From ER to CFP®: Dr. Carolyn McClanahan on Blending Health and Money

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.

Carolyn discusses:

• 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
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial  
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung 
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple’s JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung: 

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Carolyn McClanahan: 

• LinkedIn: Carolyn McClanahan
• X (Twitter): Carolyn McClanahan
• Facebook: Carolyn McClanahan
• Website: Life Planning Partners

About our Guest:

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