Kitces and Carl - Real Talk for Real Financial Advisors

Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP and Carl Richards, CFP
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Dec 25, 2025 • 34min

Aligning Your Capital With What's Important To You By Focusing On Where You PAY Attention: Kitces & Carl Ep 180

Discover the four sources of personal capital: money, time, energy, and attention, and how they reflect your true priorities. Learn about the difference between revealed preferences and stated values using checkbooks and calendars. Explore the idea of attention as an investable asset and its broader implications beyond just financial returns. The hosts discuss the role of financial advisors in managing client attention and the significant impact of peace of mind on reclaiming one's time. Can AI truly offer empathy, or is human connection indispensable?
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Dec 11, 2025 • 33min

Holding Back From Hiring Associate Advisors Out Of Fear They're Just Going To Move On: Kitces & Carl Ep 179

In the 179th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the common angst advisors feel about the idea of their associate advisors eventually leaving to build teams of their own. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
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Nov 27, 2025 • 31min

Helping Retired Clients To Actually Start Spending (And Enjoying) Their Money: Kitces & Carl Ep 178

In the 178th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why many retirees struggle to spend the money they spent a lifetime saving—and how advisors can help. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
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6 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 39min

Ways To Say 'No' To Avoid Making Yourself Too Busy: Kitces & Carl Ep 177

Discover the art of saying 'no' to avoid overwhelm and preserve your focus. Learn how to establish filters based on energy and priorities to filter opportunities effectively. Explore strategies like using capacity language and templates for graceful declines. Hear about successful figures who practice dignified refusals and the importance of setting clear boundaries. Delve into the value of saying no at work and fostering a culture of positive communication. Embrace the power of a well-timed 'no' to reclaim your time and energy!
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8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 35min

Ways To Say 'Yes' Sustainably To Prospects In Need Who Don't Fit Your Minimums: Kitces & Carl Ep 176

Hosts Michael Kitces and Carl Richards dive into the challenge of assisting prospective clients who can't afford standard advisory fees. They discuss the fine balance between profitability and compassion, exploring a barbell model that allows firms to serve both high-value and low-cost clients. The duo suggests creating structured programs for pro bono work and emphasizes the value of workshops and group coaching to provide scalable support. Innovative ideas like scheduled low-cost office hours and limited-scope hourly services are shared as ways to give meaningful advice without burnout.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 47min

Visual Sketches As Conversation Starters To Help Clients Make Better Financial Decisions: Kitces & Carl Ep 175

In the 175th episode of Kitces and Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how sketches can spark more meaningful money conversations. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.
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Oct 2, 2025 • 30min

What Jobs Have You Given Money (That Shape How You Give Advice)?: Kitces & Carl Ep 174

Join the hosts as they embark on a whimsical thought experiment, imagining a conversation with money. They explore money's roles in life, from independence to personal milestones, and how misassigning it tasks like happiness leads to disappointment. Delving into the impacts of money on people's lives, they discuss when to ask deeper questions about its true meaning. The hosts encourage financial advisors to understand client behaviors through this 'jobs lens,' helping decode mismatched expectations and fostering meaningful conversations.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 29min

When Prospects Say No Because They're Not Ready To Break Up With Their Current Advisor: Kitces & Carl Ep 173

Navigating client relationships can be tricky, especially when faced with a 'soft no.' The hosts explore how to respond positively to prospects who aren’t ready to leave their current advisors. They emphasize the importance of staying generous with follow-ups and using helpful resources instead of pushy tactics. Tips on assessing readiness to switch and easing the transition with thoughtful communication are practical strategies discussed. It’s about guiding clients through their decision-making process with empathy and support.
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8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 32min

Scaling Financial Planning Client Affluence vs. Technology Efficiencies: Kitces & Carl Ep 172

Discover the intriguing dynamics between client wealth and productivity in financial advising. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced when prioritizing affluent clients over community service. Dive into income disparities within financial planning compared to medicine, highlighting how market forces shape career choices. Learn about the strategic advantages of serving high-net-worth clients and the significant influence of client affluence on advisory outcomes. This thought-provoking discussion raises key questions about balancing financial incentives with ethical responsibilities.
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11 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min

When Advising Clients Loses Its Spark: Burned Out, Or Bored-Out?: Kitces & Carl Ep 171

This discussion delves into the feelings of burnout and boredom among financial advisors after achieving success. The speakers highlight the cyclical nature of client interactions and the need for innovative practices to reignite passion. They also present a case study about an advisor contemplating drastic career changes due to burnout. Furthermore, the conversation covers team dynamics, emphasizing how diverse work preferences can affect collaboration. Practical strategies are shared to stimulate creativity while ensuring job satisfaction in a demanding industry.

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