Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl questions the very idea of financial "problems." What if most of what we worry about isn’t actually a problem at all—just imagined futures that may never happen? He explores how shifting our mindset (and maybe even our language) can help us stop spinning in thought and start doing the simple things that actually move us forward.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 one of the most powerful tools he's ever created: The Overnight Test. Through stories of stocks, cabins, businesses, and even old clothes, Carl explores how this simple mental exercise helps reveal when we’re making emotional decisions disguised as financial ones. If you’ve ever struggled to let go of something—just because it’s always been there—this one’s 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/

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/

Attention is the most valuable resource we have—and yet, it's one of the easiest to waste. In this episode, Carl shares a riddle from The Zen of Climbing and explores how we spend, waste, or invest our attention. Whether it’s business, creativity, or simply being present, where we direct our focus shapes everything. So, how are you investing yours?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/

Simple doesn’t mean simplistic. In this episode, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book, exploring the journey from complexity to elegant simplicity. Whether it’s investing, budgeting, or mastering a craft, the real challenge isn’t adding more layers—it’s stripping away the unnecessary. Why do we resist simple solutions? And how do we move through complexity to find clarity?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, you just need to vent. In this episode, Carl explores the value of blowing off steam—the importance of safe spaces, good friends, and moments where you can let it all out without judgment. Whether it’s venting to a trusted person or pushing yourself physically, finding a release can be essential. So, how do you blow off steam?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’s on your emotional balance sheet? In this episode, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book, exploring how we hold onto frustrations, arguments, and disappointments—tracking them like bad investments that no longer serve us. Inspired by a classic Zen parable, this reflection challenges us to balance the books and let go.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/

Risk is just a concept—until it isn’t. This week, Carl shares a backcountry ski adventure that took an unexpected turn, turning a routine 25-minute descent into a five-hour lesson in risk, preparation, and the power of community. What happens when risk stops being theoretical and shows up in real life? And how does that apply beyond the mountains—to investing, business, and creative 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 revisits the purpose of goals—why we set them, why they’re often just guesses, and why we should still have them anyway. He explores how goals provide a sense of direction and create a gravitational pull that helps us recognize opportunities. But a recent conversation introduced a third, unexpected reason: hope. What if setting a goal isn’t just about achievement but about creating something to look forward to?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 unpacks the irony of our most well-intentioned distractions—especially when they become clever ways to avoid the real work. From obsessively reading time management books to spending hours researching the best apps to reduce screen time, Carl explores the sneaky ways we hide from what actually matters. What if the solution isn’t another tool or strategy but simply doing the thing we’ve been avoiding?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 unpacks the power of visual shortcuts and meaningful souvenirs—how his sketches distill complex ideas into simple, conversation-starting icons. He shares an essay from his upcoming book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches, exploring the foundational idea that a plan must come before anything else. Too often, we obsess over products—stocks, credit cards, investments—without first deciding where we’re headed. Through his well-known sketch, The Plan Comes First, Carl explains why products only make sense in the context of a plan and how visuals serve as both a shortcut to understanding and a lasting souvenir of a learning experience.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 dives into the never-ending search for purpose. Once believing he'd eventually find his purpose and be done searching, he now sees the search itself as the point—the driving force of his life. He explores how we can be both content and striving, fulfilled and still growing, holding both truths at the same time. What if purpose isn’t something to capture but something to keep discovering?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 the paradox of being content in his discontent—the idea that growth, searching, and pushing boundaries don’t have to come from a place of dissatisfaction. He wrestles with the tension between striving for more and embracing the present moment, questioning where the line is between creative curiosity and restless grasping. Can we hold both? Is the desire to explore something to be resolved or something to be cherished?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 an essay titled Range of Outcomes from his upcoming book—a simple sketch that captures the messy, uncertain, and unpredictable nature of the future. He explores the tension between fear and excitement and how we chase certainty but could instead embrace mystery, adventure, and surprise. Some days, uncertainty feels overwhelming, while on other days, it feels exhilarating. Both are true. Both are human.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 poses a simple yet powerful question: What’s your earliest memory of money? He explores how this question can unlock deep conversations, from childhood experiences to the emotions tied to financial moments. Whether it's recalling a childhood paper route or the tension of overheard arguments, these memories shape our relationship with money. Carl encourages listeners to try asking the question—especially with kids—and to embrace the conversations that follow.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 dives into why he’s writing another book—Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches—and what drives the project. He sees books as tools for meaningful conversations, whether around the dinner table, on a walk with a partner, or in an advisor’s office. He shares his ambitious goal of sparking a million conversations a month and gives a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming book launch plans, from virtual chats to live events.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 unpacks the surprising power of goals—even when they’re just guesses. He shares a personal financial goal and how setting a clear target creates both direction and an almost magical gravitational pull that brings new opportunities into focus. From cutting unnecessary subscriptions to resisting impulse purchases, he explores how small choices compound into real progress. If you've ever questioned whether goals matter, this episode might just change your mind.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/

On this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl wrestles with the tension between escape and engagement, reflecting on a moment when watching football brought him to tears—not because of the game, but because he knew he was avoiding something deeper. Drawing from Camus, Rumi, and Lao Tzu, he explores the idea that meaning is found through active exploration, even when part of us just wants to check out. What happens when we go too far into our escapes? Maybe that’s where the truth finally reveals itself.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/

Risk asks what could happen. Exposure asks what it would mean if it did. But maybe the real question is—can we be okay with being vulnerable? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the relationship between risk, exposure, and vulnerability, exploring how they shape our decisions, relationships, and work. If caring about anything means opening ourselves up to uncertainty, then maybe vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s the price of truly being alive.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 an essay from his upcoming book exploring the crucial difference between risk and exposure. While risk is ever-present, what really matters is how exposed we are to it. He dives into the challenge of simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence—something he’s wrestled with for over 20 years. 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 are you willing to do for money? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the growing tension between long-held values and the relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and attention. As hustle culture celebrates sacrifice in the name of success, he questions whether money is becoming the central organizing principle of our lives—and at what cost. If you don’t know who you are in relation to money, the future might be an expensive place to figure it out.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/

Why do we reach for our phones, ice cream, or the next distraction—even when we know they don’t add to our lives? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl unpacks the habit of novelty-seeking and its connection to boredom, stress, and dopamine. He explores how we’ve trained ourselves to chase input and what happens when we practice sitting with boredom instead. If you’ve ever wondered why you instinctively reach for distraction, this one’s 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/

In this short but powerful episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a crisp insight: If you're unclear about who you are or what you value, entrepreneurship, finance, and business are extremely expensive places to figure it out. In a world where long-held values are often sacrificed for money or attention, the cost of uncertainty has never been higher.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 short but deeply considered essay from his new book. He explores why humans and money don’t fit neatly into formulas—why the complexity, emotion, and adaptability of real life can’t be crammed into an algorithm. With AI on the rise, this conversation feels more relevant than ever. Carl even ran this piece by an AI editor—its response might surprise 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/

What if there were a Strava for money? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores how the natural human instinct to compare—often seen as a negative—could actually be harnessed to help us make better financial decisions. Inspired by how Strava tracks and motivates progress in outdoor sports, Carl wonders: Could a similar tool provide useful context for spending and financial alignment? He dives into the idea of measuring not just income and expenses but whether our money choices align 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/

We look at what people buy and assume we know what they make—but what if that story we tell ourselves is completely wrong? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares an essay from his upcoming book that explores the psychological trap of comparing our spending to others. From fancy cars to neighborhood norms, we often let assumptions shape our financial decisions in ways we don’t even realize.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 if every project, every system, every piece of work was in service of one thing—kindness? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the idea of scaling kindness and how everything he’s building—his writing, speaking, art, and business—is ultimately about creating more space for meaningful, generous interactions. Whether it’s financial kindness or just kindness at scale, this simple but powerful idea is shaping the next chapter of his 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/

Striking up conversations with strangers can feel daunting—but what if it was easier than you thought? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a simple yet powerful approach to meeting new people, inspired by an event hosted by his friend Darren. By asking just one key question—"Tell me something I should know about you"—he discovered how effortless and rewarding it can be to connect with others. Tune in to hear how you can use this strategy to turn any room into a space for meaningful conversations.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 happens when you step outside your usual circles? Carl shares a powerful realization from an event in his own backyard—an energizing room full of creative, ambitious people he’d never met. It was a reminder that “your people” are out there, but finding them takes intentional effort. In this episode, he explores the importance of curating your community, surrounding yourself with those who are up to something, and making space for creativity and possibility. Who are you investing your time and energy in? And how intentional are you about 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/

We’ve all heard that money is power—but what if the real power is attention? In this episode, Carl explores how attention has become the most valuable commodity in the world, shaping wealth, influence, and the way we interact with the world. But here’s the good news: if we’re aware of it, we can practice. We can audit where we invest our attention, reclaim control, and make sure we’re spending it on what truly matters. This is both a warning and an invitation—because the fight for your attention is real, but so is your ability to choose.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/

Is there something magical about saying no? A listener shares a hunch—every time they say no to something that’s not a good fit, something great follows. Coincidence? Carl doesn’t think so. In this episode, he explores the power of making space, the confidence that comes with clear decisions, and the idea that opportunities may already be there—we just need to be able to see them. What happens when we clear the clutter and signal that we’re ready? Tune in for a reflection on saying no, making room, and what might show up next.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/

After four days deep in the New Zealand bush—no cell service, no news, just the sound of waterfalls and the weight of stillness—Carl is confronted with a jarring return to the outside world. A chance encounter with hikers reveals devastating news, and it sparks a bigger question: What is the role of news in our lives? How much do we really need to know, and at what cost? With reflections on information, control, and clarity, this episode invites you to reconsider your relationship with the constant flow of updates.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/

Fresh from his time in New Zealand, Carl reflects on clarity—the kind that comes when the noise fades away. Inspired by Carl Jung’s insight that "only if we know that the thing that truly matters is infinite can we avoid fixing our interests upon futilities," Carl explores how distractions and false possessions dull our sensitivity to what really matters. What happens when we remove the noise? And how do we create space for a clearer signal in our own lives? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on focus, meaning, and what’s truly essential.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 shares an exciting update about his upcoming book—a collection of 97 essays paired with sketches—and invites listeners to join a "reading party" by providing feedback on one of the essays. He reads "Stuff You Own, Stuff That Owns You," a reflection on the fine line between owning things and being owned by them, and offers a simple question to help regain control of your stuff.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 shares two guiding principles that have shaped his life: Lao Tzu's call to "be who you really are and go the whole way" and Howard Thurman’s wisdom to "ask what makes you come alive and go do it." Through personal reflections and practical insights, Carl explores what it means to notice the moments that light you up and bring you fully alive. From deep presence with others to the flow of skiing through the mountains, Carl unpacks how these moments reveal who we truly are and why the world needs more people who have come alive.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 first episode of 2025, Carl reflects on the importance of consistent practice, whether it’s journaling, recording, or simply noticing the world around us. After a break spent adventuring in New Zealand, he shares how quickly the muscle of capturing and processing experiences can atrophy—and why the act of documenting thoughts, even privately, is so valuable. Carl revisits lessons from Seth Godin and a heartfelt reminder from a listener, Ashby, to focus on what lights you up. This episode is a reminder that anything worth mastering requires practice, and sharing ideas publicly can refine and elevate them.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 reflections from a backcountry skiing trip in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. Inspired by a striking ridgeline etched against the horizon, he explores the metaphorical ridgelines in our lives—birthdays, transitions, and new beginnings—that challenge us to go a little further and reach a little higher. With a new year on the horizon, Carl invites listeners to embrace the possibilities that lie just beyond their comfort zones.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 a backcountry skiing trip that offered profound moments of connection—with nature, loved ones, and the present moment. He explores the tension between saving for the future and fully embracing the wealth of sacred experiences available right now. Through stories of unexpected reunions, quiet mountain ridges, and laughter with friends, Carl challenges listeners to reconsider where the true value lies and invites them to lean into the joy and meaning already present in their lives.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 heartfelt episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on a powerful realization while preparing for a family trip: the delicate balance between knowing we are enough as we are and striving to be a little better. Through the story of creating a simple yet profound piece of art, Carl explores the tension of holding two seemingly opposing truths at once. He invites listeners to embrace this balance in their own lives and consider how they might share the message of "you are enough" with others during the holiday season.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 dives into a powerful question inspired by a conversation with writer Joel Stein: If someone 100 years from now reviewed a perfect record of how you spent your money and time, what would they learn about your true values—and what might embarrass you? Carl explores the discomfort and growth that come from confronting gaps between our stated priorities and actual behavior. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider: Do you have a safe space to face these uncomfortable truths? If so, hold onto it—it’s a rare and invaluable gift.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 a pivotal moment from his high school years—the first time he realized others thought and lived differently when it came to money. Sharing a story about visiting a friend's house, Carl explores the emotional impact of recognizing financial and familial differences and how they shape our perspectives. He invites listeners to reflect on their own first moments of awareness: When did you realize that your "normal" wasn’t the same as someone else’s?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/