Retirement

How the SECURE 2.0 Act May Affect Your Retirement

By Robert Cesario / August 13, 2025

The SECURE 2.0 Act, signed into law at the end of 2022, introduced more than 90 changes to retirement savings plans. While some updates took effect in 2023 and 2024, […]

Demystifying the Backdoor Roth IRA: What You Need to Know

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® / April 14, 2025

If you’ve heard of a Backdoor Roth IRA but find the details confusing, you’re not alone! At Pearl Planning, we frequently recommend this strategy to clients who earn too much […]

Navigating Inherited RMDs: What You Need to Know for 2025 and Beyond

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® / March 20, 2025

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can be complex, especially if you’ve inherited a retirement account. With recent regulatory changes, understanding when and how much you must withdraw is crucial. Old Rules […]

U of M health savings accounts explained

Know Your Health Savings Account Options

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® / October 14, 2024

Listen up University of Michigan employees! 📢 👉 Are you taking full advantage of the health savings account (HSA) option? HSAs can be a powerful financial tool. Not just for […]

Understand your U of M retirement savings strategies

Find Your Best U of M Retirement Strategy

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® / October 7, 2024

Retirement planning has more nuances than most people realize. 😳 Do you know whether you’re under or over-contributing to your savings? 📉 This month we’re focusing on University of Michigan […]

Accounts to Withdraw Retirement Savings Without Penalties

By Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA® / August 26, 2024

When it comes to retiring early (like in your 50s!), the first question I often hear is, “Where will my monthly income come from?” I’m glad you asked! Because when […]