Melissa Cox in the Media
Melissa Cox, CFP®, is a recognized voice in personal finance and a trusted resource for national media outlets. Known for making complex financial topics clear and relatable, Melissa shares expert insights on everything from budgeting and investing to college planning and generational wealth.
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May 12, 2025
Melissa Cox Featured in Realtor.com: Rethinking Retirement Strategies for Mortgage Holders
In a powerful new feature on Realtor.com, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, challenges outdated financial norms like the 4% rule. Instead, she advocates for a personalized spending plan that reflects rising costs and the unique pressures facing today’s retirees — especially those carrying mortgages into their golden years.
If Moms Got Paid for Their Tasks, They’d Earn $145K a Year, Study Says
May 11, 2025
Melissa Cox Featured in GOBankingRates: “Stay-at-Home Moms Are the Family’s COO”
In this powerful feature tied to Insure.com’s Mother’s Day Index, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, underscores the true financial value of unpaid labor. Cox calls attention to the critical — and costly — roles that stay-at-home mothers fulfill, from childcare and household logistics to financial oversight: “If something happened to her, replacing those roles could cost the family tens of thousands a year.”
6 Items Frugal People Should Definitely Avoid Buying in 2025 Due to Tariffs
May 3, 2025
As rising tariffs send prices soaring, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, shares timely advice on how to shop smarter — not pricier. From imported electronics and fast fashion to luxury beauty and recreational gear, Cox breaks down how frugal consumers can sidestep inflated costs and make budget-conscious choices that still align with their lifestyle values.
12 Reasons Retirement Advice From Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman May Not Work for You
May 3, 2025
In this insightful GOBankingRates feature, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, challenges the rigidity of popular retirement advice from figures like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. “We’re not all running the same financial race,” Cox notes, emphasizing the need for personalized financial strategies that reflect real lives—not just financial formulas.
8 Truths Any Competent Financial Advisor Will Tell You About Legacy Planning
May 1, 2025
In a powerful piece on the emotional and practical dimensions of estate planning, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, reminds readers that legacy planning isn’t about control—it’s about compassion. “Good legacy planning isn’t about managing people from the grave,” she says. “It’s about ensuring they’re cared for and that your intentions are respected.” The article dives into eight essential truths for building a financial legacy that reflects not just your wealth, but your values.
Get Laid Off? 7 Best Ways To Use Your Last Paycheck for Maximum Financial Impact
April 30, 2025
As layoffs rise across the U.S., Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, shares essential advice on how to stretch your final paycheck. In this GOBankingRates feature, Cox emphasizes the importance of securing essentials, calculating your financial runway, and making empowered decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term goals.
3 Key Signs You Shouldn’t Be Taking Money Advice From Billionaires
April 30, 2025
In this candid take on billionaire financial advice, Melissa Cox, CFP® and founder of Future-Focused Wealth, cuts through the hype. Speaking to GOBankingRates, she explains that real financial planning is about emotional clarity, not extreme risk: “Most of us aren’t looking to build empires. We are often simply trying to build peace of mind, maybe take care of family or retire without fear.” The article explores why ultra-wealthy strategies often fall flat for middle-class Americans—and what to do instead.
Can You Retire Early? Here’s the Minimum Savings Needed in 2025
April 2, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, was featured in GOBankingRates offering a reality check for Americans considering early retirement. With her signature human-first approach, Melissa challenged the myth of a “magic number” and encouraged readers to focus on purpose over perfection. “The ‘why’ gives us the direction. The dollars? That’s just the fuel to get there,” she shares. This article is a must-read for anyone reevaluating retirement in today’s uncertain economic landscape.
8 Ways Financial Advisors Wish Middle-Class People Would Stop Blowing Their Money
April 15, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, was featured in FinanceBuzz offering clear-eyed advice on how the middle class can avoid financial self-sabotage. From overspending on lifestyle upgrades to bleeding money on unused subscriptions, Melissa brings a human-first lens to everyday financial behavior. “Keeping up” often leads to stress, debt, and delayed goals. Her insight? Real wealth is built with intention, not impulse.
Type 5 ways financial advisors are guiding investors through a hellish patch in markets
April 14, 2025
Melissa Cox, owner of Future-Focused Wealth, reminds clients that market volatility is not unprecedented. She emphasizes that while downturns can be severe, markets have historically rebounded, and it's crucial to stay the course to avoid missing potential recoveries.
Tools for Financial Freedom + The Third Pillar of Lifestyle Medicine: Stress Management
March 28, 2025
Melissa Cox featured on the Healthy Family podcast discussing tools for financial freedom and the psychology of money.
More Americans Made ‘Hardship Withdrawals’ From Retirement Funds in 2024, Study Finds
April 10, 2025
Certified Financial Planner™ Melissa Cox of Future-Focused Wealth weighs in on a troubling rise in early 401(k) withdrawals.
How To Navigate Tariff-Fueled Financial Stress As A Woman Entrepreneur
April 10, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, was featured in Forbes discussing the emotional toll of economic uncertainty on women business owners. In this empowering piece, Melissa emphasizes the need for clarity, not chaos, when making financial decisions — especially during turbulent times. She shares practical strategies like building an "emotional runway," tracking stress triggers, and making space for intentional financial choices. A must-read for entrepreneurs seeking to protect both their wallets and their well-being.
Boomers are still bankrolling their adult kids — but not all are mad about it
April 9, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, was featured in Salon offering expert insight into the complex emotional and financial dynamics of boomer parents supporting adult children. In the article, she highlights the quiet fear many parents hold — that their death has become part of their children’s financial plan. Melissa’s voice of empathy and clarity cuts through the noise with her signature human-first approach, reminding families that support and boundaries can—and should—coexist.
7 Positive Signs for Your 401(k) in 2025
April 2, 2025
G. Brian Davis
Melissa Cox, CFP®, contributes expert commentary in this Yahoo Finance article highlighting encouraging signs for retirement savers amid market uncertainty. Melissa emphasizes that despite economic challenges, behind-the-scenes improvements — such as better employer retirement benefits and automatic contribution increases — are quietly positioning Americans for better long-term financial outcomes. Melissa’s insights provide reassurance to those concerned about their 401(k) during volatile times and encourage proactive retirement planning.
Future-Focused Wealth from Melissa Cox Puts Humanity Back at the Center of Finance
April 2, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, officially launched her firm, Future-Focused Wealth, alongside her debut book Future-Focused Wealth: How to Build Financial Freedom at Your Own Pace. In this widely syndicated press release, Melissa introduces a human-centered approach to financial planning, empowering women, families, and individuals to build wealth with confidence and without shame. The firm, operating under Van Clemens Financial, offers practical, values-based financial planning designed to help clients move beyond anxiety and take control of their financial future.
Syndicated via Evertise Financial to outlets including Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, StreetInsider, and more.
Half of US Parents Cover Adult Children’s Bills—Here’s What It’s Costing Mom and Dad
April 1, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, shares her professional insight in this NTD Television article highlighting a growing financial trend — parents supporting adult children at record levels. Melissa explains how a mix of love, economic pressure, and guilt drives many families into sacrificing their own retirement security. She also discusses the delicate balance between offering financial help and encouraging self-sufficiency in adult children. This article brings attention to the “quiet crisis” many families are facing today and offers thoughtful considerations for both parents and advisors.
March 31, 2025
Melissa Cox, CFP®, joins JennJugglesIt for an inspiring YouTube interview focused on financial empowerment for women and moms. Melissa shares insights from her book Future Focused Wealth, offering realistic strategies to overcome financial stress, build intentional money habits, and create wealth—without sacrificing sanity. The conversation dives deep into how busy moms can take control of their finances, set meaningful goals, and escape the shame often attached to money. This interview is a must-watch for anyone seeking financial freedom at their own pace.
What to Know About Collecting Social Security While Working in Retirement
NTD Television
February
By Juliette Fairley
Melissa Cox, CFP®, contributes her financial planning expertise to this NTD Television article, helping retirees understand how working can impact Social Security benefits. Melissa explains the crucial role of age and income limits, emphasizing strategies for maximizing Social Security while staying active in retirement. The article also explores pending legislation that could eliminate Social Security taxation, potentially reshaping retirement income planning for millions of Americans.
Younger Americans Want to Share Wealth Now — Boomers, Not So Much
Greenville News
February
By Daniel de Visé
Melissa Cox, CFP®, lends expert perspective in this USA TODAY article examining the generational divide in wealth transfer strategies. Melissa explains that many boomers are hesitant to part with wealth early, prioritizing financial security and longevity, while younger generations are eager to assist family sooner. The article highlights how evolving financial planning conversations, economic pressures, and shifting values influence inheritance trends today. Melissa helps readers understand that legacy planning is no longer just about wills—it's about timing, values, and family dynamics.
Millennials and Gen X want to share wealth now. Boomers will wait until they're dead.
USA Today
January 18, 2025
By Daniel de Visé
Melissa Cox, CFP®, offers key insights in this USA TODAY feature exploring generational attitudes toward wealth transfer. As millennials and Gen Xers prioritize giving during their lifetime, baby boomers tend to hold onto wealth until after death. Melissa highlights the emotional and financial reasons why many older clients hesitate to gift early, including fears of outliving their savings. This article unpacks how shifting values, rising costs of living, and evolving financial planning practices are reshaping the conversation about inheritance and legacy.
Living paycheck to paycheck is more common than you think, and it isn't always bad
USA Today
December 5, 2024
By Daniel de Visé
Melissa Cox, CFP®, contributes her insight to USA TODAY’s exploration of what it really means to live paycheck to paycheck. While many Americans feel financially strained, Melissa explains that being “tightly budgeted” doesn't necessarily signal financial distress — especially when savings and debt management are part of the equation. In this piece, Melissa helps readers understand how to assess their true financial health and avoid common misconceptions.
Canvas Rebel
September 23, 2024
In this in-depth interview, Melissa Cox shares her 20-year journey from administrative assistant to Certified Financial Planner™, detailing how she built Future-Focused Wealth on the foundation of holistic financial planning. She reflects on evolving industry standards, the importance of serving underrepresented clients, and how comprehensive, client-centric service sets her practice apart. This thoughtful profile highlights Melissa’s passion for empowering clients and building meaningful, long-term relationships.
Recognized Among Money's Best Financial Planners
Money.com
September 19, 2024
Melissa Cox, CFP® was honored as one of Money’s 80 Best Financial Planners nationwide, selected for her experience, credentials, and dedication to client-focused financial planning. With over 15 years of experience, Melissa was recognized for her expertise in retirement and investment planning—serving clients of all asset levels with accessible, empowering advice. This recognition reaffirms Melissa’s mission at Future-Focused Wealth: to bring personalized, practical, and forward-thinking financial guidance to individuals and families at every stage of life
Gen Z wants an inheritance. Good luck with that, say their boomer parents
USA Today
August 31, 2024
By Daniel de Visé
Melissa Cox, CFP®, weighs in on the generational divide in expectations around inheritance in this widely shared feature. While many Gen Z and millennial adults are counting on the Great Wealth Transfer to secure their financial future, Melissa points out that many boomers aren't prioritizing leaving behind money—especially without proper retirement plans in place. She candidly highlights the emotional and financial tensions around wealth transfer and why clear communication and planning are essential.
Being a Emotional Support Advisor
InvestmentNews
July 15, 2024
By Emile Hallez
Melissa Cox, CFP®, shares how her role as a financial planner often goes beyond numbers. In this candid piece, she discusses the emotional side of advising—offering clients support during stressful life transitions, grief, and uncertainty. With empathy at the core of her approach, Melissa explains how blending financial expertise with compassion builds stronger, more trusting client relationships.
How to create a budget for 2024: First, check out how you spent in 2023
USA Today
January 17, 2024
By Daniel de Visé
In this budgeting feature, Melissa Cox, CFP®, helps readers take a data-driven approach to personal finance. She shares how clients often don’t realize where their money is going until they comb through spending habits—like impulse Amazon purchases or $500 in mobile game spending. Her insights highlight the power of financial awareness and how small changes can have a big impact on saving and budgeting success.
5 ways retirement changed in 2023
FinancialPlanning
December 26, 2023
By Nathan Place
Retirement trends saw significant shifts in 2023, from rising Medicare Part D premiums and student loan burdens to skyrocketing annuity sales and a brighter retirement outlook for millennials. Melissa Cox, CFP® was featured offering insights on how student debt continues to impact long-term savings goals for many Americans.
Student debt thwarts Americans saving for retirement
BenefitNews
December 26, 2023
By Nathan Place
Student loans are preventing millions of Americans from building a secure financial future. In this article, Melissa Cox, CFP® shares her firsthand experience working with clients struggling to balance loan payments and long-term retirement goals. The piece highlights alarming statistics and actionable insights on how financial professionals can help borrowers manage debt while still planning for retirement.
All About the 5%': Muni Bonds Struggle To Lure Investors Away From Cash
FA - Financial Advisor
September 21, 2023
By Amanda Albright and Tanaz Meghjani
Despite their long-standing reputation as tax-advantaged and low-risk investments, municipal bonds are losing favor among everyday investors chasing 5%+ returns from money-market funds and high-yield savings accounts. Melissa Cox, CFP® shares insight into how client strategies are shifting in this high-interest rate environment and why even traditionally stable instruments like muni bonds may not be the top choice for cautious investors.
Advisors debate how to make muni bond allocations count
InvestmentNews
July 15, 2024
By Gregg Greenberg
Municipal bonds remain foundational for many investment portfolios—but what mix, duration, and structure make the most sense in today’s high-interest environment? Melissa Cox, CFP® at Fetterman Investments, shares why her clients benefit from short-duration individual muni bonds tailored to tax considerations and portfolio size. Discover how top advisors are navigating the evolving muni landscape.
Parents are struggling to save for both retirement and college
FinancialPlanning
July 14, 2023
By Nathan Place
Melissa Cox shares insights on one of the most common dilemmas facing American families: how to balance saving for their children’s education while also preparing for retirement. In this article, she discusses realistic strategies for prioritizing financial goals and making trade-offs that don’t sacrifice your long-term security.
How to survive retaking the CFP exam: Tips from advisors who have been there
FinancialPlanning
July 12, 2023
By Victoria Zhuang
Melissa Cox shares her personal journey of failing the CFP® exam and how she turned that experience into a growth opportunity. In this candid feature, she offers encouragement and practical insights to aspiring planners facing similar challenges. Her story is one of resilience, reframing setbacks, and learning to thrive under pressure.
Millennial Money: Curb inflation with 5 credit card perks
AP Press
June 7, 2022
By MELISSA LAMBARENA of NerdWallet
Melissa offers practical insights into maximizing credit card benefits to combat rising inflation costs.
Syndicated by: NerdWallet, CBS News, Yahoo Finance.
Financial Advisers Aren’t Sold on Crypto
WSJ.com
March 25, 2022
By Paul Vigna
Melissa discusses how financial advisors are navigating the crypto conversation and educating clients without diving into volatile investments.
Registered Nurse’s Guide to Retirement
NurseJournal Staff
November 29, 2021
Reviewed by Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN, CCRN
Melissa highlights how RNs can diversify their retirement strategies beyond traditional benefits.
A No-Brainer Planning Tool for Clients Starting a Family
RIA Intel
August 16, 2021
By David Sterman
Melissa shares her perspective on why disability insurance is an essential part of long-term financial planning.
10 pieces of advice financial planners give to new parents who don't know where to start
Business Insider
Dec 13, 2019
By Ashley Abramson
Melissa shares foundational strategies for financial success as a new parent.
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