The JOY and Productivity Journal

There comes a point when the question changes. For years, you may ask yourself: Will I have enough? Enough to retire. Enough to feel secure. Enough to take care of the people I love. Those are important questions. They are often the reason people begin financial planning in the first place. …

You accepted a new job…. Congratulations. You’re thinking about your first day, your new team, and maybe even a bigger paycheck. Your old 401(k)? It probably isn’t at the top of your list. That’s understandable. But it’s also where many people make one of the b …

For generations, the American Dream followed a familiar path.  A path where success was often measured by visible signs of wealth. The size of your home, the car you drove, and the more you accumulated, the closer you appeared to be to the American dream. There is nothing wrong with those g …

Everyone loves the idea of a Roth conversion. Tax-free growth. Tax-free withdrawals. More flexibility in retirement. Less concern about future tax law changes. Sounds like a win, right? Well, not always. Here’s the part that does not get talked about enough: a poorly planned Roth conversion …

You’re responsible You plan ahead. You do what you’re supposed to do. But ….. Is the financial life you’re building actually supporting a life you enJOY living? For Most People, Financial Planning Begins With Numbers Income, savings, investments, retirement accounts, tax strategies, insuran …

Getting engaged is exciting. Your world fills with wedding plans, guest lists, venues, and dreams about the future. It should also include a money talk. That conversation can feel awkward, but avoiding it can cost far more in trust, stress, and future conflict. Honest conversations about mo …

One of the most common client questions heard by tax preparers is, “So, what do you need from me?” The short answer to that question is, often, “Everything.”  But that isn’t helpful, nor is it entirely true. And this year, thanks to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), you …

When Larry Sprung, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial, joined AssetTV on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, he shared a message that sits at the heart of the firm’s work. Financial planning should lead with JOY. That may sound different from what people expect to hear fro …

Sports betting feels like entertainment, but it is increasingly tied to behavioral finance trends, emotional decision-making, and direct backlash toward the athletes on the court. Why does online sports betting feel like a new phenomenon? It’s likely because it wasn’t until 2018, when the U …

Some 401(k) plans may start offering cryptocurrency as an investment option. If your plan adds it, you still face the bigger question: Does crypto help your retirement plan, or does it add unnecessary risk? Quick answer Yes, some workplace plans may offer crypto. No, that does not mean you …