The JOYful Perspective

Welcome to The JOYful Perspective: a space where Larry Sprung, CFP®, CEPA® shares insights on personal finance, wealth management, and living a life driven by purpose.

Each month, Larry shares real-world insights that go beyond the numbers, helping you use your money as a tool to support what truly matters: your goals, your values, and your JOY.

Whether you are part of the Mitlin Community, exploring a potential relationship, or simply looking for a more intentional way to manage your finances, this space is for you. These articles offer perspective, useful guidance, and support as you work to align your money with your ideal version of tomorrow.

You Built Wealth. So Why Don’t You Feel Financially Secure?

You worked hard, made smart decisions, saved, invested, and watched your net worth grow. At some point, you probably had a number in your head that you thought would feel like enough. Then you got there. And maybe you still worry about money. Not because you are struggling. You may have mor …

What Is Your Money Really For?

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. …

What Should You Do With Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs?

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 …

The American Dream Is Changing. What Does It Mean for Your Money?

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 …

The Roth Conversion Mistake That Could Quietly Cost You Years of Retirement Gains

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 …

Long Island Financial Planner: Helping You Connect Money to What Matters Most

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 …

Money Talks Before Marriage: 15 Financial Questions Engaged Couples Should Answer

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 …

What Documents You Should Provide to Your Tax Preparer

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 …

Larry Sprung of Mitlin Financial at the New York Stock Exchange: Why Financial Planning Should Lead With JOY

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 …

March Madness: The Billion-Dollar Gamble

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 …

Does Your 401(k) Offer Crypto and Should You Use It?

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 …

Should You Gift Stock or Leave It to Heirs? The Tax-Smart Answer

Passing stock to your kids or grandkids can feel like a legacy move. But one decision could affect whether your family enJOYs the gift or ends up with a surprise tax bill. Thoughtful planning helps more wealth stay in the family and keeps the gift feeling JOYful. The tax-smart answer in one …

The JOY of Making Your Money Work for You Through Everyday Spending

You already pay for life…… What if those purchases could pay you back with no spreadsheets or travel-hacking courses required? Understanding the benefits you are entitled to could be the key to getting more from the money you spend. Once you understand the benefits that could be …

The JOY of Giving: Why November Is the Perfect Time to Take Action

What if the most valuable thing you give this season isn’t a gift …..but a decision? A decision to show up. To speak out. To do something that leaves the world better. As the year winds down and the advertisers turn the dial up, you have the opportunity to flip the script and focus on …

The JOY of Small Business Ownership: Why the Business Should Serve You

One of the most rewarding things I have experienced and continue to see in others is the true joy that comes from building something on your own terms. But most people don’t talk about this: JOY doesn’t just show up. You have to design for it. Time Is Yours… But Only If You Claim It …

Financial Planning Without the Fear: How a JOY-First Approach Changes Everything

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 the …

Your Money Needs a Why: Dr. Daniel Crosby & Larry Sprung on JOYful Wealth

When it comes to financial planning, numbers are only part of the story. Larry Sprung, CFP®, award-winning financial advisor and host of the Mitlin Money Mindset®, was joined once again by Dr. Daniel Crosby the Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion to explore explored one of the most important …

Why Healthcare Could Make or Break Your Retirement Plan

Most people think about retirement as a finish line and do not see it as their next big adventure. It’s the chapter where you have the freedom to do what you want, on your time, whether that’s traveling, starting a passion project, or spending more time with family. You can have your invest …

Financial Planning with Purpose: Bringing JOY to Your Money Journey™

Live with Purpose. Plan with JOY. At Mitlin Financial, we believe financial planning goes beyond the numbers. Your money can serve a bigger purpose. It can fuel dreams. It can create freedom. It can build legacies. And most of all, it can support a life you truly enJOY. That belief inspired …

Write Your Financial Future: A Financial Guide for Authors

You poured your heart into your book. Now it’s time to bring that same level of intention to your financial life. Whether you’re managing fluctuating royalty income, navigating the shift from side hustle to full-time writing, or simply wondering how to make the most of your success yo …