We are honored to share that Melissa Joy has been named to Forbes’ 2026 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list for Michigan, a national ranking that recognizes many of the country’s leading women in wealth management. Melissa was listed at #49 for Michigan women advisors. Melissa was named to the same list in 2025, as well.
This recognition means a lot to our team. There are so many talented, dedicated financial advisors doing great work, and we are grateful to see Melissa included alongside such impressive women in our field.
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About the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Ranking
Forbes’ annual ranking, compiled by SHOOK Research, highlights exceptional women advisors across the country.
The methodology draws on both qualitative and quantitative factors, including interviews, client retention, industry experience, compliance records, and assets under management. This ranking is based on data as of June 30, 2025, and was released on February 4, 2026. Pearl Planning and Melissa Joy did not pay any compensation to be considered for this ranking.
For the full methodology, visit the Forbes ranking methodology page.
Why Representation in Financial Planning Matters
One thing we care about deeply is making sure people, especially women, feel seen and supported in financial planning. Many of the clients we serve are balancing full lives, growing responsibilities, and more financial complexity than they have time to sort through on their own. It matters to have advisors who understand that reality and can bring clarity without adding more stress.
Pearl Planning was founded as a woman-owned firm, and that is an important part of who we are. It shapes how we listen, how we advise, and how we build relationships with the people we serve.
Being recognized by Forbes for this work means a great deal to us. We see it as encouragement to keep showing up for our clients and to keep helping move the profession forward.
What This Means for You as a Client
At Pearl Planning, our lead advisors are all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals and fiduciaries. That means every recommendation we make is grounded in your full financial picture and made in your best interest. For people navigating a lot at once, that kind of guidance can bring clarity, confidence, and valuable time back.
This recognition reflects the relationships we have built with our clients over the years. We are thankful to every client who has trusted us with their financial life, asked thoughtful questions, and let us be part of their story. The work we do together is what makes recognition like this possible.
If you would like to learn more about working with Pearl Planning, we would love to talk. You can schedule a complimentary call at pearlplanning.com.
Award Disclosure
Third-party rankings and recognition from rating services or publications are no guarantee of future investment success. Working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor or by any client, nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. Generally, ratings, rankings, and recognition are based on information prepared and submitted by the advisor. This ranking is based on data as of 06/30/2025. The ranking was released on 02/04/2026. Pearl Planning and Melissa Joy did not pay any compensation to be considered for this rating. Forbes’ annual ranking, compiled by SHOOK Research, showcases Melissa Joy among 1,991 exceptional women advisors managing a cumulative $2.8 trillion in assets. For more information on methodology, visit the Forbes ranking methodology page.
Important Disclosure: Please remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Pearl Planning, or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. 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 a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request or at https://pearlplanning.com/. Please Note: Pearly Planning does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Pearl’s web site or blog or incorporated herein and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Please Remember: If you are a PEARL PLANNING client, please contact PEARL PLANNING, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless, and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently. Please Also Remember to advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.