Behavior Gap Radio

In this short and powerful episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl offers just one thought—“If you don’t know who you are, money is a very expensive way to find out.” Then he invites you to sit with it. No answers, no unpacking—just space to let the idea settle and do its work.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 the challenge of communicating hard truths with people we care about. Inspired by a principle from Buddhism, he explores the delicate balance between saying what is kind, true, and necessary. Through personal stories and honest introspection—especially around parenting—Carl unpacks how even well-intentioned kindness can sometimes be a misapplied avoidance of discomfort. This episode is a thoughtful invitation to approach tough conversations with clarity, courage, and compassion.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 reads a new essay from his upcoming book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches. The essay is titled You Can’t Hedge Yesterday, and it uses a simple circle sketch to illustrate a powerful truth: The time to prepare is before the crisis, not after. Carl reflects on how we often react to past events with elaborate solutions that can’t change what’s already happened—and why true resilience comes from preparation, not panic.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 explores what Henry Shukman calls the fundamental investigation of a lifetime: the search for our identity. Drawing from Shukman’s book One Blade of Grass, Lao Tzu’s wisdom, and reflections from thinkers like David Whyte and Jim Collins, Carl unpacks the power of asking, "Who am I? and What do I want?" He shares how this practice can create distance from reactive emotions, like grumpiness, and helps align our time, energy, and money with what truly matters.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 shares a deeply personal story about a recent argument with his wife over money—one sparked by the language he used. He unpacks how the phrase "beast of burden" shaped his mindset around financial pressure, risk, and creative work, and how words carry unintended weight in conversations about money. Through this reflection, Carl explores the power of language, the emotional charge behind financial discussions, and the importance of reexamining the narratives we tell ourselves.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/ 

What do you truly want? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards continues the conversation on the two fundamental questions that shape financial decisions—and life itself: Who are you? And what’s important to you? He explores how our desires evolve, how cultural and social influences shape what we think we want, and why living with these questions (rather than rushing to answer them) leads to better-aligned choices. If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions by expectations, trends, or habits, this episode is for you.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/ 

At the heart of real financial planning—and a meaningful life—are two fundamental questions: Who are you? And what do you desire? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards explores why the practice of digging into these questions is essential for making financial decisions that truly align with your values. Without clarity on what matters most, it’s easy to get distracted by fleeting opportunities and trends. But when you have a deep, personal yes, saying no to the wrong things becomes much easier.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/ 

Sometimes, the best way to navigate chaos is to step back and see the bigger picture. In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches. Inspired by a rafting trip on the Salmon River, he explores how gaining perspective—whether through a walk, a conversation, or a moment of stillness—can transform confusion into clarity. When we rise above our problems, we see options instead of obstacles.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/ 

What does it really mean to do nothing? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a personal story about an intervention from a close friend who insisted he take a week to do nothing—no work, no frantic activity, just stillness. But how do you do nothing? And why does it feel so hard? Carl explores the tension between productivity and presence, the challenge of stepping away from the constant drive to create, and why intentionally doing nothing might just be the ultimate productivity hack.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/ 

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is… nothing. In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the fascinating paradox of inaction—why doing nothing is often the smartest move, especially in investing. A well-crafted portfolio doesn’t need constant tinkering, and great advice sometimes means telling clients to sit tight. But here’s the twist: Getting to a place where you can confidently do nothing takes real work.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/