For most people, the idea of meeting with a financial advisor feels… intimidating.
- “What if they judge me for past mistakes?”
- “Shouldn’t I have figured this out by now?”
- “What if it’s just another sales pitch?”
- “What if the advice isn’t worth what it costs me?”
These fears are real. And they stop many families from ever reaching out. Instead of feeling scary, overwhelming, or transactional, financial planning can feel welcoming. It can be disarming. It can even be JOYful.
That’s exactly what Lawrence (Larry) Sprung, CFP®, founder of Mitlin Financial, believes and it’s why his approach is built around one simple question: What did you do today that brought you JOY?®
In his recent interview on Michael Kitces’ Financial Advisor Success Podcast, Larry shares how starting conversations with JOY instead of numbers changes everything.
Why JOY Comes Before Numbers
Many families walk into an advisor’s office expecting to be buried in homework—statements, tax returns, and account balances. That’s how most firms start the process.
At Mitlin Financial, it’s different. Larry and his team begin with what they call a “fit meeting.” No paperwork. No Numbers. No Spend Shaming.
Just a real conversation about life, values, and what truly matters most to you.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out before meeting with us. Our first conversation isn’t about statements or spreadsheets it’s about you, your family, and what brings you JOY.” ~ Larry Sprung
By flipping the script, people relax. They open up. And often for the first time, many feel like they are not being judged for what they have or haven’t done. They feel supported in how they want their money to serve their life, their family, and their future.
A Different Kind of Advisor
Larry has built Mitlin Financial around his personal values of family, balance, and meaning. He’s not just an advisor he’s a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, someone who understands firsthand how important it is to remember that your money as a tool for living your ideal life. It’s not about the money itself it’s about how what the money can do.
“Financial planning shouldn’t feel like judgment. It should feel like relief, and knowing you finally have a partner who understands what matters most to you.” ~ Larry Sprung
That’s why clients like Donna V. describe their relationship with Mitlin as a family-oriented firm that genuinely treats you like part of their extended family.
Common Questions Families Ask About JOY-First Financial Planning
- Can financial planning help me balance raising a family while building a career or business? Absolutely. Many of the families we work with are juggling the demands of raising kids, running businesses, or advancing their careers. A JOY-first plan helps you prioritize what matters most whether that’s funding education, protecting your time with family, or ensuring your business success also allows you to enJOY the journey.
- What if I already feel behind on planning will I be judged? No. You won’t be judged for what you have or haven’t done or how you choose to spend your money. Our role is to understand where you are today and help you move toward your ideal version of tomorrow. Whether you have been saving for years or are just starting, the goal is to create a plan that reduces stress and brings more JOY to your financial life.
- Do I need to bring financial documents to the first meeting? No. The first “fit meeting” is a simple discovery call (either in-person or via Zoom) no pressure, no sales tactics. Just a chance to connect, share what brings you JOY, explore your goals, and see if there’s a fit. We believe in connection first, learning what brings you JOY and exploring if might be able to assist with your personal situation.
- What makes this approach different from other advisors? Many advisors lead with numbers. Mitlin leads with you. By starting with JOY, the process feels less intimidating, more personal, and ultimately more effective.
- How do I know if Mitlin Financial is the right advisor for my family? Choosing an advisor isn’t just about returns it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, values, and vision for the future. Our first meeting is designed to help both sides decide if there is a fit. The average relationship with a financial advisor lasts 25 years, almost three times longer than the average marriage at just 9 years.* That means you should be working with someone you connect with, someone you trust, someone you actually enJOY spending time with.
Final Thought
Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It’s not just about investments it’s about your life, your family, and your future.
If you are looking for an advisor who will listen, guide, and help you build a plan that aligns with your version of JOY this is your invitation.
- Ready to Explore What JOY Could Look Like in Your Financial Life?
Your first meeting with Mitlin isn’t about numbers or paperwork. It’s about discovering whether we are the right fit to help you and your family live more joyfully.
Schedule your free, no-obligation discovery call with the Mitlin Team
To Start Exploring at Your Own Pace Join our weekly newsletter for insights on building a joyful financial life
About the Financial Advisor Success Podcast
The Financial Advisor Success Podcast brings you real success stories and insights from the most successful financial advisors, and leading industry consultants, about how to take your advisory business to the next level. Get a glimpse of what it’s like behind the scenes building a successful advisory business, and how entrepreneurial advisors navigate the inevitable highs, and lows, of growing a firm. Whether you’re a new financial advisor trying to get started on the right foot, or an experienced advisor who’s hit a wall, we’re here to give you the insights and inspiration you need to break through and reach the level of success you want to achieve. Subscribe to the show, and get even more at the leading industry blog Nerd’s Eye View.
Footnotes * RIAs report annual retention rates of ~97%, which mathematically translates into an average client relationship lasting 20–30 years. Charles Schwab’s 2023 RIA Benchmarking Study highlights these numbers. Beyond published research, internal data from PE aggregators that I’ve been able to see all have around the same conclusion. Across hundreds of practices, they consistently shows advisor-client relationships clustering in the 25–30 year range. https://www.investmentnews.com/ria-news/rias-nail-client-retention-but-schwab-warns-of-70000-talent-shortage/261353
