Melissa Joy, CFP®

President, Financial Planner

Pearl Planning

Quick 10!

#1 Tell us a bit about your business.

I am founder and a wealth manager at Pearl Planning. My company is located in Dexter, Michigan, which is also where I live. We work with double-income breadwinners who are Gen X or older millennials. We find these clients are living in the messy-money-middle where they have increasing responsibilities and complexity in their financial decision making.

#2 What is the most rewarding part of being a part of the financial advising industry?

Financial planning, when done right, helps to improve people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding.

#3 What is the most challenging part of working in the industry?

Every day is different which keeps the job interesting, but can also be exhausting sometimes. It’s also challenging to see your clients go through difficult circumstances. And running a business can have its own frustrations.

#4 Knowing what you know now, what career advice would you give your younger self?

I remember when a friend and mentor encouraged me to switch from an internal operations role to becoming a client-facing financial advisor. She told me I’d never have true career autonomy until I became client-facing. I learned the hard way that this is the truth, and I also have a lot more career growth and satisfaction as an advisor today. I share lessons learned with friends and potential advisors.

#5 What’s one way a female has positively influenced your professional or personal growth?

I’ve had so many friends and mentors in the profession. They’ve been there for me at low moments professionally and personally. They’ve encouraged me and celebrated my successes. Our profession can be lonely sometimes, but with a community of peers, it doesn’t have to be that way.

#6 What skill, hobby, or practice brings you joy right now?

I’m learning to enjoy tiny moments of joy and seek contentment in small pleasures. I love connecting with friends and reading a book.

#7 Describe a unique strength or superpower you have that rarely shows up on a résumé.

I have always been good at networking and connecting people who can help each other. Hopefully it’s helped other people over the years and reward comes back to you when you focus on other people’s needs.

#8 What’s a daily or weekly ritual you rely on to feel grounded?

Haha—I’m not sure how grounded I am. I make my own lattes every day, and it’s a great way to start the day.

#9 What are three of your all-time favorite books?

• Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
• The Last Lion (Winston Churchill Biography)
• Any romance book by Devney Perry

#10 If you could host a themed girls’ night, what would the theme be?

Maybe a shopping night where everyone dresses up, hits the stores, and celebrates over a great dinner.