Episode 305: Seven Financial Planning Themes to Guide Your Money in 2026

As the new year begins, Melissa Joy, CFP®, helps listeners slow down and reset before diving into financial to-do lists.

In this solo episode, Melissa lays out seven financial planning themes to help guide decisions in 2026. After an intense year of headlines, market shifts, and economic noise, this conversation offers perspective and grounding for those navigating what she calls the “messy money middle.”

Rather than reacting to the news cycle or trying to predict the future, Melissa focuses on practical planning themes — from diversification and human capital to tax changes, estate planning, and lifestyle pressures — all designed to help listeners approach the year ahead with clarity and flexibility.

This episode is meant to level-set expectations and provide a thoughtful framework for anticipating a successful year with your money.

In this episode, Melissa explores:

• Why diversification and rebalancing matter after a strong year for markets
• How international stocks, alternatives, and AI are shaping investment conversations
• Protecting your human capital and preparing for potential job disruptions
• Evaluating the return on investment when spending on skills and career development
• Key tax law changes and what they may mean for planning in the year ahead
• Updates to retirement catch-up contributions and charitable giving rules
• Why estate planning still matters, even when estate taxes may not apply
• How declining interest rates affect cash, savings, and investment decisions
• Determining how much cash to keep versus invest
• Navigating lifestyle inflation and the financial realities of the sandwich generation

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:...