Awards Disclosures
Detroit Free Press
Article referenced: 2023 brought booming CD rates for savers, but tax season realities are coming
Crain's
The women featured in this Notable Women in Finance report were selected by a team of Crain’s Detroit Business editors based on their career accomplishments, track record of success in the field, contributions to their community and mentorship of others, as outlined in a detailed nomination form.
Investopedia
The Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisors 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023. Pearl Planning does not pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating.
* The Investopedia 100 ranking recognizes financial advisors who make a significant influence across digital publishing and social media platforms and who champion financial literacy and education. The ranking is measured across social media platforms, advisor websites or blogs and content that is in the spirit of financial literacy and education. These areas are measured through a proprietary ranking methodology that was developed by Investopedia. There were several hundred applications with 100 advisors ranked. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance. Pearl Planning does not pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Investopedia is not affiliated with Pearl Planning or Stephens Consulting.
Forbes
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 and does not pay an annual fee for marketing usage of the Forbes logo. Forbes’ annual ranking, compiled by SHOOK Research, showcases Melissa Joy among 1,991 exceptional women advisors managing a cumulative $2.8 trillion in assets. The methodology used to determine Top Women Wealth Advisor’s award can be found here: Please visit the ranking methodology page for more info.
Think Advisor
Article Referenced: How 9 Financial Planners Handled Tough Client Situations
Working Mother
Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC as of October 2018. The Working Mother and SHOOK research ranking is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data. SHOOK Research considered wealth advisers who are mothers with at least one child living at home and under the age of 18 with a minimum 5 years of industry experience. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys: service models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisers rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC. Neither SHOOK nor Working Mother receives compensation from the advisers or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Raymond James is not affiliated with Working Mother or Shook Research, LLC. This ranking is not indicative of advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. For more information see www.SHOOKresearch.com.
Investment News Women to Watch
Financial Planning
Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
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 12/31/2025. The ranking was released on 02/12/2026. Pearl Planning and Melissa Joy did not pay any compensation to be considered for this rating and does not pay an annual fee for marketing usage of the logo. The methodology used to determine The Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award can be found here: Please visit the ranking methodology page for more info.