Ep 158 - Aligning Money + Values. The Key to Retirement Confidence, with Carl Richards.
In this fascinating conversation, Joe Curry sits down with financial thought leader Carl Richards to discuss why simplicity is the secret to powerful financial planning. They explore the real value of advice, how to align money with life goals, and why what’s more important than money is often overlooked. With insights from Carl’s iconic sketches and his upcoming book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, this episode is a must-listen for anyone approaching retirement.
Key Takeaways
Simplicity in Finance – Complex jargon alienates people; simple sketches and clear conversations create true understanding.
Real Financial Planning – It’s not about predictions or thick binders but about aligning money, energy, time, and attention with what matters most.
The Value of Advice – Advisors help clients course-correct, protect them from blind spots, and give permission to enjoy the wealth they’ve built.
Money as a Tool – Money is not the end goal—it’s a tool to create meaningful experiences and relationships.
Shaping Retirement – Retirement shouldn’t be viewed as a hard stop at 60; practicing hobbies, passions, and values earlier creates smoother transitions.
Insights Worth Sharing
“We’ve let money become the organizing principle of our lives. But money is just the tool, not the boss.”
“Our most important interaction is when life takes us off the plan, not when everything goes right.”
“Real financial advice is the process of aligning your use of money, time, energy, and attention with what’s truly important to you.”
“Discipline is a strength, but sometimes it keeps you from enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build.”
Resources
Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches – Link to pre-order Carl Richards’ new book which releases October 21st 2025
Upcoming Live Virtual Book Launch Event - you’re invited to virtually join Carl Richards and Ron Lieber on September 30th 2025 for the new book launch. To get information about attending this virtual event, please email us at info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca prior to the event and we will send you information
Carl Richards Website
The Behaviour Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money – Carl Richards Book
The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way To Be Smart About Your Money – Carl Richards Book
The Sketch Guy – Carl Richards New York Times column
Behaviour Gap Radio – Carl Richards Daily Podcast
50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards – Carl Richards Podcast
The Society of Advice – Monthly Online Workshops for Financial Advisors
Money is Just a Tool: Carl Richards on Real Financial Planning
When most people think about financial problems, they assume the issues lie in the numbers. But as bestselling author and financial illustrator Carl Richards explains, the real challenge isn’t the math—it’s us. In a recent conversation with Joe Curry, Carl sheds light on why simplicity in financial planning is so powerful and how true financial advice goes far beyond picking investments.
The Power of Simplicity
Financial concepts are often cloaked in jargon, leaving clients overwhelmed. Richards became known worldwide for his simple sketches, which distill complicated financial ideas into clear, visual truths. His philosophy? The fewer words and the simpler the drawing, the more effective the message. This clarity helps clients make better financial decisions and feel confident in their future.
Defining Real Financial Planning
Richards challenges the industry’s obsession with big binders and predictive spreadsheets. Real financial planning, he argues, is about alignment—making sure your money, time, energy, and attention reflect what truly matters in your life. This perspective transforms planning from a one-time event into an ongoing process of course correction, because life rarely unfolds in a straight line.
The True Value of Advice
Why hire a financial advisor if you’re smart and capable? Because blind spots exist. An advisor helps clients see where their well-intentioned actions don’t line up with their goals. Sometimes that means encouraging a disciplined saver to finally enjoy their wealth—or showing someone grinding in a job they hate that they have more options than they think. Richards explains that advisors often serve as permission-givers, helping clients spend confidently and live fully.
What’s More Important Than Money?
At the heart of the discussion is a critical truth: money itself isn’t the most important thing. Instead, it’s the relationships, experiences, and sense of purpose that money makes possible. Richards urges clients to stop letting money and work dominate life and instead focus on what brings meaning. Retirement, then, becomes less about an end date and more about designing a life aligned with values.
Looking Ahead: Your Money, Reimagined
Richards’ upcoming book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, offers 101 sketches paired with short essays designed to spark meaningful conversations about money. As he notes, the goal isn’t just to read a book—it’s to start conversations with spouses, friends, or advisors about what really matters.
Takeaway for Retirees and Pre-Retirees
For those nearing retirement, Richards suggests one simple action: stop delaying joy. Pick one small thing you’ve been putting off and do it this week. Whether it’s treating a friend to coffee or exploring a new hobby, practicing enjoyment is key to living a life where money serves its true purpose—as a tool, not the destination.