From Sharpie to Simplicity: Carl Richards redefining Money and Meaning, with Sketch's that foster Conversations

Written By TJ Meehan

About the Guest(s):

Carl Richards started The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times from the hills of Utah, crafting clear, relatable insights about money with just cardstock and a Sharpie. The column ran weekly for a decade. This journey began when Carl applied for what he thought was a job as a “security guard,” only to find out the ad actually said “securities.” That slight misstep sparked a lifelong dedication to reshaping how we think about money.

Since then, Carl has become a Certified Financial Planner™, built and sold a successful investment firm, and spoken at financial and investment events worldwide—from Australia to South Africa, the UK, and major economic centers across Europe, Canada, and the United States. His bestsellers, The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, have been translated into over ten languages and continue to resonate globally.

Through his daily podcast, Behavior Gap Radio, which now has over 1,000 episodes and over one million downloads, Carl shares new perspectives on aligning our resources with what truly matters. His latest audio project, 50 Fires, backed by executive producers Chip and Joanna Gaines, explores the intersections of money and meaning with guests like Pete Holmes, David Whyte, Krista Tippett, and his favorite guest by far, his wife, Cori.

Carl founded The Society of Advice, a community of financial planners dedicated to the craft of advice. They gather for a monthly online workshop and frequent retreats in Park City, Utah.

In 2025, Carl will release a new book that, true to form, will be unlike anything seen in the personal finance section—and you better believe there will be sketches (101 of them, to be exact).

Pre-Order: Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches

When he’s not exploring ideas about money, Carl, a Wilderness First Responder, can be found navigating Utah’s high mountain ridges on foot, skis, or bike. Married to Cori since 1995, they have four kids, whom they consider their best friends.

For information about Carl Richards speaking to your organization or appearing on your podcast, click here.

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of Money Roots, host Amy Irvine welcomes Carl Richards, also known as the Sketch Guy of the New York Times. The discussion centers around Carl's innovative new book, which serves as both a financial guide and conversation starter, featuring 101 insightful sketches and essays about personal finance. Through this medium, Carl aims to encourage meaningful dialogue about money—a subject often avoided yet deeply impactful in our personal lives. From his unconventional start in finance to becoming an influential voice in financial planning, Carl’s journey is a testament to reshaping how people perceive and engage with money.

Throughout the conversation, Carl emphasizes the critical role of conversations in financial planning, advocating that understanding and clarity arise from dialogue. Amy and Carl delve into the book’s thematic sections, exploring how each segment—from mindset to wisdom—guides readers through an introspective financial journey. The podcast highlights Carl's aspiration to reduce global money-related anxiety and foster healthier relationships with finances. By aligning personal values with financial habits, Carl encourages readers and listeners alike to engage with the emotional complexities of money. This episode offers a fresh perspective on financial literacy, underscoring the transformative power of conversation and simplicity in understanding money matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carl Richards transformed complex financial concepts into simple sketches to facilitate understanding and conversation.

  • The book, featuring 101 sketches and essays, is designed to provoke meaningful discussions about money.

  • Key sections of the book include “Mindset,” “Stillness,” and “Wisdom,” helping guide users through the financial experience.

  • The ultimate goal of Carl’s book is to decrease the global anxiety surrounding money through improved financial dialogue.

  • Financial planning is most effective when it is conversational, helping clients align personal values with financial actions.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "I'm convinced that really good financial decisions happen in conversation."

  2. "Your values are not at war; they're in conversation."

  3. "There's something magic about especially the physical version of a book."

  4. "The global anxiety around our money hasn't been getting better."

  5. "I just want to lower the global anxiety around our relationship with money."

Resources:

Explore Carl Richards' engaging approach to financial planning in this episode, offering insights to deepen your understanding of personal finance. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Money Roots, dialing into the heart of financial wisdom and growth.

TJ Meehan
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