Reimagining Wealth: Conversations That Matter with Carl Richards & Adam Koós
In a world obsessed with numbers, performance charts, and account balances, it’s easy to lose sight of what wealth really means. On a recent episode of The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast, host Adam Koós sat down with author, speaker, and “Sketch Guy” columnist Carl Richards to talk about redefining money—not as math, but as meaning.
Carl’s latest book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, challenges readers to look beyond spreadsheets and start having the kinds of conversations that actually matter.
Let’s unpack the lessons.
Defining Wealth: Freedom, Not Figures
As Carl puts it, the most important step in financial planning isn’t calculating returns—it’s defining what a rich life looks like.
“Is wealth freedom? Security? Outperforming your neighbors? A Lamborghini? Whatever it is—get clear about it first, then align your choices around that.”
This mindset shifts financial planning from accumulation to alignment. Once you know why money matters to you, every decision—spending, saving, or investing—can serve that purpose.
The Sketch That Started It All
Carl’s “Behavior Gap” sketches—simple stick-figure drawings that went viral—weren’t born from strategy. They came from desperation.
“I was explaining something to a client. They didn’t get it. I drew it on the whiteboard, and suddenly—‘Oh, I get it now.’”
What began as a quick doodle to clarify a point became a communication revolution. His visuals distilled complex financial ideas into human truths. More importantly, they sparked conversations—between spouses, coworkers, even parents and kids.
That, Carl says, was the goal all along. Not art. Not advice. Connection.
Money’s Job Description: Stop Asking It to Do What It Can’t
One of Carl’s most powerful lines from the interview:
“There will never be enough money to pay for all your fears.”
Fear, he explains, isn’t a financial problem—it’s a human one. Yet most people treat money like therapy, expecting it to deliver happiness, love, or peace of mind.
His analogy?
If you need a hammer but grab a screwdriver, you’ll get frustrated—not because the tool is broken, but because you’re asking it to do the wrong job.
Money is a tool. Its job is choice and freedom—not fulfillment.
Spend the Money (Yes, Really)
For retirees especially, Carl’s favorite sketch is a simple Venn diagram:
People You Love + Experiences = Spend the Money!
Many clients who reach retirement got there through discipline and delayed gratification. But those same habits can make it hard to enjoy what they’ve earned.
“All the spreadsheets can prove you have enough—so go take the trip, help the kids, make the memories.”
Spending on shared experiences and causes you care about, he notes, produces the highest return on investment life has to offer.
Wealth as Meaning, Not Measurement
Carl shared a story about mountain biking with his daughter. When she said, “We’re the wealthiest family I know,” he instinctively compared net worths—until she clarified:
“No, I mean, we’ve always been able to do what we wanted. That’s wealth.”
That’s the heart of the book—and the episode. True wealth is measured in time, flexibility, and freedom, not dollars.
AI, Advice, and the Human Element
As artificial intelligence transforms industries, Carl believes technology will replace advisors who only trade on data—but it will amplify the value of those who focus on behavior and purpose.
He compares it to a self-driving car:
It can handle the mechanics of getting from point A to B, but you still have to decide where you want to go.
Financial planning is no different. Tools can automate transactions, but only humans can provide wisdom, perspective, and empathy.
Your Money, Reimagined
Carl calls his new book “a conversation grenade”—a collection of 101 short sketches and essays designed to be flipped open anywhere, sparking dialogue at home or in the office.
It’s not a book of answers. It’s a prompt for better questions.
Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches is available everywhere books are sold (and yes—there’s an audiobook, complete with Carl describing each sketch in his own voice.
Key Takeaways
- Define Wealth Before You Chase It.
Get clear on what a rich life means to you—freedom, time, impact—and align your money accordingly. - Stop Giving Money Jobs It Can’t Do.
Money can buy comfort or peace. Use it for what it’s good at: creating options. - Spend on People and Experiences.
Memories with loved ones deliver the best ROI of all. - Advice Isn’t Going Away—It’s Evolving.
AI can calculate. Only humans can connect.
Final Thoughts
At Libertas Wealth, we believe money should serve your life—not the other way around.
Carl Richards’ work is a powerful reminder that financial planning isn’t just about charts and returns; it’s about meaning, clarity, and conversation.
So, the next time you think about your financial goals, ask yourself: What does wealth mean to me?
When you can answer that question, the rest of your plan starts to make sense.
If you’d like a second opinion on your retirement plan or investment strategy, schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory call at libertaswealth.com. Let’s make sure your money is working toward what truly matters.