Melissa A. Cox Named One of Money’s Best Women Financial Planners for 2025
In July 2025, Money magazine released its prestigious list of the Best Women Financial Planners in the United States, recognizing 30 professionals who are redefining the financial services industry. Among them is Melissa A. Cox, CFP®, founder of Future-Focused Wealth in Dallas, TX.
Why This Recognition Matters
Unlike traditional awards based on popularity or sales, Money’s Best Women Planners list is a data-driven, independent evaluation, developed with the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Out of more than 1,000 financial planners surveyed, only 30 women earned this national distinction.
Money’s Methodology:
Each planner underwent rigorous vetting, including:
- Verification of credentials
- Survey analysis on trust, ethics, and client service
- Disciplinary record checks with the SEC and licensing boards
Melissa Anne Cox: Championing Values-Driven Financial Planning
Melissa Cox represents a new standard in personal financial planning, offering services that are:
- Accessible—Flexible asset minimums
- Personalized—Tailored to life goals, not just wealth metrics
- Values-Centered—Focused on what matters most to each client
Her Specialties Include:
- Education Planning
- Tax Strategies
- Special-Needs Financial Planning
- Retirement Planning at Every Income Level
Unlike many competitors who require $1 million+ to start, Melissa works with clients at every stage of life and wealth-building.
Financial Literacy Advocacy
Melissa is also the author of Future-Focused Wealth: How to Build financial Freedom at Your Own Pace, a financial guide designed to:
- Help families create a personal financial binder
- Simplify budgeting without sacrificing quality of life
- Teach balance between living now and saving for later
- Remove financial jargon so real people can make empowered decisions
Career Path: From Big Firms to Independent Practice
Melissa A. Cox, CFP®, is the founder of Future-Focused Wealth, a personal financial planning practice supported by Van Clemens Financial, a respected Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Melissa is dedicated to helping individuals and families build wealth with human-first values.
Her 20+ year career includes experience with Fetterman Investments and Institutional Securities Corp, before launching her own practice to provide accessible, client-centered planning.
Today, Melissa operates under Van Clemens Financial, a respected Broker/Dealer and RIA that supports her vision for personalized, independent advising. Their partnership allows her to offer expanded services while staying true to her mission of empowering clients to live life on their terms.
Ready to Reconnect or Start Fresh?
Whether you’re an existing client, someone I’ve worked with in the past, or just starting your financial journey, I’d love to hear from you. This recognition from Money reinforces what I’ve always believed: financial planning is about real people, not just portfolios.
If you’re ready to review your goals, explore new strategies, or simply catch up—I’m here.
Let’s schedule a conversation.
Note on Firm Affiliation:
The Money “Best Women Financial Planners 2025” award lists Melissa A. Cox as affiliated with Institutional Securities Corp (ISC), reflecting historical career information provided during the survey process. However, Melissa Cox is no longer with ISC and currently operates as an independent financial advisor and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, through Van Clemens Financial, Broker/Dealer and RIA.
Let’s Talk About Your Financial Future
This recognition highlights my commitment to accessible, personalized financial planning—for families, for life changes, and for the goals that truly matter.
If it’s been a while since we connected, or you’re ready to start planning with no pressure, let’s schedule a time to chat.
FAQs About Melissa Cox and Money’s Best Women Planners
How was Melissa Cox selected for Money’s Best Women Planners?
Through a rigorous process including a 35-question survey, trust and ethics evaluation, and independent peer review, ensuring her services align with what real clients need—not just industry benchmarks.
What makes Melissa Cox different from other planners?
Melissa offers comprehensive financial planning with no asset minimum, serving people from all financial backgrounds, including multigenerational families and special-needs households.
Is Future-Focused Wealth available now?
Yes! You can purchase Future-Focused Wealth on Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Who is Melissa Cox’s current Broker/Dealer and RIA?
Melissa works with Van Clemens LLC, a trusted Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor, which supports her client-first financial planning practice. This affiliation allows her to offer personalized guidance with expanded services—without corporate-style limitations.
Did Melissa Cox work at Institutional Securities Corp (ISC)?
Yes. Melissa worked with Institutional Securities Corp (ISC Group) during part of her 20+ year career. Her time there provided valuable experience, but she ultimately founded Future-Focused Wealth to offer more personalized, independent financial planning.
Was Melissa Cox with Fetterman Investments?
Yes. Fetterman Investments was part of ISC Group, where Melissa spent a significant portion of her early financial planning career. During that time, she had the privilege of working under Rick Fetterman, a mentor who helped shape her core values as a financial planner. His guidance instilled in her a lifelong commitment to client care, financial education, and human values-driven planning.
Why did Melissa Cox start her own firm?
While Melissa’s time at ISC Group and Fetterman Investments provided valuable industry experience, she ultimately founded Future-Focused Wealth to create a more personal, independent financial planning practice. Her goal is to prioritize people over portfolios, without the limitations of large corporate structures or minimum asset requirements.
Please Note: Limitations. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Future-Focused Wealth or its investment professionals are engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A fee was not paid by either Future-Focused Wealth or its investment professionals to receive the award or ranking. The award or ranking is based upon specific criteria and methodology (see ranking criteria/methodology). No ranking or recognition should be construed as an endorsement by any past or current client of Future-Focused Wealth or its investment professionals.
