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’ll Learn:

• The essentials: Why powers of attorney and healthcare directives are the cornerstone of any estate plan.
• Trusts vs. probate: What probate really involves — and why many families prefer to avoid it.
• Beneficiary designations: How small updates can prevent major complications.
• Revocable living trusts: The privacy, flexibility, and ease they provide (no, you don’t need to be wealthy).
• State-specific guidance: Why your plan should be created with local laws in mind.
• Post-death protection: How trusts help shield assets from legal and financial vulnerabilities.

Whether you’re planning for the future or simply want to understand your options, this replay delivers clarity and confidence.

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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, global business, and academia to explain why traditional “always-on” productivity models no longer serve us. She introduces her Move–Think–Rest human operating system and shows how small shifts in movement, intentional thinking time, and meaningful rest can reduce burnout and unlock creativity at every level.

Together, Melissa and Natalie dig into the generational pressure many women feel to overachieve, over-deliver, and never say no — and how boundary-setting is now essential not just for wellbeing, but for strong financial planning over a lifetime.

Highlights include:

• Why shifting from “productivity” to “cultivation” changes how we approach work
• How the Move–Think–Rest framework helps build creativity into daily routines
• Practical ways to incorporate movement into a busy workday
• How mind wandering and micro-retreats improve clarity and problem-solving
• Why rest needs to be modeled across an organization
• The financial consequences of burnout and stepping away from the workforce too soon
• How to set boundaries when what got you here won’t get you where you’re going
• How to use Natalie’s 66-day challenge to build new habits for the year ahead

If you’re ready to rethink the way you work — and create more space for creativity, energy, and purpose — this milestone conversation is a powerful place to begin.

If you’re ready to rethink the way you work — and create more space for creativity, energy, and purpose — this milestone conversation is a powerful place to begin.

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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 managing care for three parents across multiple states during COVID, the lessons she learned about elder care, and why she now advocates for better preparation and open communication around aging and incapacity.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to manage multiple dementia diagnoses within one family.
• Building your caregiving “team” with medical, legal, and financial professionals.
• Why early planning and clear documentation make all the difference.
• How to have difficult family conversations about aging, capacity, and long-term care.
• Balancing caregiving, parenting, and personal well-being as part of the “sandwich generation.”
• Why lifestyle choices—like sleep, exercise, and stress management—can help prevent dementia.
• The emotional side of caregiving: guilt, burnout, and learning to set boundaries.

Melissa and Nicole also discuss how professionals—financial advisors, attorneys, and healthcare providers—can help families prepare before a crisis and support caregivers with empathy and clarity.

✨ This conversation is both practical and deeply human—a reminder that caring for others starts with caring for yourself.

Connect with Nicole Smith:
Website: njsmithbooks.com
Instagram: @dementiabookreview
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utnicolesmith/

Daughterhood.org – caregiver support community

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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 confident decisions for your family or your retirement.

Cole works closely with financial planners to help clients understand their options, and he shares practical insights you can use right now — whether you’re choosing coverage through your employer, the marketplace, or looking ahead to early retirement.

You’ll learn:

• What’s driving healthcare costs higher in 2025
• How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace actually works
• The difference between COBRA, private plans, and marketplace coverage
• What to know about tax credits (and what might change next year)
• Why planning for healthcare is essential if you’re retiring before 65
• How to find the right help during open enrollment

If you’ve ever said “I’d retire early if it weren’t for health insurance,” this conversation is for you.

Resources:

• Learn more about Move Health: advisors.movehealth.io
• Connect with Cole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-craven/,
• Follow Move Health https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-health-partners

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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. From innovative accounts like the Junior Roth IRA™ (a 529-to-Roth pathway) to new “Trump Accounts” launching under the SECURE 2.0 Act, they explore how technology is democratizing wealth-building for everyday families.

Melissa and Philip also dig into:

• 💬 Why conversations about money at home matter more than ever
• 💸 How to make financial tools accessible without needing a million dollars first
• 🧠 Lessons in financial confidence for parents and kids
• 📈 New, tax-advantaged ways to invest for your child’s future

Together, they reframe generational wealth as something inclusive, intentional, and deeply personal—a legacy built not only on dollars, but on knowledge and confidence.

Connect with Philip:

https://www.futuremoney.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbarrar/

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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 emotional spending triggers, and find balance between saving, spending, and satisfaction. From “Target trips gone wild” to understanding the dopamine behind shopping, Aja explains why awareness—not shame—is the first step toward financial peace.

You’ll learn how to:
💡 Uncover emotional roots behind your money habits
💡 Reframe guilt or scarcity into confidence and clarity
💡 Recognize when spending is self-care vs. self-sabotage
💡 Build a “feel-good” financial plan rooted in contentment, not comparison

Whether you overspend, underspend, or just want a healthier money mindset, this episode will help you bring a little more feel-good into your finances.

📘 Learn more about Aja’s work:

Connect on IG: @ajaetherapy

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaevans/

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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 of Bonafide Wealth in New York City, open up about how their own experiences as partners, parents, and business owners inspired the book—and why talking about money as a team is harder (and more important) than ever.

Together, they explore:

• ⚖️ How power dynamics around money evolve over time—and what couples can do to keep conversations fair and balanced
• 💬 Why curiosity and communication are the foundation of financial teamwork
• 💡 The “aha” moments from interviewing 75+ couples about love, money, and identity
• ❤️ Why fairness doesn’t always mean 50/50—and how to navigate changing roles without resentment
• 🧩 The link between our upbringing, money habits, and emotional reactions in financial conversations
• 📖 What they learned from writing the book together—and how it reshaped their own partnership

Melissa and her guests also discuss what advisors can take away from Money Together: how to see both partners equally, ask better questions, and help clients build stronger financial relationships—not just portfolios.

✨ Whether you’re managing finances solo or as part of a couple, this conversation reminds us that money isn’t just math—it’s meaning, emotion, and teamwork.

📚 Learn more:
Money Together: How to Find Fairness in Your Relationship and Become an Unstoppable Financial Team
👉 www.domoneytogether.com
👉 www.readthejointaccount.com

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...

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 into a mission: helping families nationwide find the best academic, social, and financial fit. From creating a standout student profile to uncovering hidden scholarship opportunities, Shellee shares how to approach college planning with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why college admissions should be approached like a business decision.
• The three funding mindsets: writing the check, earning scholarships, or finding schools that pay for your student.
• What FAFSA actually looks at—and why timing matters.
• How to find real, essay-based scholarships (and avoid scams).
• The “Millionaire Game” exercise to help your teen discover what drives them.
• Why the right fit school is more valuable than a “dream” school with a big price tag.

Shellee’s insights from College Ready help parents and students reduce stress, minimize debt, and make informed, values-based decisions about higher education.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• College Ready — Learn more about services, free consultations, and resources.
• Podcast: Parents, Is Your Teen College Ready?
• Books by Shellee Howard, available on Amazon

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https:...