Reflection of the Week
101 Sketches To Start Meaningful Conversations
Happy Friday, all!
This week, I had the privilege of speaking again with someone who’s had a profound impact on my career and the very creation of this podcast: Carl Richards. If you’ve seen a Sharpie-drawn sketch that made you rethink your relationship with money, chances are it was Carl’s. As a financial planner, New York Times columnist, and author, Carl has built a career around simplifying the complexity of money through honest, values-driven conversations.
In our latest conversation, we dove into his newest book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches. It’s a collection of 101 drawings and essays designed to spark meaningful discussions about what money really means. I’ve already found these prompts helpful—not just in my own life, but in guiding clients to get to the heart of real financial planning.
Carl reminds us that our money decisions are less about spreadsheets and more about emotions. One of the most powerful sketches in his book simply reads, “Money = Feelings.” That truth runs deep. Whether it’s anxiety, joy, guilt, or freedom, our financial choices are charged with emotional energy. The more we acknowledge that, the more empowered we are to make decisions that reflect our values.
Another insight that struck me was Carl’s suggestion to bring order to chaos when we’re feeling overwhelmed. “There are so many global things going on that are out of our control,” he said. “If you feel nervous or scared, go clean the garage, do the dishes, do something that gives you a sense of control and order.” It’s a simple, grounding reminder that small actions can provide emotional stability and clarity.
And finally, the age-old question: can money buy happiness? Carl believes it can—if you know how to spend it. “Nobody wants more money,” he said. “They want what they think money will give them.” When we align our spending with our values—more time, more freedom, more connection—that’s where happiness lives.
Questions of the Week
- What feelings come up for you when you think about money?
- Where in your life could creating a bit of order help you feel more grounded?
- Are you spending your money in ways that reflect your deepest values?
Tool of the Week
This week’s resource is Carl Richards’ latest book: Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches. Whether you use it as a journaling prompt, conversation starter, or just a fresh way to think about money, it’s a beautifully simple tool to realign your financial life with what matters most. I highly recommend it for both personal use and client conversations.
My listeners can save an additional 5% on bulk orders by using the code YourMoney5 at checkout.
I loved it, and I think you will, too. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Best,
Brian