media kit

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Everything you need to tell our story

Logos, photos, and background on Pearl Planning and founder Melissa Joy, ready to use for press, podcasts, and partnerships.

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the pearl planning story

No Grit. No Pearl.™

If you think about a pearl, it starts with a grain of sand. An irritation transforms into something beautiful. A pearl. We see this same idea transpire into the work we do with our clients. Money and finances are rarely perfect and sometimes the frustration and irritation comes from needing to organize and connect the dots.

There’s a legacy behind it for us: A woman born in 1920 and a girl in 2013 both share the name Pearl and remind us of the wisdom of the past, while we look toward the promise of the future.

The kind of planning we do at Pearl isn’t something precious to be put on the shelf. It is relevant to your life, no matter where you live. We see strength and beauty in financial planning and we want to share that possibility with you.

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Download Melissa’s Headshot Here

About our Founder

Melissa Joy, CFP®

Before founding Pearl Planning, Melissa Joy worked in financial planning and investments for more than twenty years. As a Certified Financial Planner® professional, she specializes in working with executives, entrepreneurs, and those needing help with transitions such as retirement. Though Pearl Planning is based in Dexter, Michigan, its clients live coast-to-coast, and Melissa uses all the tools of technology plus plain-old human connection to build relationships across the miles.

While she was a partner and owner of a large Detroit-based registered investment advisor, Melissa always dreamed of starting her own company. Pearl Planning fulfilled that dream. Just as a pearl symbolizes wisdom gained through experience, Melissa drew on her background running the investment and financial planning departments, along with years of complex client practice experience, to create a client-focused, personalized, and modern wealth management firm.

Dexter, Michigan is home for Melissa, her husband, Jeff, and their kids, Gus and Josie. In addition to spending time with family, she has a lifetime love of playing soccer, reading, and travel. She's also passionate about supporting and promoting women in financial advice careers.