Mitlin Money Mindset
From ER to CFP®: Dr. Carolyn McClanahan on Blending Health and Money
Key Takeaways
- How her husband’s career change sparked her transition from medicine to financial planning and led to the founding of Life Planning Partners
- Why financial planning should treat the "whole person," integrating tax, insurance, estate, and cash flow considerations, not just investments
- How her medical training informs her approach to planning for aging, cognitive decline, and real-life health risks often overlooked in financial discussions
- The importance of communication, emotional intelligence, and mutual respect in advisor-client relationships, including a firm policy of “no mean people”
- Why advisors should focus clients on using money for value, purpose, and JOY, rather than aimless accumulation
Meet the Guest
Dr. Carolyn McClanahan
Dr. McClanahan is a physician turned financial planner. In addition to working in her financial planning practice, she speaks regularly on the interplay between health and financial issues, particularly regarding aging, chronic illness, end of life, long term care, health care reform, and health care costs. She serves on the CNBC Financial Advisor Council, Investopedia Financial Advisor Council, and writes for Investopedia, CNBC, and Forbes. She is quoted regularly in publications such as the Washington Post and the New York Times.
Show Notes
What if your doctor could also help you plan your financial future?
In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung sits down with Carolyn McClanahan, M.D., CFP®, a physician-turned-financial planner and founder of Life Planning Partners. She shares how her medical background shaped her philosophy around financial planning, why empathy and honesty matter in client relationships, and how understanding aging and cognitive decline leads to better financial outcomes.
Together, they explore how to create meaningful conversations and a values-aligned financial life.
Resources
Learn more about Larry Sprung's book, "Financial Planning Made Personal."
The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
JOYful Finances for Couples
About the Podcast
Welcome to Mitlin Money Mindset®️! With your host, Larry Sprung, CFP®️, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial Inc®️. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the financial services industry, Larry thrives to help you achieve your goals while finding JOY in the journey.
Each week, he’ll go deep with engaging guests who provide tangible takeaways and a whole lot of JOY along the way. Here, we don’t just talk about money; we celebrate it as a catalyst for JOY and possibility. Whether you’re saving for the future, planning your next big adventure, or just looking to add some spark to your daily money management, you’re in the right place.
We hope you enJOY these conversations as much as Larry enJOYed having them. And remember to ask yourself, what did you do today that brought you joy?®️