Summer often invites us to pack in travel, events, and to-do lists—but what if the most powerful move you could make right now is to slow down?

In this solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, reflects on her own slower-paced Michigan summer and the meaningful lessons it’s brought—about happiness, well-being, money, and the beauty of doing less with more intention. Drawing inspiration from the slow living and slow money movements, Melissa shares personal stories, client experiences, and practical ideas for embracing a slower rhythm in both your financial life and everyday choices.

Whether you're managing a hectic calendar or simply trying to spend more intentionally, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: small joys and deliberate choices add up to a truly rich life.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why slowing down can increase your happiness, contentment, and financial clarity
• How the slow money movement parallels the principles of long-term investing and sustainable living
• Why “less but better” spending habits often lead to greater satisfaction
• How to audit your subscriptions, triage financial decisions, and adopt a summer spending pause
• The link between gratitude, joy, and long-term financial success
• Real-life strategies to savor the season without overspending

Melissa also shares a must-read article from The New York Times on finding “microjoys” in daily life—a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn’t always require a major overhaul.

📩 Tiny Little Joys: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/well/happiness-positivity-tiny-little-joys.html?unlocked_article_code=1.S08.MfIZ.W_os-KboW4X-&smid=url-share

Slow Money Movement: https://verifiedinvesting.com/blogs/education/the-slow-money-movement-long-term-investing-in-a-fast-paced-world

#WomensMoneyWisdom #SlowMoney #FinancialWellness #MindfulSpending #JoyInTheLittleThings #IntentionalLiving

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:...

In this special solo episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA, breaks down the newly passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act—yes, that’s really the name!

Signed into law on July 4th, this sweeping piece of legislation (affectionately nicknamed “OB3”) will impact everything from your tax brackets to your charitable deductions, and much more in between.

Whether you’re a retiree, parent, small business owner, or high earner, Melissa walks through what’s changing, what’s staying, and what you need to know to navigate the financial road ahead.

⚖️ Key Topics Covered:

• 🧾 Tax Brackets & Deductions: 2017 rates are now made “permanent,” with small tweaks and no sunset provisions—yet.
• 👵🏽 Seniors Win Big: A new $6,000 deduction and reduced taxation on Social Security (but only for four years…for now).
• 👶🏽 Families with Kids: Increased child tax credit and the introduction of a new “Trump Account” for minors.
• 🏠 Homeowners & Itemizers: Mortgage interest deduction remains capped at $750K—but now includes mortgage insurance premiums.
• 💸 SALTs Revived: The state and local tax deduction cap is increased to $40,000 for many, offering potential relief for homeowners in high-tax states.
• 🍽️ Tipped & Hourly Workers: Temporary deductions for tips and overtime income, subject to income thresholds.
• 🚗 New Car Loan Deduction: But only for U.S.-assembled vehicles purchased after 2024 and under strict income limits.
• 🌱 Clean Energy Credits: Act fast—many are phasing out earlier than expected.
• 🏛️ Estate & AMT Revisions: Estate tax exemptions rise to $15M per person in 2026, and AMT thresholds shift downward.
• 👩🏽‍💼 Small Business Owners: Expanded access to deductions like Section 179, QBI (199A), family leave credits, and retirement plan incentives.
• 🎓 Student Loans & 529s: Parent PLUS loans capped; 529 plans expanded for apprenticeships, therapy, and some non-degree programs.

📬 Resources Mentioned:

• Melissa’s deep-dive blog post on OB3

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 if success didn’t have to come with stress, hustle, and emotional burnout? Performance coach Brandi Hudson joins Melissa Joy to share how high-achievers can shift from chasing external validation to building a life rooted in purpose, clarity, and peace.

Brandy introduces her powerful BASE framework—Beliefs, Alignment, Self-Awareness, and Emotional Resilience—a mindset map for those ready to evolve from achievement to mastery. Together, they explore the inner work it takes to untangle limiting beliefs, align your desires with your emotions, and build true emotional resilience so that success actually feels successful.

This conversation is for the doers, the leaders, the “check-the-box” professionals who suspect there’s more waiting on the other side of the hustle.

💡 Key Themes Covered:

• Rethinking success: Why accomplishments alone don't guarantee fulfillment
• How subconscious beliefs quietly shape your relationship with money, health, and love
• The difference between wanting money and understanding what you actually want it for
• Why emotional resilience is the ultimate leadership skill
• Tools to align your internal world with your external goals

Connect with Brandi Hudson

🔗 Facebook: facebook.com/hibrandihudson
📸 Instagram: @brandibhudson
▶️ YouTube: @brandibhudson
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @brandibhudson
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandibhudson

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:...