Are you ready to redefine financial advising and build true trust with your clients?

Chuck Failla shares how embracing a fiduciary-first model is changing the game for advisors.

In this episode, Larry Sprung interviews Chuck Failla, CEO of Sovereign Financial Group and host of goRIA, discussing the power of fiduciary advising, the shift from commission-driven models, and how RIAs are leading the charge in transparent client Relationships.

Chuck provides actionable insights on growing practices authentically and the value of educational marketing.

Chuck Discusses:

• The transformative journey from commission-based advising to fee-only fiduciary models
• Why financial advisors should embrace the RIA framework for building authentic client trust
• How fiduciary principles empower clients to make informed financial decisions
• The importance of educational marketing to attract and retain ideal clients
• Misleading practices by “planners in name only” (PINOs) and advocating for ethical advising
• 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 Chuck Failla: 

• LinkedIn: Chuck Failla
• X: @charlesfailla1
• Sovereign Financial Group, Inc
• goRIA Podcast

About our Guest:

Chuck has been a financial advisor for more than 25 years. He started in the early 90s as a “cold calling cowboy” in NYC selling individual stocks. As he built his book, he always planned to go independent and did so in 1999 by opening an independent branch of Raymond James Financial. At that time, Chuck earned his CFP® designation and transitioned from individual stock picking to financial planning and asset allocating using mutual funds and SMAs. Chuck’s practice evolved into what is today Sovereign Financial Group, Inc., an SEC registered RIA. With offices and advisors in the Northeast, Florida, and Colorado, Sovereign is one of the fastest growing RIAs in the country. Chuck is also the Director of Sovereign Advisor Solutions (SAS)– a division of Sovereign Financial Group, Inc. SAS helps advisors transition to RIA by offering a comprehensive plug and play solution for going independent.

Chuck’s ties to the financial planning community run deep… he currently:

• Is the host of goRIA: Fueled by InvestmentNews ( www.goRIA.com )
• Serves on the Board of Directors for the FPA of Connecticut and Chairs their Pro Bono / Public Outreach Committee.

Chuck received his degree in Finance from The University of Connecticut and completed his coursework for the CFP® certification with The American College. He resides in Connecticut with his wife, two children, black lab and cats. In his spare time, he enjoys all things Travel & outdoors — on the weekends you will find him with his family hiking, camping, skiing, boating or just enjoying some grilling in the backyard.

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.

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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.