Women's Money Wisdom

Today we are joined by Renee Mason-Sherry and Kelly Aitken-Gwinnell with Aitken & Ormond Insurance Agency. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA ®, AIF® asks Renee and Kelly about all things insurance.  Learn about common mistakes people make as well as tips for adding teen drivers to your auto policy. Car insurance can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still get the cover...

Have you ever fought with your significant other about money? Achieving financial goals as a couple means having conversations and being transparent with each other. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, AIF®️, CDFA®️ and Jay Fradenburg,  AIF®️ share their professional experience helping couples come together through financial planning as well as their own struggles around financial matters as a ma...

Do you know how much you need to save for retirement? What considerations go into creating a financial plan?  In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Melissa Fradenburg, AIF, ® break down many factors that go into retirement planning and your specific financial plan.  Resources: Learn more about Pearl Planning .   Read   Take Control of Your Finances in 2023: 10 Actionable Tips for a Secure and Pr...

The current job market can be uncertain and layoffs can happen at any moment. If you have recently lost your job, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to move forward financially. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg,  AIF®️ will share her own experience being laid off in 2008 as well a financial checklist, so you can take control of your finances and make a plan for moving forward.  Resources:...

Whether you're looking to revamp your wardrobe or find a few items that fit the latest trends, getting your dream style can really add up. In this episode,  stylist Kendra Bissig, founder of The Blonde Mom, shares tips to save on your budget, without giving up fashion and personal style. Kendra has a practical approach to creating style by mixing budget pieces with luxury designer items sourc...

Have you thought about opening a Roth IRA for your child? A Custodial Roth IRA can be a great way to start saving for a child's future, but it's important to understand the tax implications and the income requirements before opening an account.  In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, AIF, ® discusses how a Custodial Roth IRA allows parents to start saving for their child's future earl...

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (HR 2617), referred to as The Secure Act 2.0, was signed into law in late 2022, and includes important provisions affecting retirement savings plans which are intended to build upon the 2019 SECURE Act. In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Melissa Fradenburg, AIF, ® break down many of the parts of this bill as it related to changes in retirement savin...

It’s that time of year to reset and focus on your investment mindset for 2023 and how to be successful next year and over the long term. Today we are joined by Charlotte Geletka, CFP, ®, Financial Literacy Advocate and managing partner at Silver Penny Financial Planning in Atlanta, Georgia.  Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Charlotte Geletka discuss how to think like a professional investor going into the...

Have you recently been laid off? Do you feel valued in your current role? Are you thinking about leaving your job to become an entrepreneur? Your human capital is one of the biggest drivers of your financial plan.  In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Laura Khalil discuss how female entrepreneurs can rebalance the scales of financial justice in their favor and get paid their worth. After cutti...

If something happened to your spouse, would you be prepared? Have you had important conversations with parents or in laws about how assets will be passed down to family. Do you and your spouse have important legal documents in place to protect you if the unexpected happens? Women are natural caretakers but who will take care of us? In this episode, Irena Politano, owner of Michigan Conservators, w...

Are you planning to relocate or downsize? Whether you are purchasing a home or renting, there are several costs you want to consider when planning to move. In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️ will discuss why it's a good idea to build up cash reserves prior to moving and what additional costs you should consider to avoid financial surprises.  Resources:  Listen to Episode 102: All Abo...

Do you know how long you have to work to become fully insured for social security benefits? What happens if you spend time out of the workforce? Will social security benefits be available for future retirees? Our guest has over 30 years experience working  for the Social Security Administration.  In this episode,  Melissa Joy, CFP interviews, Vonda VanTil,  Public Affairs Specialist representing t...

In this special #GIVINGTUESDAY episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️ discuss ways to give back this holiday season (and throughout the year).  She will address  how a Donor Advised Fund can assist with appreciated stock or bundled gift strategies as well as how to take advantage of your charitable deduction and bundle gifts to get itemized deductions in periodic years. We will learn: What is #Giving...

The cost of almost everything is up this year due to inflation. In this Thanksgiving week episode Melissa Fradenburg, Financial Advisor with Pearl Planning , shares tips to keep your holiday spending under control. Whether you put all your seasonal shopping on credit cards or save up months in advance, learn how to avoid the ‘One for you, One for me,’  gift trap and what items need to be included...

Are you ready to show up as your best self this holiday season? In this episode, Carmie Buhalis of Life + Wellness Coaching with Carmie , will share ways to reduce stress and find balance during this hectic time of year. Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️,  Financial Advisor with Pearl Planning and Carmie discuss how to put yourself first, say no to things that don't bring you joy and why it's m...

Are you ready to end the year strong? With just 7 weeks left in 2022, Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA, ® discuss year end financial planning.  It's important to organize your financial "to-do's" and set intentions going into the new year. In this episode we will cover taxes, retirement contribution deadlines, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and cash reserv...

It's open enrollment season! Do you need to make changes to your employee benefits? In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP® reviews what you need to know about open enrollment and what various benefit options mean for you as far as coverage and cost. You will learn: How do high deductible plans work vs. traditional plans. What is the minimum deductible to qualify as a high deductible plan? FSA vs H...

The Federal Government has announced  the largest COLA adjustment for Social Security since 1981 and an upward shift  in the income tax brackets  as well as increases in contribution limits to retirement plans and the standard deduction. Listen to this episode to find out what you can expect in 2023 and how these changes may offset the high inflation we're currently experiencing.  Resources:...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® discusses grief with Kathi Balasek .  Kathi is an educator, grief literacy communication coach, corporate consultant, university lecturer, speaker,  widow advocate, and host of the One Well Widow podcast. In this episode she shares her journey in widowhood and talks about the emotional and financial challenges women, in particular, face when losing a spouse. Res...

Are you carrying a balance month after month on your credit card? Have you tried paying down credit card debt but just keep putting it off and paying the minimum payment? In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg, CDFA®️ will share some tips on how to pay down debt, as well as ways to change the habits that got you there in the first place.  Resources: Learn more about Pearl Planning. Listen to Episode...

Are you shocked at how quickly mortgage rates have increased? Are you looking to purchase a home but worried about the housing market and higher mortgage rates? In this episode, Melissa and Jay Fradenburg discuss the current mortgage environment with Nathan Steiner , NMLS #771054, Senior Vice President of lending with Guaranteed Rate .  Nathan has over 20 years of lending experience and understand...

Did you know there may be a check, bank account, or inheritance out there that is owed to you? All you need to do is claim it!  Maybe you double paid a medical bill. Did a relative leave you money when they passed and you never knew about it? In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg and Jay Fradenburg will explain the process for claiming money that is yours through the unclaimed property website. Thro...

Are you worried about the recent volatility in the equity markets? Do you understand the relationship between inflation data, potential Federal Reserve rate hikes, and the stock market?  In this episode, Melissa Fradenburg and Jay Fradenburg will review the current market environment as well as discuss what additional indicators we should look at when it comes to inflation.   Resources: ·       Co...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP® and Rachael Camp, CFP®, co-owner of Camp Wealth Management discuss net worth and the secret signals within your net worth that can lead you to financial freedom. If you would like to get to a place where you own your own time, then this episode is a must listen. Resources: Learn more about Rachael Camp and Camp Wealth Management . Episode 76: Improving Your Net Wo...

In this episode Melissa Joy, CFP, ® and Ann Garcia, CFP®, a financial advisor and author of the popular College Financial Lady blog , discuss the FAFSA form and strategies to maximize financial aid and merit scholarships, find out how to qualify for tax credits and other benefits. If you have a student applying for college this is a must listen episode to help plan financially. You will learn:   ...