Women's Money Wisdom

Are you ready to gain the upper hand over one of the most common sources of contention in relationships? We're talking about money, of course! In this episode Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF®,  will help you defuse the ticking bomb of financial discord. Together, we dissect the three most prevalent money conflicts couples encounter and offer you effective strategies to evade these confrontati...

Are you preparing for college send off but feeling overwhelmed by the looming financial spreadsheet? Relax, we've got you covered. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg shares personal experiences and insights to help you prepare for this financially demanding life event. Budgeting is crucial for managing expenses during the college years. We provide practical tips for creating a budget that co...

Melissa Joy, CFP ®  shares financial planning insights from a surprisingly unusual source - the Barbie movie! We unpack this unlikely catalyst for financial wisdom, revealing five significant takeaways. From understanding the ripple effects of consumerism to the crucial conversation around equal pay, we're breaking down barriers and bringing you a fresh perspective on money matters. A special...

Ever wonder why it feels like you're constantly asked to shell out bigger tips for everything from your Uber ride to your takeout order? You're not alone! On this episode, Melissa Fradenburg is pulling back the curtain on the convoluted world of tipping in the gig economy. We'll explore the norms, the expectations, and the technology that seems to nudge us into tipping more often an...

In today’s episode, we discuss the upsides and downsides of long-term care insurance and delve into key considerations when purchasing it. Join your host, Melissa Fradenburg, AIF®   as we navigate the intricate world of personal finance, specifically designed for women.  Melissa shares her recent experience visiting her grandmother in an assisted living facility as well as a basic overview of how...

Have you ever wondered what a forensic accountant does in divorce cases? Are you worried about hidden assets or financial infidelity? In this episode, co-host Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® welcomes Tracy Coenen, a renowned forensic accountant who specializes in helping find money during divorce. Tracy has created a 10-step Divorce Money Guide to help you find hidden assets and take control of t...

Have you ever wondered why so many couples struggle to get on the same page with finances? Are you in a relationship where one person is in the dark on the overall financial picture? In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP ® and Melissa Fradenburg, AIF ® tackle the all-too-common issue of one partner being left out of financial decisions. It’s not just about understanding finances but also about encoura...

Ever wondered why real estate investments can feel more comfortable and confident than securities investing? Melissa Joy  dives deep into biases surrounding real estate and investing in stocks and bonds. She shares her observations from conversations with clients as well as her own experience in real estate vs investment returns of various indices over time. Melissa unpacks the reasons behind thes...

Do you feel like you've lost a part of yourself since becoming a mom? Our guest, Carmie Buhalis, owner and founder of Yoga Express and life and wellness coach, is here to remind you that it's possible to find balance and reinvent yourself after motherhood. We dive into the challenges of losing our identity and the importance of prioritizing self-care in our daily lives. Carmie shares her...

In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® shares the financial implications of Taylor Swift Era's Tour tickets and how parents can use them as a valuable lesson in financial decision-making.  How resisting the urge to overspend can teach our kids valuable lessons about choices and opportunity cost. We explore what it means to set realistic expectations about budgeting, and how to have...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP ®  delves deep into the powerful concept of managing your money mindset amidst a constant barrage of negative news. In a world filled with sensational headlines and endless market fluctuations, it's easy to succumb to fear and make impulsive investment decisions.  Listen to this episode to learn why controlling the things we can control is essential in achievi...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Ann Garcia, CFP®, a financial advisor and author of the popular College Financial Lady blog , discuss why a 529 plan is a great vehicle for college savings. They cover everything from asset weighting on the FAFSA form, flexibility on what colleges your child can attend, and how they help maximize tax savings. Did you know if your 529 is overfunded because yo...

Are you looking to better understand the national debt ceiling?  In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF®  helps listeners gain a clearer understanding of the debt ceiling and why it matters. Melissa sheds light on the historical context of raising the national debt ceiling and explains why it's likely that Congress and the Biden administration will reach an agreement on raising the...

In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Aravind Sithamparapillai , explore the intersection of finance and caregiving professions. Aravind Sithamparapillai is an associate with Ironwood Wealth Management Group in Ontario, Canada. Aravind has a focus on assisting midwives in their unique financial journeys.  Midwives often work for many years with intense schedules, and it's crucial to plan f...

Are you looking to better understand your credit score and take steps to improve it?  In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® discusses credit scores and how they impact your financial health. We cover the history of credit scores and why they matter, the five factors that determine your credit score, and tips to improve your score over time. We also discuss why it's important to re...

In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® , sits down with Brad Baldridge , one of the nation's leading college financial experts, to discuss late term college planning strategies. Brad has over 20 years of experience in helping families plan, save, and pay for college without jeopardizing their financial security or retirement. Brad shares his insights on the best ways to pay for col...

In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® shares 5 essential tips to help you make the most of your financial situation after filing your taxes. Tune in to discover smart money moves, investment strategies, and retirement planning advice to consider while your tax situation is fresh in your mind.  We will discuss: Understand the importance of adjusting your tax withholding based on your cu...

Why do people try to time the market? One reason is that they want to avoid losses during a recession. But the reality is that it's very difficult to time the market effectively. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️, AIF® discusses whether it's a wise investment strategy to time the market during a recession. We'll look at some historical data to explore why pulling your mone...

Are you looking to purchase a home but worried about the housing market and higher mortgage rates? In this episode, we welcome back Nathan Steiner , NMLS #771054, Senior Vice President of lending with Guaranteed Rate . Nathan has over 20 years of lending experience and understands the unique challenges buyers and agents are facing in the current rate environment. Melissa Fradenburg, AIF and Nathan...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP®, is a guest on the All About Your Benjamins podcast, hosted by Justin Castelli, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner , and founder of RLS Wealth . Melissa is one of the contributors to the new book, More than Money , curated by Justin which explores the practical aspects of financial planning. During their conversation, Melissa shares a powerful story from he...

Teaching kids about the value of money is an important life lesson that can help them develop good financial habits in the long run. It's never too early to start teaching your kids about money and its value. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, AIF, ® shares three tips to help you get started.   By helping teens understand the difference needs and wants, they can learn to prioritize their sp...

In this episode we share a replay of A Word On Wealth Podcast , hosted by Sherri Stephens , President and CEO of Stephens Wealth Management Group, with guest  Melissa Joy ,  founder and President of Pearl Planning. Together they discuss the “ins and outs” of purchasing a second home.  Thinking about becoming a snowbird?  Not sure where to start?  Take a listen to hear more about Sherri and Melissa...

Are you nervous about the recent bank failures? Bank failures are not a common occurrence, but they can have a significant impact on the economy and on individuals who have invested their money in those institutions. It's important to understand the reasons behind bank failures and how they can affect you.  In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Melissa Fradenburg, AIF, ® break down the many...

As children turn 18 and become legal adults, it's important for parents to be aware that they no longer have legal authority over their child's finances, healthcare, or personal decisions. This means that parents should encourage their children to create certain estate planning documents to ensure their wishes are carried out in the event of incapacity or death. In this episode, Liz Derr...

Kelly Aitken-Gwinnell with Aitken & Ormond Insurance Agency is back with us this week to discuss insurance for small business owners. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA ®, AIF®  and Kelly discuss commercial insurance options and why it's important for small business owners to manage risk when it comes to employees, customers, and their own ability to earn income.  Learn about commo...