Women's Money Wisdom

How do you help your kids get into the right college—without sacrificing your financial future?

 Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready, to talk about smart, stress-free strategies for college admissions and funding.

A certified college admissions strategist, Shellee turned her own experience guiding four very different kids through the college process into a mission: helping families nationwide find the best academic, social, and financial fit. From creating a standout student profile to uncovering hidden scholarship opportunities, Shellee shares how to approach college planning with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why college admissions should be approached like a business decision.
• The three funding mindsets: writing the check, earning scholarships, or finding schools that pay for your student.
• What FAFSA actually looks at—and why timing matters.
• How to find real, essay-based scholarships (and avoid scams).
• The “Millionaire Game” exercise to help your teen discover what drives them.
• Why the right fit school is more valuable than a “dream” school with a big price tag.

Shellee’s insights from College Ready help parents and students reduce stress, minimize debt, and make informed, values-based decisions about higher education.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• College Ready — Learn more about services, free consultations, and resources.
• Podcast: Parents, Is Your Teen College Ready?
• Books by Shellee Howard, available on Amazon

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 knowing your worth became the engine of your wealth?

Strategist and former credit-union executive Bryn Conway joins Melissa Joy, CFP® for a candid, practical conversation about women, wealth, and worth—why the gaps persist and how to close them with informed choices, confident negotiation, and everyday money moves.

Bryn breaks down the landscape—pay, advancement, earnings, and wealth—and how culture, career paths, and compensation structures (including equity) shape outcomes. She shares simple, repeatable actions: normalize money conversations, apply before you feel “100% ready,” negotiate every offer, and “pay future-you first.” Melissa adds planner-level insights on using a financial plan to manage your human capital—from asking for more to aligning your role with your goals.

Together, Bryn and Melissa reframe the path forward: turn passive awareness into active steps that compound over time, build resilience, and help women advance—at work and in wealth.

This episode is a reminder that your value isn’t just recognized—it’s negotiated, nurtured, and compounded.

💡 Key Themes Covered:

• The four gaps women face: pay, advancement/opportunity, lifetime earnings, and wealth
• Why roles, sectors, and equity compensation widen outcomes—and how to navigate them
• “Apply anyway”: closing the confidence gap and raising your hand before you feel ready
• Negotiation playbook: know the comps, make a specific ask, and revisit review/raise cadence
• “Pay future-you first”: enroll in the match and send half of every raise to long-term savings
• Normalize money talks: mentors, sponsors, and transparent check-ins that build confidence and change results

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 planning now could be the greatest act of care?

Journalist and MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker joins Melissa Joy, CFP® for a compassionate, practical conversation on financial caregiving—the real work we do for the people we love (and our future selves). Beth opens up about the whirlwind that followed her mom’s surgery: hospital stays, paperwork marathons, and a long-term care scare that nearly derailed benefits. Through her new book, My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving, she lays out a simple roadmap—documents to have before a crisis, a one-page medical “cheat sheet,” and why simplifying accounts and beneficiaries might be the most loving step you take this year.

Together, Beth and Melissa unpack how to connect the legal, medical, and financial lanes so caregivers can act quickly (and confidently). From the $100 POA that can save $18,000+ and a year of guardianship hassles, to making sure trusted contacts and online access are current, this episode turns overwhelm into a plan.

This is your nudge: fear and uncertainty are inevitable—but you can still take control of the plan.

💡 Key Themes Covered

• How a simple medical + contacts cheat sheet can save precious time in emergencies
• The “$100 vs. $18,000” reality: POA/healthcare proxy/HIPAA before a crisis vs. guardianship later
• Why women often shoulder caregiving—and how to prepare even if you’re not the household “money person”
• Long-term care pitfalls (missed paperwork, past-due notices) and how to prevent coverage lapses
• Simplify to protect: consolidate old 401(k)s, confirm beneficiaries/TODs, set legacy/phone access
• The caregiver wallet: cash-flowing expenses, reimbursement timelines, and organizing receipts
• Conversation starters with parents, partners, and siblings to align on roles and next steps

Connect with Beth Pinsker

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bpinsker

🌐 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/bethpinsker.bsky.social

📸 Instagram: @bethpinsker_ny

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...

Fall isn’t just for cider mills, football games, and cozy sweaters—it’s also the perfect season to reset your financial life. In this solo episode, Melissa Joy shares seven practical tips to help you take advantage of seasonal opportunities and set yourself up for success before the year ends. 

From open enrollment decisions and maximizing workplace benefits to planning for holiday spending, reviewing your investments, and checking in on your estate plan—Melissa walks through the steps that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. 

You’ll learn how to: 

• Make the most of your employer benefits and avoid last-minute enrollment stress 
• Use remaining 2025 benefits wisely, from FSA dollars to legal perks 
• Take proactive steps on taxes before December 31 
• Plan and budget for the holidays to avoid year-end financial regret 
• Rebalance your portfolio and revisit investment opportunities 
• Update beneficiaries, life insurance, and estate planning documents 
• Conduct a fall financial health check and set goals for the new year 

As Melissa reminds us, progress is always more important than perfection. Pick one or two of these seasonal money tasks, get them done, and set the tone for a stronger financial future. 

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 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...