Money habits start forming long before most families ever talk about them. The result? Teens and adults who only know how to spend or save and miss everything else money can do.

That’s one reason Mac Gardner, founder of FinLit Tech, created interactive tools to teach families financial literacy. In this episode, we discuss his book The Four Money Bears, why so many parents avoid money conversations, and how early exposure shapes lifelong habits and generational wealth. Plus, find out how advisors can help close the gap, reach more families and bring more diversity into the industry.

Topics discussed:

Introduction (00:00)

The entrepreneurial journey and founding FinLit Tech (01:35)

Why financial literacy is so important for kids and families (03:49)

How financial Education is lacking in schools (05:38)

Financial education tips and tools for young children (08:24)

The three Rs of learning money and the four money functions (10:42)

Building generational wealth through education and habits (12:31)

Mac’s book, The Four Money Bears (15:54)

How gamified learning makes money more tangible (18:38)

Working with E-Money to create a CFP board CE course (20:47)

Diversity in the financial planning industry (23:00)

What brought you JOY today? (27:40)

If you’re a writer who wants to take control of your finances, read Mitlin Financial’s Write Your Financial Future: A Financial Guide for Authors: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/insights/blog/write-your-financial-future-a-financial-guide-for-authors/

Resources:

• Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/
• Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf
• Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung

Connect with Mac Gardner:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macgardner/
• Website: https://www.thefourmoneybears.com//

About Our Guest:

Mac Gardner, a Certified Financial Planner practitioner, has served in the financial services industry for more than 20 years. His passion for financial literacy led him to publish his first book, “Motivate Your Money!”. The book serves as a tool to share his extensive experiences in the field of Personal Financial Planning. His second book, “The Four Money Bears” teaches children about the four basic functions of money. It is a fun and entertaining way for parents to start the conversation about money with their young children. Mac serves as Founder and Chief Education Officer of FinLit Tech. The company’s mission is “Building a Bridge Between Financial Literacy and Financial Technology”. FinLit Tech develops Financial Education tools to start the personal Finance education journey from as early as elementary school.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

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Larry Sprung Host Mitlin

Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP® is a husband, father, entrepreneur and mental health advocate.

Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the also host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™ a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself “What did you do today that brought you joy?®”

In 2004 he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc. naming the firm memory of Larry’s wife’s grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda. During his career, Larry has found that a lot of industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That’s why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.

In recognition of Larry’s significant contributions to his profession, he has received quite a few awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors in 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.

Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.

Larry values his family tremendously and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives who he is in and out of the office.