The rates are high in the mortgage world. There’s no denying it! In this chat, Melissa Joy dives into the ever-changing landscape of mortgages with guest Erica Powers, CMPS®, CDLP®, NMLS#739673. First Merchants Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and a Member FDIC. We’ll spill the beans on today’s mortgage scene, chat about savvy refinancing moves, and talk about some little-known home buying hacks. Plus, we’ll bust some mortgage myths wide open! It all starts with being well-informed.

Listen and Learn:

1. Are the rates high? We talk historical averages for some comparison.

2. Buy now or wait for the rates to drop? Homebuyers get some advice on waiting, prices, and limited inventory.

3. How to add up the costs of homeownership (property taxes + insurance + maintenance).

4. Refinancers beware! How to balance the costs, potential savings, and long-term financial impact of your refi.

5. Special tips for first-time homebuyers to help bridge the gap between savings and that hard-to-reach down payment.

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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:...

This episode, originally aired on "is that cashmere?" hosted by Becca Hoeft and Anna Kincannon, explores the connection between fashion choices and financial decisions, especially during the pandemic. 

Melissa Joy, CFP® joined Becca and Anna to discuss saving money, planning for the future, and teaching children about finance.

This lively conversation covers how money impacts relationships, the importance of diverse financial advice, and managing finances during major life events like divorce. 

Listen and Learn:

• How pandemic fashion relates to spending
• Ways to balance personal growth and financial growth
• How to manage finances during big life changes

 Resources:

• Listen to ‘is that cashmere?’ 
• Follow Becca Hoeft 
• Follow Anna Kincannon

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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:...

Looking to build your dream home? In this episode, Melissa Kennedy, President of Meadowlark Design+Build, and Design Director, Jen Hinesman discuss the process of building a custom home designed specifically for you. Using their 20 years of experience, Melissa and Jen explain all the important steps like planning, budgeting, choosing a location, and making sustainable choices.

Listen and Learn:

• The importance of financial planning and budgeting for your dream home
• How to select the right property site
• Strategies for making sustainable, eco-friendly choices in home construction
• How to deal with challenges like weather delays and labor shortages

 Resources:

• Check out Meadowlark Design+Build Services 
• Visit the Meadowlark Custom Home Design Gallery 
• Follow Meadowlark on Instagram
• Follow Meadowlark on Facebook
• Listen to Episode 174: Exploring Investment Assumptions: Real Estate vs. Stock & Bond Investing
• 6 Steps of the Custom Home Building Process

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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:...

Planning a vacation can be overwhelming. But working with a travel expert can make it much easier to create amazing trips tailored for you. Vinal Desai Burbeck, Travel Consultant and Founder of Wanderlark, dives into the changing world of travel planning and how travel advisors create personalized experiences to fit your interests and budget.

This episode also explores money strategies for affordable vacations - like tips on finding good deals and underrated, more cost-effective destinations.

Listen and Learn:

• Cost-saving advice for planning affordable vacations
• Tips on navigating travel after COVID-19
• Budget-friendly travel strategies for all seasons
• The benefits of getting professional guidance for meaningful trips

Resources:

• Check out Wanderlark 
• Follow Wanderlark on Facebook 
• Follow Wanderlark on Instagram 
• Follow Wanderlark on LinkedIn 

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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:...

Struggling to balance work and childcare responsibilities? Heather Boneparth, Director of Business and Legal Affairs at Bone Fide Wealth, sheds light on the challenges parents face in today’s world. Learn helpful tips on dealing with changes in taking care of children, finding new ways to contribute besides earning money, and juggling family duties well.

Listen and Learn:

• Tips for juggling work and childcare
• Strategies to deal with changing childcare needs over time
• Ideas for balancing career goals with family life

Resources: 

• Visit Bone Fide Wealth
• Purchase Heather’s book: The Millenial Money Fix 
• Follow Heather on LinkedIn
• Follow Heather on Instagram
• Follow Heather on Twitter
• This is How Much Child Care Costs in 2024
• The Joint Account 
• The Invisible Costs of Child Care
• The Teamup Family Calendar

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matter

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:...

Stressed about student loans? We’ve got you covered. In this episode, David Gourley, CSLP®  explains loan forgiveness programs and special payment plans based on your income in simple terms. Whether the loans are yours or your child's, you'll learn who qualifies, important deadlines, and easy tips to manage the debt better. Don’t miss out on key insights to tackle student debt.  

Listen and Learn: 

• Secrets for understanding confusing student loan programs
• Important dates and changes you need to know about
• Easy ways to combine loans and plan payments better
• What's next? New loan forgiveness plans that could help

Resources:

• Check out David’s Linktree 
• Follow David on LinkedIn
• Follow David on Twitter
• Read: Studentaid.gov Announcement on IDR Waiver 
• Listen: Episode 131: Student Loan Forgiveness with Alexa Kane 
• Listen: How Aspiring Physicians Can Manage Student Loans: https://pearlplan.com/2022/02/15/episode-103-how-aspiring-physicians-can-manage-student-loans/
• Listen: Episode 103: How Aspiring Physicians Can Manage Student Loans
• Read: Navigating the Double Consolidation Process for Parent PLUS Loans 
• Read: Changes to Student Loan Planning with the New SAVE (IDR) 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:...

Want to make college more affordable? Listen to this episode with Ann Garcia, CFP® as she explores scholarship funding for college. Discover different scholarship types, application strategies, and the importance of early planning to minimize debt. Make sure you catch these tips to help set up your child's financial future. 

Listen and Learn:

• Explore three main scholarship types to help reduce college costs
• Helpful tips to research colleges and find scholarship opportunities
• How to look for local scholarships to reduce the rising costs of college
• Get ahead of rising tuition fees by using 529 plans

Resources:

• Purchase Ann’s book
• Check out Ann’s website recommendations: College Data and College Navigator.
• Check out the FAFSA resource page
• Check out’s Ann’s FAFSA resource page
• Read: ‘Running Out of Road’ for FAFSA Completion
• Visit the CSS Profile
• Discover scholarship directories here and here
• Ann Garcia has been featured on three past Women’s Money Wisdom episodes
  • Episode 170: The Case for 529 Plans for College Savings with Ann Garcia
  • Episode 132: Paying for College with Ann Garcia
  • Episode 86: Demystifying the FAFSA Form with Ann Garcia.

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warra

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:...

Social Security has been a staple of retirement planning for past generations. But will it be there for you when you decide to stop working? The cost of a comfortable retirement is rising so understanding how Social Security works is more important now than ever. Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, to learn how Social Security works and how it could impact your retirement.

Listen and Learn:

• How Social Security works & how it supports retirement costs
• Major misconceptions about Social Security
• Current predictions about Social Security & how long it may last
• Simple tips to follow to make sure you're ready for retirement

Resources:

• Register: How to Retire Comfortably In Your 50’s: Everything You Need to Know 
• Listen: How to Prepare for an Early RetirementTrustees Report 2024
• Check Out: Your Social Security Account
• Read: Soon To Be Retirees Fail Social Security Literacy 
• Read: When Will Social Security Run Out of Money? Latest Prediction Offers Good News
• Read: Social Security Now Expected To Run Short On Funds In 2035, One Year Later Than Previously Projected, Treasury Says

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pear

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:...

Melissa Joy, CFP® and Cathy Curtis, CFP®, dive into a serious topic: financial fraud against elders. Cathy explains that while scammers try to trick seniors into giving them money illegally, there are many ways to spot these scams and keep your elderly loved ones safe. 

Listen to gain the know-how and tools to avoid fraud smoothly as you or your loved ones get older. 

 Listen and Learn:

• The common scams being used today to steal from elders
• Warning signs that may indicate an elder has already fallen victim to fraud
• What to do if you think a loved one's money was taken by scammers
• Resources and organizations dedicated to preventing elder financial abuse

Resources:

• Check out Cathy’s Firm 
• Follow Cathy on LinkedIn
• Follow Cathy on Instagram
• Read Cathy’s Op-Ed in CNBC 
• Listen to Episode 59: Inheritance Mistakes with Cathy Curtis 
• Monitor fraud with Eversafe
• How to report Cyber Crime
• Where to report Fraud
• Check out Cyber Seniors

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning f

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 dream of retiring early? Planning carefully is an important part of ending full-time work ahead of schedule. The path to early retirement is different for everyone - you have to look at your unique situation and decide your own goals. Alternatively, some people need to retire earlier than they intended to, so it's smart to have a strong retirement plan in place in case something unexpected happens.

Melissa Joy discusses ways to access your retirement savings without penalties if you retire before the traditional retirement age and different options to consider for an early retirement strategy.  

With proactive planning and a good mindset, early retirement may be a possibility for you regardless of what inspires you to stop working. 

Listen and Learn:

• Why it's important to plan ahead for early retirement
• Strategies for accessing retirement funds early
• Ways to grow your savings and income for an early exit
• How to prepare for a fulfilling life without work

Resources:

• Register for our June Webinar: How to Prepare for an Early Retirement 
• Retirement Readiness Reports 
• Retirement Statistics by Gender 
• Pew Research Retirement Studies 
• Watch our 2023 Retirement Readiness Webinar Replay 
• Listen to Women’s Money Wisdom Episode 49: Visualizing Retirement 

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of,

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:...