The Pearl Planning Blog

What Should I Do with My 401k Right Now?

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | April 30, 2020

hand cupping an egg with 401K written on it

Retirement accounts (including 401, 403b, 457, TSA, and IRA investors) have been ravaged by coronavirus market turmoil. Now, American workers are desperate to know how to manage their 401k effectively […]

Now is the right time for a financial plan

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | April 15, 2020

Businesswoman holding and putting lightbulb on coins stack on table for saving energy and money concept

I can’t tell you how often I talk to people who know they want financial planning but are waiting until the perfect moment to get started. Now, with a new […]

Financial Wellness in a Bear Market

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | April 13, 2020

Hand flipping wooden cubes for change wording" Panic " to " Calm". Mindset is important for human development

Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® and Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Financial Therapist discuss how to keep perspective in this challenging market environment. Lindsay is the state of Michigan’s first financial therapist. In addition […]

CARES Act Resource Guide

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | April 3, 2020

capital building with clouds in the background

Recovery Rebates Americans with income under $75,000 if filing single or $150,000 if married filing jointly will receive $1,200 and $2,400 respectively with an additional $500 for children under […]

Managing Your Money Through Uncertainty

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | March 31, 2020

In the age of Covid-19, financial realities are warped and a triage mentality may be necessary. How can you deal with financial uncertainty? This webinar will help you understand. Additional […]

What Bear Markets Have Taught Me

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | March 13, 2020

Mama said there’d be days like this, and I do feel fortunate to have seen a few of them. We officially entered bear market territory today following the coronavirus pandemic […]

Coronavirus Correction: What Investors Need to Know

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | March 12, 2020

Coronavirus concerns have ended the 11-year bull market. This 20-minute video covers what we know right now about the market with actionable steps for response. The information contained in this […]

2020 Travel Planning

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | February 10, 2020

Melissa Joy sat down with Beth Johnston from Orenda Travel to discuss 2020 travel trends. We cover destinations, budgeting, planning, multi-generational travel, and some of our favorite themes. Our video is […]

Overcoming Financial Anxiety: Webinar Recap

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | January 22, 2020

Melissa Joy recently sat down with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, MSW to discuss the emerging field of financial therapy. Lindsay is the state of Michigan’s first financial therapist. In addition to her […]

Why the New Little Women Offers Great Financial Lessons for Your Daughters

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® | January 8, 2020

Yesterday, on New Year’s Day, my six-year-old daughter, Josie, told me her New Year’s Resolution: to have a summer lemonade stand. “I’m going to make my family rich,” she said. […]