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’ estates—while working full-time and raising young children—and how that experience inspired her to build a business helping others avoid the same chaos. Together, Melissa and Rachel dive into the real work that goes beyond writing a will: handling assets, updating beneficiaries, navigating probate, and keeping bills paid when no one’s watching.

They discuss why so many women delay estate planning, the hidden landmines (like untitled assets and digital accounts), and how you can start untangling this intimidating topic with simple, practical steps. The conversation also tackles how to bring up these sensitive issues with family, why “co-anything” can backfire, and how to avoid turning a loved one’s legacy into a logistical nightmare.

Key Takeaways:

• Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about full asset management and communication.
• Women are more likely to delay estate planning, often because they don’t know where to start.
• Probate horror stories highlight why comprehensive planning matters.
• Digital assets (social media, crypto, email) need to be included in your plan.
• Choose roles (executor, trustee) carefully—co-roles can create more problems than they solve.
• Even imperfect action now is better than procrastinating and risking chaos later.
• Having the tough conversations with family now can save heartache and confusion later.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your existing plan, this episode will give you the confidence to take action—because death is inevitable, but an administrative nightmare doesn’t have to be.

Learn more & connect with Rachel:
Website: www.myafterlight.com
Instagram: @myafterlight
LinkedIn: Rachel Donnelly
Book: Late to Your Own Funeral

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:...

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 tackling debt in a high-interest environment, each suggestion is designed to be practical, manageable, and highly effective. Whether you’re ready to revamp your beneficiary designations, audit your insurance coverage, consolidate accounts, or simply schedule regular “money dates,” these steps are all about reducing financial stress and building momentum toward your goals.

Melissa draws on real-world client experiences to offer tips that are proven to deliver results—without overwhelming you with complexity. Every recommendation includes ideas for how and when to take action, helping you make meaningful progress without feeling stuck.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to prioritize small financial wins for big impact
• Why reviewing your beneficiary designations is crucial
• The value of an insurance audit to protect your financial future
• Smart ways to tackle debt and manage rising interest rates
• The benefits of automating savings and financial organization
• How to maximize unused loyalty rewards
• Tips for setting consistent money dates for accountability and partnership
• Why financial spring cleaning is about progress, not perfection

Download the full checklist mentioned in this episode at pearlplan.com and track your progress as you bring clarity, confidence, and momentum to your financial life.

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:...

💬 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 receive RSUs or are considering a job offer that includes them, this episode is packed with essential knowledge to help you make confident, informed decisions.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

What RSUs Are - A quick breakdown of how they work and why they matter.

Vesting & Taxes - Why timing matters—and how to avoid surprise tax bills.

Women & Equity Pay - Why women often miss out—and how to change that.

Smart Strategies - How to handle vested shares and reduce risk.

Big Picture Planning -Ways to fold RSUs into your overall financial plan.

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:...

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 years of experience and certifications in divorce lending and mortgage planning, Erica helps us cut through the confusion about mortgage rates, affordability, and refinancing strategies.

Together, Melissa and Erica explore:

🏡 The real reasons mortgage rates rise and fall—spoiler: it's not just the Fed
📍 Regional housing market trends across the U.S.—from inventory shortages to insurance issues
💡 How to evaluate if refinancing makes sense (and how to find your break-even point)
⏳ Advice for buyers on when to act and why trying to time the market is a myth
📈 What adjustable-rate mortgage holders need to know before their reset

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, thinking of refinancing, or just trying to understand how rates work, this episode will leave you feeling more informed and financially empowered.

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:...

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 why traditional assumptions about retirement may no longer apply, how inflation and rising costs are impacting timelines, and why confidence levels vary so dramatically between generations and genders.

Whether you're planning decades ahead or approaching retirement soon, this conversation will help you understand the trends, risks, and planning opportunities shaping the future of retirement.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why retirement spending often increases—not decreases—right after leaving the workforce
• The impact of inflation and rising living costs on retirement timelines
• Confidence disparities across age groups and between men and women
• Commonly underestimated costs in retirement—especially healthcare
• How phased retirement is changing the traditional retirement model
• The importance of flexible, forward-looking planning strategies

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to build a retirement strategy that’s both realistic and resilient—regardless of where you are in your journey.

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:...

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 encourages listeners to take a step back and revisit their overall strategy, focusing on long-term planning rather than short-term uncertainty.

She discusses general principles and planning considerations that can help investors stay grounded, including the potential benefits of maintaining diversified contributions, reviewing withdrawal strategies, and exploring financial planning opportunities that may arise in volatile environments.

This conversation is not a recommendation or a forecast, but a reminder that financial decisions are best made from a place of clarity, not fear.

Don't forget to check out the most recent Pearl Planning blog with more on tariffs and current market conditions. View here.

Topics Covered:

📉 Why emotional responses to market movements can lead to unintended consequences
📊 How continued contributions during down markets may support long-term goals
📋 Considerations for tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, and estate planning in down markets
🧠 Understanding the emotional side of investing and building financial resilience
⚖️ The value of small, intentional adjustments over reactive decision-making

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:...

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 planning for college expenses.

Melissa and Ann explore the role of the Department of Education, the impact of proposed Parent PLUS loan eliminations, taxation of scholarships and endowments, and how federal research funding plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy. Ann provides valuable insights on smart financial planning strategies for families navigating the cost of higher education and shares actionable steps for making informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Potential Changes in Higher Education – How proposed federal policies may impact college affordability and financial aid.
✅ Understanding the Role of the Department of Education – What it funds, why it matters, and what could happen if it’s restructured or eliminated.
✅ The Risks of Taxing Scholarships & Endowments – Who could be most affected and why financial aid could become even more limited.
✅ Parent PLUS Loans on the Chopping Block? – The pros and cons of eliminating these loans and what it could mean for families.
✅ Why Research Universities Matter – How federally funded research drives economic growth and innovation, from medical breakthroughs to technological advancements.
✅ Financial Planning for College – Smart strategies for families, including using net price calculators, alternative education pathways, and financial aid negotiations.
✅ The Importance of Open Conversations About Money – How to discuss finances with your kids and prepare them for responsible decision-making.

Follow Ann on LinkedIn

Learn More About Paying for College

Follow on Facebook

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:...

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 Day upon us, this conversation is more timely than ever. Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar men make, and while 70% of women now negotiate their salaries, the remaining 30% contribute to the persistent pay gap. It’s time for real talk about money, confidence, and financial independence—and this episode delivers exactly that.

Takeaways:
💡 Why women hesitate to take financial control—and how to change that
💰 12 simple steps to start investing today (without the intimidation)
🚗 Car-buying traps to avoid & negotiation hacks
📊 The gender pay gap & why every woman MUST negotiate her salary
📈 How women outperform men as investors (and why we should embrace that confidence!)

💥 This Equal Pay Day, let’s change the conversation. Women deserve more money, more confidence, and more financial power. This episode will help you take the next step toward that.

📢 What’s one financial move you’re committing to today? Drop it in the comments and let’s empower each other!

📖 Follow Alison Kosik on Instagram @AlisonKosik & grab her book at major retailers today!

#WomensMoneyWisdom #EqualPayDay #CloseTheGap #KnowYourWorth #NegotiateYourWorth #WomenAndMoney #MelissaJoy #AllisonKosick

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:...