Women's Money Wisdom

In this insightful episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by Ashley Waddell-Tingstad, founder of Treetown Law, to explore the vital yet often misunderstood world of estate planning.  Together, they uncover the significance of preparing for life’s expected and unexpected moments with key documents such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Ashley’s expertise brings clarity to the complexit...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Sharon McRill, founder of Betty Brigade, to explore the transformative power of professional organizing, outsourcing, and future-proofing your life. Sharon shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a business that helps clients manage home organization, relocation, and vendor coordination with ease. We delve into the challenges faced by th...

Can political leadership shape our economic future, or do external factors hold greater sway? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®  dives into the complexities of financial planning during uncertain times, particularly as we approach a new Trump presidency in 2024 or 2025. Using historical events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic as context, she examines how external shocks often overshadow politi...

Ever thought estate planning was only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast , renowned estate planner Jennifer Rozelle joins us to demystify the often-overlooked world of estate planning. Together, we explore why starting your estate plan early is essential, regardless of your age or financial situation. From navigating guardianship for y...

Imagine starting the year with a solid financial foundation. In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, will guide you through setting intentional and achievable goals using the SMART method. We'll explore how reflecting on 2024's financial accomplishments, no matter the size, can boost your confidence. Discover how writing down aspirations makes...

Ever wondered how to embrace the holiday season with more joy and less stress? In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® dives into the pressures of holiday obligations and the transformative power of letting go of perfection. Drawing from her own holiday experiences, including cherished traditions at Greenfield Village, Melissa shares how prioritizing joy...

Ever wondered how to navigate retirement planning with both financial security and personal fulfillment in mind? In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. Christine shares...

What Financial Moves Should Women Prioritize as 2024 Comes to a Close? As the year winds down and the political landscape shifts under the anticipated policies of President Trump, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, unpacks the key financial strategies women should focus on to optimize their year-end planning. With potential changes to tax policies—including adjustments to the standard deduction and estate...

In this heartwarming Giving Tuesday episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explores the profound connection between gratitude, philanthropy, and personal well-being. Delving into the science and practice of thankfulness, Melissa highlights how cultivating a gratitude mindset can reshape your financial habits, reduce stress, and bring deeper fulfillment to your life. Key Takeaways: The Power of Gratitude: Dis...

What if wealth isn’t just about numbers? In this transformative episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® is joined by Dr. Daniel Crosby to discuss his latest book, The Soul of Wealth. With 50 thought-provoking essays, Dr. Crosby redefines wealth as more than financial figures—highlighting its connection to personal values, mental wellness, and meaningful living. Together, they navigate the powerful intersection...

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough, or that your accomplishments don’t really belong to you?     In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP® dives deep into the topic of imposter syndrome with coach and speaker L.J. Gamble, who shares her personal journey with self-doubt and offers powerful strategies to manage it.  Together, they explore what imposter syndrome is, how it affects women in parti...

How can we manage the heavy responsibilities of family caregiving without sacrificing our own financial and emotional health? In this heartfelt episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Danielle Miura, CFP®, MSFP, EA , with first-hand experience navigating the complexities of caregiving after her grandmother’s fall. Together, they delve into the emotional and financial challenges faced by c...

In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast , Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, dives into the importance of maintaining the right mindset on election day and how political outcomes can affect investment decisions. Drawing from her experiences with clients during past elections, Melissa discusses how political shifts often trigger anxiety and the impulse to react quickly—yet emphasizes the cr...

Ever wondered how to manage your hair care routine without stretching your budget too thin?  In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Jessica Hawkins, a top stylist and trainer at HJem Beauty, to break down the secrets to smarter hair care budgeting. Jessica shares her expert advice on how to seamlessly weave personal care expenses into your...

What if resilience and strategic thinking could turn the impossible into reality? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® takes us on an inspiring journey through the Detroit Tigers’ rollercoaster 2024 season. With a 0.2% playoff chance at one point, the Tigers made a stunning comeback under the expert leadership of manager AJ Hinch. But this story goes beyond the world of sports—Melissa draws m...

Curious about how your fashion choices affect your wallet and the planet? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® sits down with Marcie Greene, a sustainable fashion advocate and adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, to explore the connections between fast fashion, personal finances, and environmental sustainability. From her retail beginnings to her passion for eco...

The financial and economic impact of menopause is often overlooked, but the numbers are staggering. With 75 million American women in menopause and more than two-thirds of them active in the workplace, the Mayo Clinic reports productivity losses of $1.8 billion and related health care costs reaching an additional $24 billion. In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, Melissa Joy, C...

Ever felt like you're drowning in the quest to have it all?   Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, on this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast , where she sits down with Michelle Gauthier, a professional life coach and host of Overwhelmed Working Woman . Michelle shares her transformative journey from a high-pressure finance career to a more intentional and balanced life. Together, they explo...

Curious about how corporate responsibility and ethical investing can help shape a better future? Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, as she sits down with William F. Schulz, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, to uncover how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has the potential to impact both business and society. In this episode, Bill shares insights from his memoir Reve...

Ever wondered how to secure a bright educational future for your children without compromising your own financial well-being?  Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, and her insightful colleagues Lucy Valandra, CFP®, and Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®, as they share personal stories and helpful tips to make the college savings process smoother.  Lucy starts off with her heartwarming journey as a new mother...

Discover the unique financial landscape of child-free living with Dr. Jay Zigmont, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and founder of Child Free Wealth. Together with Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, they unpack the nuanced financial strategies tailored for those who choose not to have children. From rethinking the legacy you leave behind to understanding long-term care planning without relying on the next ge...

  Description:   Have you ever felt the frustration of miscommunication straining your personal or professional relationships?  In this compelling episode of the Women's Money Wisdom Podcast, relationship and communication coach Joni Woods of Journey Coaching shares how she transformed her own communication struggles into powerful personal growth. Together with Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, they...

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your Health Savings Account (HSA). Discover strategies that can turn your HSA into a powerful financial tool for both immediate and long-term goals.  Melissa Joy, CFP®, is joined by Bill Stuart, a leading expert who has been pioneering HSA knowledge since their inception in 2004. In this episode, they guide you through the myriad benefits and complexities of HSAs,...

Summer is winding down, and there is a lot to unpack from the past few months. All the medals have been awarded and as we step off the podium and look towards fall we can’t forget some key takeaways.   In the episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® reflects on the summer of 2024, discussing the stock market volatility and the lessons she learned from the Olympics.  She emphasizes the importance of maint...

If you’re a business owner, you know that the numbers matter. Accurate tracking of cash flow, expenses, and income help you keep tabs on the financial health of your company.   In this conversation, Melissa Joy speaks with Ronisa Clark, an expert in bookkeeping for business owners and founder of her own company, Dream Joy Consulting. You’ll hear about the importance of keeping finances in order, c...