In this episode, Carl explores the thought-provoking idea presented by Nassim Taleb, author of Black Swan and Fooled by Randomness, about the three most harmful addictions: heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary. Carl delves into the concept of how a steady paycheck can impact our decisions, behavior, and freedom. He reflects on the trade-offs we make for security and stability, asking listeners to consider what they might be willing to sell or sacrifice in exchange for safety and whether those compromises are truly worth it. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl Richards shares a "secret" about how to tap into magic to accomplish things you never thought possible. The key, he explains, is to act fully committed to your goal, even if you're still unsure. By saying, “I’m going to do this,” and acting as if it’s already happening, you create space for magic or confirmation to show up. However, Carl emphasizes the importance of keeping your uncertainty quiet, as magic only shows up when you appear fully committed. Have you been holding back on a big decision? What would happen if you acted as if you were already committed?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Have you ever thought about whether pursuing a creative life can lead to stability? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl tackles that question (inspired by a recent conversation with university students). He shares that while most people optimize for ease and stability, he’s more interested in doing hard things and creating meaningful experiences, like hosting retreats at his home. Using the metaphor of “seeing the mountains,” Carl explains that once you’ve experienced something truly transformative, you can’t go back to settling for less. Have you seen your own “mountains,” and how has that shaped the way you design your life?Do you want announcements about future retreats at Carl's home? Just tell him where to send your invitation: https://dancingwithdragons.com/

How do you know if you’re spending too much? Today, Carl explores the tricky question of defining what is sufficient for our needs, noting that the answer is deeply personal and varies from one person to the next. He points out that outward measures, like spending less than you make, can be helpful, but ultimately, it's an internal calibration that matters most. Have you ever caught yourself judging someone else’s financial decisions only to realize you don’t really know what’s going on in their life? Carl shares examples of spending that may seem illogical but are essential for someone’s well-being or relationships. The key takeaway: We’re always recalibrating our needs, and there’s no simple checklist for what’s “enough.” Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl Richards dives into the challenge of focusing attention, especially in today’s world with endless distractions at our fingertips. How often do you truly invest your attention? He offers a simple exercise: Count your breaths to see how quickly your mind can wander. Have you ever spent time with someone but not truly paid attention? Carl emphasizes the difference between spending time and investing attention, noting that people can feel the difference. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Isn’t it easy to judge how others spend their money? In this episode, Carl explores the tendency we have to make quick judgments about people's financial decisions—whether it's a fancy car, an expensive truck, or even rocks for a garden. Have you ever found yourself silently critiquing someone's spending, only to later realize you don’t know the full story? Carl shares examples, including a friend who spent money on expensive adventures during a difficult time in his life, explaining how those trips were actually helping him survive. What if, instead of judging, we paused to consider the story behind the spending? Carl suggests that by shifting from judgment to empathy, we might better understand others—and ourselves.

Carl explores the four sources of capital—time, energy, attention, and money—with a focus on the question: Where would we be without money? What role does money play in our lives? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about its dual nature, offering freedom on one hand and creating power struggles on the other. 

Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares the acronym TEAM—Time, Energy, Attention, and Money—as four key sources of capital. Why should we think beyond just money? How valuable are time, energy, and attention in comparison? Hear the thoughtful reasoning behind this framework and get a sneak peek into Carl's upcoming book on the subject.Do you want to know about Carl's next book release? Tell him where to send your announcement: https://www.thesocietyofadvice.com/book

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl discusses the often-overlooked aspect of financial planning: understanding your current position. While it might seem simple, Carl explains that assessing where you are today is actually a complex process influenced by emotions and personal values. Using the metaphor of an explorer's map, he shows how your starting point—whether it's a balance sheet or your core values—shapes your financial journey. Tune in to learn why getting clear about your present is an ongoing practice and how it impacts your path to financial goals.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a personal story about his surprising reaction to using a credit card—an instinctive response rooted in old financial anxieties. Why do these ingrained behaviors stick with us even when they're no longer helpful? And how can we start changing these patterns? Carl offers a compassionate approach by recognizing and thanking these old habits for their past role, then suggests a kinder way to rewire our mindset about money. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl asks listeners to reflect on their earliest memory of money and how it influences their current relationship with it. What childhood experiences shaped your financial behaviors? How do these early memories affect your beliefs about money today? Drawing from his work at 50 Fires, Carl explores how authority figures or even the tooth fairy play a role. He encourages you to explore these formative moments and use simple awareness—asking yourself, "Isn't that interesting?"—to gain insights into your financial mindset. This episode helps connect the dots between your past and present attitudes toward money.Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-fires-money-and-meaning-with-carl-richards/id1709551590

Today, Carl explores the concept of alignment—what it means to be truly aligned with your sources of capital: time, money, energy, and attention. How does it feel when you're in alignment with what's important to you? What happens when you drift out of alignment, and how can you recognize and adjust when that happens? Carl discusses the balance (and sometimes planned imbalance) in our lives and the importance of being aware of how we use our resources.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the complex relationship between money and power. How do you think about money and power in your life? Are there times when financial decisions might stray from your core values due to external pressures or incentives? Carl discusses the importance of being aware of these dynamics, recognizing when money becomes a proxy for power, and choosing to navigate these forces with love and grace. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with money and power and how they can maintain alignment with their true values.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl tackles a common challenge: the fear of sharing your work. How often does fear hide behind excuses? What if you embraced "version zero" and released your project, flaws and all? Carl shares his favorite strategy for turning fear into action, helping you take that first step with confidence, no matter the creative project.

Carl dives into the power of micro-actions and the importance of taking the next smallest step when navigating complex challenges, whether in work, life, or personal projects. Drawing from his own experiences and insights from experts like James Clear, Carl emphasizes that progress isn't about giant leaps but about consistently moving forward with tiny, deliberate steps. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl reflects on a conversation with sitcom writer and comic King Hassan, who offers an interesting perspective: What if we focused on solving major issues instead of celebrating them? How does this shift change our view of progress? Join Carl as he explores this thought-provoking idea and its impact on how we define success.Want to hear Carl's conversations with King Hassan? Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comedian-and-former-police-officer-king-hassan-on/id1709551590?i=1000666085069

Have you ever made assumptions based on someone's wealth? How does financial status affect our view of a person’s worth? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards opens up about how money can shape our judgments of others. Carl shares personal stories and challenges the tendency to equate money with value, urging us to approach others with empathy and grace instead.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards dives into the essence of Real Financial Planning, which he defines as the continuous process of aligning your use of capital—time, money, energy, and attention—with what truly matters to you. Using the metaphor of two shifting circles, Carl illustrates how both our resources and our priorities are in constant motion, requiring ongoing adjustments to keep them in harmony. He emphasizes the importance of experimenting, acknowledging changes in what we value, and embracing the practice of aligning our capital with our evolving goals.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

How do time, money, energy, and attention impact our connections with others? Today, Carl explores the key investments we make in relationships. Why is attention, paired with intention, so important? Carl discusses how these resources deepen relationships and create the greatest returns in life.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the modern obsession with efficiency and questions its place in our personal lives. While metrics and dashboards might drive success in business, Carl humorously points out the absurdity of applying the same logic to human relationships. Carl talks about why he believes efficiency should never be the goal in our connections with loved ones.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

How are you investing your attention in your relationships? Are you being mindful enough? Today, Carl Richards explores the idea of attention as a form of capital and its critical role in building meaningful connections. Inspired by a quote from Simone Weil, Carl discusses how paying attention can be one of the most generous acts we can offer others. During a recent retreat, Carl was asked why he views attention as one of the four key sources of capital—alongside time, money, and energy. This question led him to reflect on the fleeting nature of attention and the importance of being intentional with where we focus it. 

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the impact of intention on our actions and relationships. He reflects on how the true purpose behind our actions can transform their outcomes, particularly in the relationships that matter most. Carl discusses the importance of being mindful of our intentions, whether in everyday activities like gift-giving or in more significant decisions involving time, money, energy, and attention. Carl challenges listeners to "pay attention to their intention" as a valuable practice for living more authentically.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl tackles the concept of being preoccupied with money, exploring what it means to have all of one's attention absorbed by financial concerns. He reflects on how this preoccupation can shift money from being a tool to becoming the central goal, something often celebrated in our culture. Carl shares his mission to change this mindset, advocating for a focus on passion, impact, and the joy of work rather than financial gain. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards explores the quest for meaning in our lives, examining how we, as "meaning-making machines," constantly seek sources of purpose and fulfillment. He discusses the contrast between enduring and fleeting sources of meaning, questioning the stability of external achievements compared to the deeper value found in relationships, community, and experiences. Carl also talks about the role of money as a tool to create meaning, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial decisions with what truly matters. He leaves listeners with a question: Where do you find your sense of meaning?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Are you using outdated "maps" in your life? What familiar systems are you clinging to? Do you have the courage to create new paths? Today, Carl explores the idea of navigating life with outdated or inaccurate "maps"—the frameworks we rely on but may no longer serve us. He highlights our tendency to cling to familiar systems, even when they're flawed, and challenges listeners to recognize when it's time to create new paths. Using the analogy of baking cookies with salt instead of sugar, Carl emphasizes the importance of letting go of what doesn't work and drawing new maps.

How do you define what is enough for you? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the concept of "enough" and emphasizes its relative nature. He discusses how each person's definition of enough varies based on individual circumstances and environments. Carl highlights the temptation to compare ourselves to others and use external benchmarks to define enough, which can lead to confusion and judgment. Are you comparing your "enough" to others? Can you embrace your personal definition of enough without external validation? He encourages listeners to focus on their own sense of enough and get comfortable with it, despite the challenges.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly change your relationship with money? Carl suggests that the key is to stop trying so hard. Instead of forcing yourself to change, he advocates for focusing on simple awareness. By merely noticing your spending habits without judgment, you open the door to natural, stress-free behavior changes. After trying this approach for 30 days, what changes did you notice? Let Carl know by emailing him at [email protected]!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

How do you define enough in your life? Carl explores the concept of "having enough" on today's episode of Behavior Gap Radio. He shares a conversation where someone defines it as having enough money so they no longer have to think about it. He reflects on how many people continue to focus on money even when they have plenty and questions whether this focus is a distraction from what truly matters. What would it mean for you to have enough? Carl suggests that when money is no longer the central focus, it can be a tool that operates in the background, allowing more attention to be given to the things that truly matter.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on his recent travels and the profound impact they had on his perspective. After sending his daughter off to the Olympics, Carl explores the historic streets of Barcelona, feeling both awe and humility in the face of centuries-old architecture and diverse cultures. He shares inspiring quotes about the transformative power of travel and the stories it creates, questioning the true value of these experiences. Today, Carl invites listeners to consider the worth of their own adventures and the unique feelings they evoke, challenging us to embrace the richness of exploration and the beauty of the unknown.

Carl shares a story on Behavior Gap Radio about traveling in Spain with his daughter. He talks through the contrast between the comfort of the Pyrenees mountains and the overwhelming chaos of Barcelona. As he navigates unfamiliar streets and faces discomfort, he realizes that this discomfort is the very reason he travels—it brings growth and a fresh perspective! What is the value you find in travel? How does travel change your perspective?

In this episode, Carl reflects on the idea of unconventional investment advice, sharing a personal story that defies traditional financial wisdom. He recounts how, despite his initial reservations, he followed the advice of a respected community leader to move his family to New Zealand—a decision that turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of his life. Carl highlights how some of the best investment advice may not fit conventional definitions but can yield extraordinary returns in terms of personal growth and fulfillment. He invites listeners to broaden their thinking about what constitutes truly valuable advice!

Carl recently discussed unconventional investment advice in a Behavior Gap Radio episode, drawing inspiration from a Wendell Berry quote about knowing where the rarest wildflowers are. He contrasts this with the disconnected advice often seen in mainstream financial media, which tends to ignore the broader impacts of investments, like those in companies selling unhealthy products. Carl is fascinated by the idea of "connected" investment advice, which values investments in time, money, energy, and attention. What’s the best investment advice you’ve ever received? How does it align with your values? If you think about your return on life, happiness, and connection, what advice stands out? Carl invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences by emailing him at [email protected] more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about the nuanced relationship between risk and reward in investing, inspired by a thought-provoking quote from Howard Marks. He challenges the common misconception that taking on more risk automatically leads to higher returns, emphasizing that risk only offers the potential for reward, not a guarantee. Carl discusses the importance of skillfully and intelligently sacrificing certainty while keeping emotions in check and highlights the dangers of uncompensated risks, such as gambling on single stocks. This episode is a deep dive into understanding the true nature of risk and how to approach it with clarity and caution.

In this episode, Carl reflects on the surprising value found in life's simplest moments, contrasting the desire for more extravagant experiences with the deep joy of quiet, everyday activities. He shares a personal story of finding peace in evening landscaping sessions, where the simplicity of nature brings lasting contentment. Inspired by a Wendell Berry quote, Carl explores the idea that true wealth lies in knowing where to find life's "rarest wildflowers," those quiet moments of happiness that require no explanation or defense—offering a unique perspective on what it means to invest in a fulfilling life.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl recently received an email from a listener who was deeply moved by his episodes on hyperlocal investing. The listener shared how forming relationships with local producers has become one of their greatest sources of happiness. 🌱 They make it a point to visit local markets in each new city, connect with vendors, and fill their home with locally made items. Carl relates strongly to this sentiment, finding joy in supporting local businesses. Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a marketplace or events dedicated to hyperlocal investing? How could such an idea be spread to others who feel the same way? If you have a story about hyperlocal investing, Carl would love to hear it. Email him at [email protected].

Today, Carl is excited about the idea of hyperlocal investing! This morning, he visited his local farmer's market to buy honey and the experience was incredible. He had the chance to meet the beekeeper and learn about his passion for producing local honey, which is helping with Carl’s allergies. For Carl, this connection represents the “return on connection” (ROC). Investing locally offers more than just financial returns; it builds relationships and strengthens the community. How can you invest your time, energy, and money locally? What connections could you build today?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl shares a story from his rock climbing days, where he and a friend made mistakes that led to a serious accident. He reflects on two types of risk: "ignorant risk," where you don’t know the consequences, and "honest risk," where you understand the consequences but choose to proceed anyway. What risks are you taking without fully knowing the consequences? How can you ensure that your risks are more informed and intentional?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Do you know what your true desires are, free from societal influences? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his book, Volume One, titled "The Only Goal That Matters." He discusses the difficulty of identifying our true desires amidst societal influences, from family and peers to social media. Carl illustrates how we often adopt others' goals, leading us to make choices that don't align with our true selves. How important is personal clarity in investing? Carl says that the only goal that matters is your own! Accompanied by one of his favorite sketches, he visually represents the unique significance of individual goals in the midst of external pressures.Volume One is sold out. You can learn about Carl's book, Volume Two, here: https://thesocietyofadvice.com/the-volumes-projectYou can see his sketch, "The Only Goal That Matters" here: https://store.behaviorgap.com/products/the-only-goal-that-matters-color

Have you ever thought about how paying attention to your pain could transform your relationship with money? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into profound insights from his conversation with Sharon Salzburg on the 50 Fires podcast. Sharon, a renowned meditation teacher, shared a valuable perspective on moving toward pain. Carl recounts a personal experience with a coach that sparked feelings of annoyance and how he applied Sharon's wisdom to understand and dissipate these emotions. By noticing and welcoming his feelings and exploring where they manifest in the body, Carl uncovers a deeper awareness of his reactions, particularly around money. How might practicing mindful awareness and self-inquiry change your financial mindset? 

Carl tackles the often overwhelming topic of credit cards! After spending hours analyzing different options and rewards programs, he shares his ultimate advice: choose the credit card that allows you to think about it the least. Have you considered how much mental space you could free up by simplifying your credit card decisions? Carl emphasizes the importance of making an informed decision but then minimizing ongoing deliberation. By setting a specific time once a year to review your choice, you can avoid constant stress and stay focused on what truly matters. What would you do with the extra mental space from this approach?

Carl reflects on the profound insights from his conversations with Sharon Salzburg and Pete Holmes on the 50 Fires podcast about the dual nature of financial mindfulness. How do you balance financial peace with handling daily expenses? Carl explores the balance between moments of financial peace at "65,000 feet" and the practical necessity of managing daily expenses. Sharon emphasizes honoring this tension rather than seeking to resolve it, suggesting that awareness itself is the key. Have you considered treating each financial interaction as an opportunity for mindfulness? Carl introduces the idea of using simple noticing without judgment as a transformative practice.Want to hear Carl's conversations with Sharon Salzburg and Pete Holmes? Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-fires-money-and-meaning-with-carl-richards/id1709551590

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl discusses the concept of "enoughness," reflecting on those rare moments when he feels a deep sense of being and having enough. How often do you experience that feeling of contentment? Carl contrasts these moments with the pervasive fear of financial insecurity that dominates our culture, which often drives us to obsess over tactical financial decisions. Have you ever wondered if true financial peace comes from addressing our internal wiring around scarcity and security? Carl emphasizes that it does, and he explores how practicing awareness and understanding our emotional responses to money can help cultivate a lasting sense of enoughness, beyond just numbers and financial products!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl shares insights from his recent conversation with Sharon Salzberg on 50 Fires. Sharon challenged Carl's views by suggesting that our goals are often too modest and trivial, urging a focus on deeper values like feeling secure and validated rather than materialistic aspirations. How might understanding the true purpose behind our goals shift our approach to achieving them? Tune in to explore how shifting your perspective on goals can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling outcomes.Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-fires-money-and-meaning-with-carl-richards/id1709551590

In this episode, Carl uses a story of a friend to underscores a broader issue: how societal norms and local culture can significantly influence our habits and goals. How can we effectively navigate or even change our environment to better align with our personal values? Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today, Carl reminds us that investing in experiences with loved ones offers far greater returns than spending on material possessions. It may feel like a luxury, especially when the expense isn't in the budget, but these moments create lasting memories and joy. How often do we let guilt or fear prevent us from spending on what truly matters? 

In a world overflowing with information, how much do you value the process of distilling wisdom into its most essential form? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the value of distillation and brevity. He reflects on how creating concise, meaningful content takes significant effort, likening his podcast to a draft that will eventually become a refined essay or book. Carl poses an intriguing question: What is the worth of distillation and editing in your life? Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl examines recency bias, the tendency to project recent events into the future, especially during financial ups and downs. How can recency bias lead us to make irrational financial decisions based on fear or greed? Carl stresses the need for a resilient financial plan that anticipates market changes and encourages expanding our perspective beyond recent events. By broadening our view, can we better navigate financial decisions and avoid the traps of recency bias?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

How can we shift focus from the fleeting appeal of negativity to the enduring value of positive connections? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the subtle yet profound impact of love and kindness. He questions how we can cultivate these quiet virtues amid a world often dominated by loud, negative attention.