

Kitces and Carl - Real Talk for Real Financial Advisors
Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP and Carl Richards, CFP
A no-holds barred conversation for Real Financial Advisors with industry nerd Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards. One draws with a Sharpie, the other nerds out with spreadsheets, and both provide you with unique perspectives so that you can more effectively communicate with and serve your clients, run a more fulfilling practice, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 26, 2025 • 37min
Are Financial Advisors Less Happy When Working With HNW Clients?: Kitces & Carl Ep 167
In our 167th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the complex emotions money can stir up—and how a client's level of wealth can shape an advisor's happiness in their own life. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.

Jun 12, 2025 • 36min
Financial Planners As The Guide To Help Clients Navigating Potentially Changing Terrain: Kitces & Carl Ep 166
Explore how financial advisors can help clients unlearn unhelpful habits and make informed decisions instead of relying on luck. Discover the metaphor of skiing to navigate the unpredictable terrain of investing risk. Learn about the importance of empathy and adaptability in financial planning, especially during significant life changes. The hosts discuss the complexities of personal biases and the limitations of traditional risk assessments, emphasizing resilience as key to successful financial strategies.

10 snips
May 29, 2025 • 36min
Finding Repeatable Conversations To Explain Complex Concepts More Understandably To Clients: Kitces & Carl Ep 165
Discover innovative strategies for simplifying intricate financial concepts into clear, relatable messages for clients. The discussion emphasizes the power of visuals and analogies to enhance understanding, making complex ideas more accessible. Learn how to master client communication through tailored narratives and repeatable conversations, ensuring efficiency without compromising on clarity. Dive into anecdotes that illustrate the importance of crafting memorable messages in the world of financial advice.

6 snips
May 15, 2025 • 31min
Is Complexity In Financial Planning Necessary To Prove (Young) Advisor Credibility?: Kitces & Carl Ep 164
Explore the tightrope between technical jargon and client-friendly language in financial advising. Discover insights on enhancing communication with tools like ChatGPT while maintaining personal touch. The importance of clarity in client presentations is highlighted, alongside strategies for accurate financial diagnosis and engagement. Find out how editing essays parallels financial advising, emphasizing competence and confidence. Techniques for tailoring meeting discussions to your audience are shared, driving home the need for trust-building through effective communication.

10 snips
May 1, 2025 • 33min
Overcoming Objections When Clients Reject The Recommendation By Asking What You Missed: Kitces & Carl Ep 163
In our 163rd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle when clients not only ignore advice but actively push back against it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.

Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
Avoiding Staff Management Duties You Don't Want By Paying A Virtual Assistant For Only What You Need: Kitces & Carl Ep 162
In our 162nd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how a virtual assistant can support management responsibilities—and how to identify what tasks are worth delegating in the first place. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.

Apr 3, 2025 • 40min
How Valuable Is Getting Feedback About Your Original Business Ideas (That Others May Not Get Anyway)?: Kitces & Carl Ep 161
In our 161st episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how they navigate others' opinions on their projects—and the strategies they use to invite feedback in the first place. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.

Mar 20, 2025 • 44min
Calming Clients With Anxiety About Trump Tariffs And Trade Wars: Kitces & Carl Ep 160
Discover how financial advisors can calm client anxieties during turbulent market times. Learn strategies for empathetic communication that keeps clients focused on long-term goals. Delve into the cyclical nature of financial crises and use data-driven insights to mitigate fears. Explore the impacts of tariffs and trade wars on the economy, and engage clients with scenario testing techniques. This conversation highlights the art of balancing emotional support with rational investment strategies.

Mar 6, 2025 • 30min
When You Promised Early Clients Special Fees Or Minimums You Can No Longer Honor: Kitces & Carl Ep 159
In our 159th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what to do when your original fees no longer make financial sense—but you promised to honor them for some clients. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com.

Feb 20, 2025 • 35min
Should Prospects Be Allowed To Move Forward If They Don't Want To Think It Over First?: Kitces & Carl Ep 158
Michael Kitces and Carl Richards dive into the critical art of managing client expectations in financial planning. They stress the importance of allowing clients to reflect rather than rushing into decisions, advocating for a structured two-meeting process. The duo discusses the significance of ongoing communication and tailoring financial solutions post-signing. They also highlight the need for clear expectations and a concise plan to foster better advisor-client relationships, all while navigating the emotional landscape of client commitments.


