Women's Money Wisdom

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 livin...

In this special solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA, breaks down the newly passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act—yes, that’s really the name!  Signed into law on July 4th, this sweeping piece of legislation (affectionately nicknamed “OB3”) will impact everything from your tax brackets to your charitable deductions, and much more in between.  Whether you’re a retiree, parent, small business owner, o...

What if success didn’t have to come with stress, hustle, and emotional burnout? Performance coach Brandi Hudson joins Melissa Joy to share how high-achievers can shift from chasing external validation to building a life rooted in purpose, clarity, and peace. Brandy introduces her powerful BASE framework— Beliefs, Alignment, Self-Awareness, and Emotional Resilience —a mindset map for those ready to...

Ever wonder what separates thriving CEOs from those who struggle?  The secret isn't just business savvy—it's mindset. This compelling conversation with Megan Schwan, founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, explores how CEO-level thinking can radically improve both your business and your personal finances. As a single mom and successful entrepreneur with over 11 years of experience, Mega...

Ever feel like some financial "truths" don't quite add up? In this episode of Women's Money Wisdom , Melissa Joy, CFP®, teams up with colleague Alexa Kane, CFP®, for a candid conversation challenging some of the most widely accepted (but often unexamined) money beliefs. 🔍 What they unpack: The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay Later: From fast food to impulse buys, installment paym...

Ever dreamed of owning a business but felt overwhelmed by starting from scratch? Franchising might be the solution you didn’t know you needed—offering the independence of entrepreneurship with the structure and support of an established brand. Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by husband-and-wife team Alex and Julie Roberts to explore the world of modern franchise ownership. With over two decades of ind...

What happens when financial advisors ignore half their potential clients? They miss out on a trillion-dollar opportunity. This compelling conversation with Cary Carbonaro, CFP® and author of Women and Wealth , explores how the financial services industry has consistently overlooked women—and what needs to change. As Cary puts it, “Financial services is the least sympathetic to women, but the one t...

What does it really mean to live life on your own terms? Melissa Joy, CFP®, is joined by Sherita Janielle—digital marketing consultant, and entrepreneur who pulls back the curtain on what it looks like to redesign your life after a major transition, reject societal timelines, and prioritize fulfillment, flexibility, and financial sustainability. After a career in finance, Sherita transitioned to e...

Working harder isn’t the answer—thinking strategically is. In this empowering episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with executive coach Jackie Simon to explore what it really takes to grow your career—and your income. From navigating leadership roles to preparing for bold career moves, Jackie shares how to shift from “doing more” to demonstrating more value . 💡 Learn why: Simply putting in the h...

Ever wondered how people afford champagne and lie-flat seats at 35,000 feet?  Hint: It's not always their wallet—it's their credit card strategy . In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with travel pro and entrepreneur Bry Keith to reveal how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences using credit card points. Bry shares how she went from corporate finance and...

What really happens when someone passes away—and are you (or your family) prepared to handle it? In this episode of Women’s Money Wisdom, Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Rachel Donnelly, founder of Afterlight and author of Late to Your Own Funeral, to unpack the messy, often overwhelming world of death administration. Rachel shares her personal story of becoming executor for both her parents’ es...

Spring is the perfect time for more than just a closet refresh—your finances deserve a reset too! In this practical, action-driven episode of Women’s Money Wisdom , Melissa Joy, CFP® shares 20 powerful strategies to reinvigorate your financial life with the same fresh energy that spring cleaning brings to your home. From reviewing your budget in today’s uncertain economy to automating savings and...

💬 Are you leaving money on the table by not understanding your equity compensation? Equity compensation is no longer reserved for top tech execs—it’s becoming a standard part of pay packages across industries. In this empowering and informative episode, Melissa Joy , CFP® breaks down the increasingly common but often misunderstood world of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) . Whether you already recei...

Is now a smart time to buy a home—or just a risky financial move? On this episode of Women's Money Wisdom , host Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with returning guest and mortgage specialist Erica Powers CMPS®, CDLP®, NMLS#739673 . First Merchants Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and a Member FDIC. She unpacks the ever-changing housing market and what it means for your money moves. With over 20 yea...

Is your retirement plan based on outdated assumptions—or real-world trends? In this episode of Women’s Money Wisdom , Melissa Joy, CFP® , breaks down how retirement is changing—especially for women and Gen Xers.  From unexpected post-retirement spending spikes to the growing trend of phased retirement, Melissa shares insights on what today’s retirees really need to be thinking about. You’ll hear w...

Market volatility can be unsettling—but long-term financial success is rarely built on short-term reactions. In this episode of the Women’s Money Wisdom podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP® addresses the emotional and financial challenges that often arise during market downturns. As markets enter bear territory, many investors may feel inclined to make significant changes to their portfolios. Melissa encour...

Are big changes coming to the way we pay for college?   In this episode, host Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, and  author of How to Pay for College , to discuss the shifting landscape of higher education. With potential policy changes on the horizon, including modifications to student loans, grants, and university funding, families need to be more strategic than ever in plannin...

Even as a CNN business correspondent , Alison Kosik struggled with financial imposter syndrome —a reality many successful women face. In this episode, Melissa Joy and Kosik dive into how women can build financial confidence and take control of their money, drawing from Kosik’s new book, What’s Up With Women and Money: How to Do All the Financial Stuff You’ve Been Avoiding . With Women’s Equal Pay...

Money is everywhere in our lives, yet talking about it remains one of the biggest taboos. In this episode, we bring together— Kathleen Burns Kingsbury , financial psychologist and author, and Melissa Joy, CFP® , founder of Pearl Planning —to explore why breaking money silence is crucial for financial confidence, wealth-building, and stronger relationships. Key Takeaways: 💡 The Origins of Money Si...

How can mothers find the support they truly need in a world that often leaves them feeling isolated? In this inspiring episode, Melissa Joy sits down with Ariel Wan , founder of The Mamas Network , a nonprofit dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space for parents. Ariel shares her journey of building third spaces —welcoming environments where moms can connect, share experiences, and naviga...

Ever wondered how to balance your career ambitions while thriving as a dedicated mom? In this empowering episode, we’re diving deep into the balancing act of career ambitions and motherhood with an honest, heartfelt conversation about redefining success on your own terms. Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by the inspiring Hannah Moore, CFP®—a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated mom—who shares he...

In this special milestone episode , we’re celebrating five years of the podcast and my 50th birthday with an empowering conversation about the transformative power of style!  Joining her is Morgan Wider , founder of Wider Style and author of The Worthy Wardrobe , to explore how authentic self-expression through style can elevate confidence, impact success, and create alignment between personal and...

Is Your Family Operating Like a Well-Run Business? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® , explore how families can apply business strategies to create structure and intentionality at home. Our guest, Kelly O'Donnell , an expert in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), introduces the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) —a tool that helps families define core values, set a long-term vision, and...

Unlock the secrets of tariffs and their far-reaching impact on our global economy with me, Melissa Joy, CFP ® , in this illuminating episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast. Ever wondered how tariffs shape international trade and affect your wallet? Get ready to explore the journey of tariffs from their historical role in federal revenue generation to their modern-day implications under r...

How does addiction impact financial planning, and why is it so often left out of the conversation? In this thought-provoking episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, dives deep into this sensitive yet critical topic alongside Karen Coyne, CFP® of Clarity Planning. Karen shares her personal journey and highlights the significant gap in financial planning education when it comes to addiction and its far-reaching...