Melissa Joy, CFP® and Cathy Curtis, CFP®, dive into a serious topic: financial fraud against elders. Cathy explains that while scammers try to trick seniors into giving them money illegally, there are many ways to spot these scams and keep your elderly loved ones safe.

Listen to gain the know-how and tools to avoid fraud smoothly as you or your loved ones get older.

Listen and Learn:

• The common scams being used today to steal from elders
• Warning signs that may indicate an elder has already fallen victim to fraud
• What to do if you think a loved one's money was taken by scammers
• Resources and organizations dedicated to preventing elder financial abuse

Resources:

• Check out Cathy’s Firm
• Follow Cathy on LinkedIn
• Follow Cathy on Instagram
• Read Cathy’s Op-Ed in CNBC
• Listen to Episode 59: Inheritance Mistakes with Cathy Curtis
• Monitor fraud with Eversafe
• How to report Cyber Crime
• Where to report Fraud
• Check out Cyber Seniors

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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Do you dream of retiring early? Planning carefully is an important part of ending full-time work ahead of schedule. The path to early retirement is different for everyone - you have to look at your unique situation and decide your own goals. Alternatively, some people need to retire earlier than they intended to, so it's smart to have a strong retirement plan in place in case something unexpected happens.

Melissa Joy discusses ways to access your retirement savings without penalties if you retire before the traditional retirement age and different options to consider for an early retirement strategy.

With proactive planning and a good mindset, early retirement may be a possibility for you regardless of what inspires you to stop working.

Listen and Learn:

• Why it's important to plan ahead for early retirement
• Strategies for accessing retirement funds early
• Ways to grow your savings and income for an early exit
• How to prepare for a fulfilling life without work

Resources:

• Register for our June Webinar: How to Prepare for an Early Retirement
• Retirement Readiness Reports
• Retirement Statistics by Gender
• Pew Research Retirement Studies
• Watch our 2023 Retirement Readiness Webinar Replay
• Listen to Women’s Money Wisdom Episode 49: Visualizing Retirement

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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Melissa Joy is joined by teacher Melissa Gordon to explore why it's crucial for kids to learn about money management early on. Melissa Gordon shares why it’s never too early to start developing budgeting, investing, and retirement planning skills.

This episode discusses how having open money conversations at home and school can prevent future financial pitfalls. Listen for why your kids should get involved with hands-on money projects and how you can help guide them as parents.

Listen and Learn:

• The importance of early financial education
• Tips for making money lessons engaging for kids
• Recommended books and programs for building money skills

Resources:

• Follow Melissa Gordon on Twitter and LinkedIn
• Teen Teach In Video for AAPS
• Next Gen Personal Finance
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Mind Your Money by Yanely Espinal
• Episode 127: First Generation Wealth with Valerie Rivera
• Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

Melissa Joy is joined by Dr. William Schulz, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA to discuss the importance of staying hopeful during turbulent times.

How can we stay positive during times of uncertainty? Dr. Schulz explores how hope can be a driving force for change - leading to improvements in our own communities as well as a more just world. The lessons taught in this episode are valuable for all - from investors to friends.

Listen and Learn:

• The ‘why’ behind Amnesty International’s mission
• How to remain resilient despite injustice in the world
• The importance behind conscious consumption and where you spend your money

Resources:

• Purchase Dr. William Schulz’s Memoir: Reversing the Rivers: A Memoir of History, Hope, and Human Rights
• Discover More Books by Dr. William Schulz
• Learn more about Amnesty International USA
• Human Rights | United Nations

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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Whether you’ve already filed your taxes or still need to request an extension, Melissa Joy shares her post-tax season tips and tricks. Discover how you can pave the way for a smoother tax season experience and take control of your money in the year ahead.

Listen and Learn:

• Why it’s important to discuss taxes with your financial advisor
• Which resources you should use during tax season and after
• When to consider reviewing and adjusting your tax withholdings

Resources:

1. How to Extend Your Federal Taxes
2. State of Michigan Tax Extension
3. Tax Aware Investment Strategies Webinar
4. Tax Withholding Calculator (IRS)
5. Tax Withholding – How to Get it Right
6. Restricted Stock Taxation

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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Melissa Joy is joined by Financial Behavior Specialist®, Speaker, and Therapist Ashley Quamme LMFT, to discuss the intricate intersection of relationships and finances.

How do we talk about money with a partner when our perspectives differ? What are practical ways to navigate when one partner is a spender, and the other is a saver? Ashley dives into the complexities of love and money and how to navigate the money differences that happen in many relationships.

Listen and Learn:

• Common challenges couples face when discussing finances and tips to overcome them
• How to use communication to navigate differences in spending habits
• The significance of listening, empathy, and vulnerability in client-advisor relationships

Resources:

1. Visit Beyond the Plan
2. Follow Ashley on LinkedIn
3. Follow Ashley on Twitter
4. Listen: Episode 48: Financial Therapy with Nate Astle
5. Listen: Episode 212: Even Out The Power Scales of Marriage and Money

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

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Melissa Joy is joined by philanthropist Aly Sterling, President and Founder of Aly Sterling Philanthropy, to discuss the transformative power of philanthropic giving.

Aly shares powerful insights from her experience in facilitating major gifts while offering guidance on how to make your charitable donations more strategic. In this thought-provoking conversation, you’ll discover how to maximize your philanthropic impact, whether you’re giving millions or just starting your charitable journey.

Listen and Learn:

• How to make your charitable donations more strategic and impactful
• The benefits of giving during your lifetime vs. leaving a philanthropic legacy
• Tips for maximizing tax advantages when making charitable contributions

Resources:

• Visit Aly Sterling Philanthropy Website
• Learn more about Aly Sterling
• Follow Aly Sterling on LinkedIn
• Purchase Aly Sterling’s Book: 37: The Year I Stopped Making Excuses, Embraced My Power, and Launched My Million-Dollar Business
• Read: $1 Billion Dollar Donation Will Provide Free Tuition at a Bronx Medical School
• Watch: NYC Medical School Eliminates Tuition After $1 Billion Gift
• Read: Why A $1 Billion Gift to Medical School Moved So Many People
• Read: Will a $1 Billion Medical School Donation Help Make the Bronx Healthier?

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

Struggling with financial dynamics in your relationship? You’re not alone. Melissa Joy delves into the power balance in marriage and money and explores how this affects all partnerships, offering valuable tips for combining finances, open communication, and shared planning. No matter the stage of your relationship, this conversation is for you.

Listen and Learn:

1. Simple steps for couples looking to combine their finances
2. How to have transparent communication and shared financial planning
3. Strategies for managing finances together in a relationship

Resources:

• Read: In a Growing Share of U.S. Marriages, Husbands and Wives Earn About the Same
• Read: When Couples Fight About Money, What Do They Fight About?
• Read: Married Couples Who Merge Finances May Be Happier, Stay Together Longer
• Listen: Episode 133: Money Secrets in Your Net Worth with Rachael Camp

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.