We are excited to share that Melissa Joy has been named to AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch RIAs 2026 list. The list recognizes registered investment advisors who are building high-quality practices and delivering meaningful value to clients. 250 RIAs were named to the list with Pearl Planning recognized at #149. Melissa was one of six Michigan-based advisors on the list.
This recognition also reflects the work of our whole team and the trust our clients place in us when they invite us into their financial lives.
Article Contents
About the AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch RIAs Ranking
AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch RIAs list highlights advisors serving clients through independent registered investment advisory firms. In its fifth year, the ranking evaluates advisors and is focused on three areas: the scale and quality of the practice, year-over-year growth, and overall professionalism.
To be eligible, nominees must have at least seven years of industry experience, at least $150 million in assets under management, at least two years with their current firm, and a clean regulatory record. Participation is open to any firm or advisor, and there are no fees to participate. Data utilized for the ranking was prepared as of December 31, 2025.
Why This Recognition Matters
We work with busy professionals, business owners, and families who want clarity and confidence — not more complexity. In that context, a strong advisory relationship is built on consistency: showing up, doing the work, and making recommendations that fit the client’s full picture.
Being included on this list is meaningful because it reflects the way Melissa has helped build a practice centered on thoughtful planning, high standards, and long-term client relationships.
Our Commitment to You
Pearl Planning is an independent RIA. As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest.
Our lead advisors are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, and we are continually investing in education, process, and service so clients can feel supported as their lives and finances change.
If you have been thinking about working with a financial planner, we would be glad to connect. We offer complimentary introductory calls so you can get to know us and share what is on your mind. You can schedule one at pearlplanning.com.
Award Disclosure
Melissa Joy was named to the “AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch RIAs 2026” ranking issued by AdvisorHub. The ranking evaluates advisors based on 1) scale and quality of practice, 2) year-over-year growth, and 3) overall professionalism. Nominees must have a minimum of seven years of experience, at least $150 million in assets under management, at least two years with their current firm, and a clean regulatory record. Data utilized for the ranking was prepared by Melissa Joy as of 12/31/2025. The ranking was officially released 06/16/2026. Participation in the ranking is open to any firm or advisor, and there are no fees for participation. This recognition is not indicative of future investment performance or client experience. Third-party rankings are not guarantees of future success.
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.