On this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom podcast, Melissa Joy is joined by Michelle Taylor, founder of Women in Wealth, for a practical, honest conversation about what actually creates long-term financial stability for women.

Rather than focusing on fear or restriction, this discussion centers on habits — the everyday behaviors that help women build confidence, resilience, and freedom with money over time. Together, Melissa and Michelle break down the six core habits they see consistently among women who feel financially secure and in control, regardless of income level.

You’ll hear why tracking your money builds confidence (not stress), how “paying yourself first” creates momentum, and why investing — even in small amounts — is non-negotiable. The conversation also reframes budgeting as a flexible spending plan, explores how to set financial goals that actually align with your values, and explains why regular “money dates” can transform how you relate to your finances.

This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt successful in life but uncertain about money, struggled with confidence around financial decisions, or wanted a healthier, more empowering approach to building wealth.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why awareness is the foundation of financial confidence
• How paying yourself first prevents burnout and financial guilt
• The difference between restrictive budgets and flexible spending plans
• Why investing early matters more than investing perfectly
• How to set financial goals that reflect your version of success
• Simple ways to build accountability through regular money check-ins

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your financial habits, this episode offers practical guidance you can use immediately — without shame, overwhelm, or unrealistic expectations.

Follow Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_wealth/

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 you do everything “right” and still feel unfulfilled?

Melissa Joy, CFP®, sits down with Regina Sih-Meynier, PharmD, a former clinical and pharmaceutical industry leader who followed a quiet inner nudge toward a completely different kind of success. Regina shares how growing up in an immigrant family shaped her drive for security and achievement, why the traditional “success checklist” did not deliver the fulfillment she expected, and what ultimately helped her pivot into entrepreneurship, intuitive work, and a more flexible life.

They talk about the midlife moments that can throw everything off course, from career disruption to caregiving responsibilities, and why financial planning can be a stabilizing force during big transitions. Regina also explains what she means by “whispers” from within, how intuition can show up through the body, and why having a practical runway and support system can make all the difference when you are building your next chapter.

What you’ll learn

• Why hitting major milestones can still leave you feeling disconnected
• How Gen X and older millennial women were conditioned to overachieve and overdeliver
• What it looks like to pivot without burning down your entire life overnight
• How intuition can show up as body intelligence and internal guidance
• Why financial stability can create the space needed to hear what you actually want
• The mindset shift from “income only comes from a paycheck” to multiple streams and possibilities
• How to approach midlife change with flexibility, resilience, and intentional tradeoffs

Author of "A Thousand Whispers from Within"

Coming Feb 2026, Manuscripts Press - available Feb 16th on Amazon.

📧 regina@reginasihmeynier.com

🌐 www.reginasihmeynier.com

📸 IG: @reginasihmeynier

💼 LinkedIn: Regina Sih-Meynier, PharmD

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:...

Employer retirement plans can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available, yet they are also among the most confusing. In this episode of the Women's Money Wisdom podcast, Melissa Joy, CFP®, breaks down how to make the most of your workplace retirement benefits in 2026.

Melissa walks through the key retirement plans many employees have access to, including 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans, and explains why 2026 is a pivotal year for retirement planning. With multiple legislative changes now in effect, including SECURE Act 1 and 2 and new tax rules impacting catch-up contributions, understanding your options has never been more important, especially for high earners.

This episode covers updated contribution limits, new catch-up contribution rules for those over age 50, and the temporary super catch-up opportunity for individuals ages 60 to 63. Melissa also explains the new Roth mandate for high earners, what it means for your tax strategy, and how it may change the way you approach retirement savings going forward.

Beyond contribution limits, Melissa explores advanced planning opportunities such as after-tax contributions, mega backdoor Roth strategies, and how different employer plan designs can dramatically affect how much you are able to save. She also highlights commonly overlooked strategies for dual-income households, spousal IRAs, and the growing role of Health Savings Accounts as an extension of retirement planning.

If retirement planning feels overwhelming, this episode offers clarity, structure, and actionable guidance to help you confidently use your employer benefits to support your long-term goals.

Key topics discussed include:

• 2026 retirement contribution limits and what’s changed
• Catch-up and super catch-up contribution rules
• The new Roth requirement for high earners over age 50
• Coordinating retirement savings for couples
• Using HSAs as a long-term retirement strategy
• Mega backdoor Roth opportunities and plan design considerations
• Common mistakes that can reduce employer matching

For personalized guidance, Melissa encourages listeners to review their options with a financial planner to ensure their retirement strategy aligns with both current tax laws and long-term goals.

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:...