—but about the feelings and “financial scar tissue” you’ve been carrying for years?

In this episode of Women’s Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, welcomes fellow advisor and author Shannon Ryan, CFP®, to talk about her new book Your Money Has Feelings. Together, they explore why money is so deeply emotional, how early experiences shape lifelong financial habits, and what it takes to align money with what really matters.

In this conversation:

• What “financial scar tissue” is and how it quietly drives our choices
• Why money feels primal—and why society equates wealth with worth
• The hidden cost of “shoulds” like paying off the house or funding 100% of college
• Permission to spend: overcoming scarcity when you have more than enough
• Overspending as self-soothing—and ways to realign short-term habits with long-term goals
• Why micro-decisions (like raising your 401(k) 2%) create big momentum
• The psychological leap into retirement and why it feels harder than the numbers suggest

Key takeaways:

• Naming your money story is the first step to changing it.
• You can have anything, but not everything—clarify what matters most now.
• Progress is built on small, repeatable actions, not perfection.
• A trusted planner can simplify the math and hold space for the feelings.

Resources & Links:

• Your Money Has Feelings by Shannon Ryan, CFP® – https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Has-Feelings-Understand/dp/B0F1XH6DYD
• Author website: https://www.shannon-ryan.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:...

Why do so many of us struggle to follow through on the money habits we know are important? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explores the psychology behind three common money behaviors:

• Overspending – from emotional triggers to lifestyle creep and comparison culture
• Undersaving – how present bias and scarcity mindset can sabotage long-term planning
• Freezing – the shame and avoidance that keep us from making financial decisions at all

Melissa shares relatable examples and practical strategies to break free from these cycles. From setting up automatic savings, to creating “fun money” categories in your budget, to celebrating small wins, she explains how incremental progress can rewire your money story.

Resources & Mentions:

• The Geometry of Wealth by Brian Portnoy
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• The Behavioral Investor by Daniel Crosby

If you’ve ever felt stuck or ashamed about money, this episode will help you move forward with more self-compassion, awareness, and action.

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:...

Gen X may be the “forgotten generation,” but they’re shaping retirement in powerful new ways.

Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with retirement coach Joy Levin, founder of GenX Encore, to explore how high-achieving Gen X professionals can prepare for what’s next. With longer lifespans, fewer pensions, and careers built on resilience, Gen Xers are facing retirement unlike any generation before.

Joy shares her research and coaching insights on navigating the identity shifts, social transitions, and planning gaps that often go unaddressed in traditional financial prep. Together, they unpack how to reframe retirement as an encore—a purposeful, fulfilling new chapter.

💡 Key Themes:

• Why Gen X resilience is an asset (and a challenge) in retirement
• The risks of skipping emotional + lifestyle planning
• How to align with your spouse/partner on retirement goals
• Avoiding social isolation in retirement and building new connections
• Encore projects: turning passions into purpose
• The power of holistic retirement planning—beyond the numbers

Connect with Joy: www.genxencorelife.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joyatallium

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:...

Do you already know the date of your retirement—or are you simply dreaming of leaving the workforce sooner than 65?

In this replay of one of our most popular Women’s Money Wisdom episodes, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explores what it takes to prepare for early retirement. She explains why it’s not just about having a date on the calendar, but also about creating flexibility in your plan in case life throws you a curveball.

You’ll learn:

• Who should consider planning for early retirement—even if you think you’ll work longer
• Common assumptions vs. the reality of when most people actually retire
• Key “rules of thumb” financial planners look for when evaluating early retirement readiness
• Why multiple savings buckets (401(k), Roth, brokerage, cash, pensions) matter so much
• Strategies for tax planning, health care coverage, and income replacement before Social Security and Medicare kick in
• The importance of mindset, lifestyle choices, and building a fulfilling life outside of work

Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom, purpose, and designing a meaningful life for decades to come.

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 do Roth accounts, Dave Ramsey, and emergency funds have in common? They all came up when Melissa Joy, CFP®, opened the floor to your questions.

At the Dexter Summer Festival, Melissa asked community members to submit their burning money questions—and now she’s answering them in this special mailbag episode. From investment strategies to budgeting hacks, she covers the practical, the personal, and the myths worth busting.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k)—which makes more sense for you?
• The pros and cons of Dave Ramsey’s advice
• Smart strategies for building an emergency fund that lasts
• Practical (and realistic) ways to cut expenses
• Mistakes new investors often make—and how to avoid them
• Whether you should pay off debt or save for retirement (spoiler: it’s not either/or)

If you’ve ever wondered what a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ really thinks about these topics—or you’ve been waiting to hear your own question answered—this is the episode to tune in.

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:...

Is the Roth the secret weapon of retirement planning?

Melissa Joy breaks down everything you really need to know about Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s—from how they work and who they’re best for, to why they’ve become a powerful tool for long-term financial freedom.

Whether you're early in your career or already eyeing retirement, understanding the pros and cons of Roth accounts can help you make smarter tax decisions and build wealth that grows—and comes out—tax-free.

Melissa covers:

• ✅ Roth vs. Traditional contributions: what’s the difference?
• 📊 Roth income limits, contribution caps, and how they’ve changed over time
• 🔁 What a Roth conversion is (and when it makes sense)
• 🚪 The “Backdoor” and “Mega Backdoor” Roth strategies
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Roth accounts can be powerful legacy tools for your heirs
• 🎯 How to build tax diversification into your retirement game plan

This episode clears up common misconceptions and explores the real value of Roths—not just as a savings option, but as a strategic move in your larger financial plan.

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 the hardest part of retirement isn’t financial—but emotional?

Retirement isn’t the goalpost we’ve been taught to chase. It’s a major life transition, and according to retirement researcher and financial planner Dan Haylett, many people arrive unprepared—not because the math is wrong, but because they never planned for what comes next.

Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Dan—author of The Retirement You Didn’t See Coming and host of the Humans vs Retirement podcast—to explore the emotional landscape of retirement and why most planning misses the mark. Together, they unpack the “Retirement Reinvention Curve,” a three-phase, eight-stage model that reflects the psychological shifts retirees experience.

They go beyond the portfolio to talk about identity loss, the illusion of a permanent vacation, and how to find rhythm, purpose, and joy in life after work.

Whether you're preparing to retire or helping clients make the leap, this conversation will shift your perspective on what truly matters most.

💡 Key Themes Covered:

• Why financial planning should be 70% life and 30% numbers
• The five pillars of a thriving retirement: Purpose, Identity, Relationships, Structure & Wellbeing
• What most people miss when they focus only on "retiring from" instead of "retiring to"
• The emotional curve of retirement—from shock to elation to flourishing
• How to navigate identity loss when the job title goes away
• Tools for couples to align their personal and shared retirement visions
• Why your post-retirement rhythm matters more than your withdrawal rate
• How relationships shape retirement happiness more than wealth

🔗 Resources:

• Dan's website: www.humansvsretirement.com
• Podcast: Humans vs Retirement
• Book: The Retirement You Didn’t See Coming
• Connect with Dan: LinkedIn – Dan Haylett

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 biggest financial setbacks were actually the foundation for your comeback?

Tax professional and financial literacy advocate Michelle Campbell joins Melissa Joy, CFP® for a powerful conversation on shame-free money management, taking control of your financial future, and rising from the ashes—literally.

Michelle shares her journey from five evictions and over $500K in debt to becoming an IRS-enrolled agent, nonprofit founder (Hashtag Stability), and author of the memoir Bluebird. With honesty and heart, she reveals how facing her numbers changed everything—and how she now helps others do the same.

Together, they unpack the emotional weight of debt, the myths that keep people stuck, and how understanding tax law can be a radical act of empowerment—especially for women and those overlooked by traditional financial systems.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt behind, buried by shame, or unsure where to start. Spoiler alert: the first step is just looking.

💡 Key Themes Covered:

• Getting honest: Why knowing your numbers is the first step to freedom
• Breaking the silence around debt, shame, and financial trauma
• The biggest myths about budgeting, credit, and investing (and what’s actually true)
• What to know about debt collectors, credit reports, and disputing errors
• Why tax literacy is a superpower—especially for business owners
• How Michelle uses her story to educate and advocate through Hashtag Stability
• Why success isn’t about having it all—it’s about understanding what you actually want

Connect with Michelle: 

ByMichelleCampbell.com

Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdmemoir/

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:...

Summer often invites us to pack in travel, events, and to-do lists—but what if the most powerful move you could make right now is to slow down?

In this solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, reflects on her own slower-paced Michigan summer and the meaningful lessons it’s brought—about happiness, well-being, money, and the beauty of doing less with more intention. Drawing inspiration from the slow living and slow money movements, Melissa shares personal stories, client experiences, and practical ideas for embracing a slower rhythm in both your financial life and everyday choices.

Whether you're managing a hectic calendar or simply trying to spend more intentionally, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: small joys and deliberate choices add up to a truly rich life.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why slowing down can increase your happiness, contentment, and financial clarity
• How the slow money movement parallels the principles of long-term investing and sustainable living
• Why “less but better” spending habits often lead to greater satisfaction
• How to audit your subscriptions, triage financial decisions, and adopt a summer spending pause
• The link between gratitude, joy, and long-term financial success
• Real-life strategies to savor the season without overspending

Melissa also shares a must-read article from The New York Times on finding “microjoys” in daily life—a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn’t always require a major overhaul.

📩 Tiny Little Joys: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/well/happiness-positivity-tiny-little-joys.html?unlocked_article_code=1.S08.MfIZ.W_os-KboW4X-&smid=url-share

Slow Money Movement: https://verifiedinvesting.com/blogs/education/the-slow-money-movement-long-term-investing-in-a-fast-paced-world

#WomensMoneyWisdom #SlowMoney #FinancialWellness #MindfulSpending #JoyInTheLittleThings #IntentionalLiving

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:...