Women's Money Wisdom

If you’ve ever looked at a successful woman and wondered how she really built it — you’re not alone. Behind every thriving business is a story that doesn’t always show up on social media. In this episode, Melissa Joy , CFP®, talks with Veronica McGibney , creator of LeadHer Magazine , a new print and digital publication dedicated to sharing the real, behind-the-scenes journeys of female founders....

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...

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 , acknowledg...

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 intell...

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...

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...

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,...

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 ma...

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 confiden...

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....

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 emotio...

What happens when money dynamics shift inside a relationship—and how do couples find fairness when life, careers, and income change? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Heather and Douglas Boneparth , the powerhouse couple behind Money Together: How to Find Fairness in Your Relationship and Become an Unstoppable Financial Team. Heather, a former corporate lawyer, and Douglas, founder...

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...

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 h...

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 th...

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, revie...

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...

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...

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...

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 sha...

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...

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,...

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...

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 Ret...

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...