Podcast
Kitces and Carl - Real Talk for Real Financial Advisors
Hosted by Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP and Carl Richards, CFP
A no-holds barred conversation for Real Financial Advisors with industry nerd Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards. One draws with a Sharpie, the other nerds out with spreadsheets, and both provide you with unique perspectives so that you can more effectively communicate with and serve your clients, run a more fulfilling practice, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Listen on host site
Opens the podcast's host site in a new tab.
RSS100 episodes
Episodes
- The Advisor Talent Shortage: Will AI Solve... Or Exacerbate It?May 14, 2026 · 31 minIn the 190th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how artificial intelligence could reshape the industry—and why one possible outcome may not be as appealing as it seems. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Navigating Change Fatigue With And While Serving ClientsApr 30, 2026 · 43 minIn the 189th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to support and guide clients when things feel uncertain. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- The Remarkable Liquidity Of Financial Advisory Firms When Planning Your Own Advisor RetirementApr 16, 2026 · 38 minIn the 188th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what steps advisors can begin taking today to position themselves for a successful sale in the future. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Mitigating Risk From (Litigious) Clients When Your Advisor Team Grows Beyond YouApr 2, 2026 · 34 minIn the 187th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the safeguards firms can put in place to protect themselves from legal risk, especially as they grow. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Communicating The Value Of Financial Planning That Clients Don't Come For In The First PlaceMar 19, 2026 · 34 minIn the 186th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss effective ways to convey the real value of financial planning so it genuinely resonates with clients. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- The Financial Planning Value Disconnect When Clients Don't Appreciate The Long-Term BenefitsMar 5, 2026 · 39 minIn the 185th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what clients truly value in their relationships with financial advisors. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- The (Unexpected) Ways AI Is Changing Content Marketing For Financial AdvisorsFeb 19, 2026 · 28 minIn the 184th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how artificial intelligence has made content marketing simultaneously more accessible and more challenging than ever. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Should Advisors Provide Opinionated Advice Or Coach Clients To Choose Their Own Path?Feb 5, 2026 · 36 minIn the 183rd episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss whether it's more effective to give clients clear, step-by-step guidance or empower them to become the heroes of their own stories. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Why Advisor Succession Plans Fail: Retirement Age Is Peak Advisor HappinessJan 22, 2026 · 35 minIn the 182nd episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the happiest time in an advisor's career—and how that may be fueling the industry's succession planning gap. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Helping Clients With AI Bubble Fears To Stay The CourseJan 8, 2026 · 42 minIn the 181st episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to thoughtfully address client fears and uncertainties about the rapidly evolving AI landscape. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Aligning Your Capital With What's Important To You By Focusing On Where You PAY AttentionDec 25, 2025 · 33 minIn the 180th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the four sources of capital—and how the way you use them reveals your true priorities versus your stated ones. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Holding Back From Hiring Associate Advisors Out Of Fear They're Just Going To Move OnDec 11, 2025 · 33 minIn the 179th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the common angst advisors feel about the idea of their associate advisors eventually leaving to build teams of their own. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Helping Retired Clients To Actually Start Spending (And Enjoying) Their MoneyNov 27, 2025 · 31 minIn the 178th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why many retirees struggle to spend the money they spent a lifetime saving—and how advisors can help. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Ways To Say No To Avoid Making Yourself Too BusyNov 13, 2025 · 38 minIn the 177th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why learning to say "no" can be game-changing—and how to do it without all the guilt. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Ways To Say 'Yes' Sustainably To Prospects In Need Who Don't Fit Your MinimumsOct 30, 2025 · 34 minIn the 176th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to support clients who need financial guidance but can't afford traditional advisory fees. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Visual Sketches As Conversation Starters To Help Clients Make Better Financial DecisionsOct 16, 2025 · 47 minIn the 175th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how sketches can spark more meaningful money conversations . For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- What Jobs Have You Given Money (That Shape How You Give Advice)?Oct 2, 2025 · 30 minIn the 174th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what they'd say if they could talk directly to money—and what money might say back. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- When Prospects Say No Because They're Not Ready To Break Up With Their Current AdvisorSep 18, 2025 · 29 minIn the 173rd episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle receiving the "soft no" after meeting with a client who seems like a great fit. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Scaling Financial Planning Client Affluence vs. Technology EfficienciesSep 4, 2025 · 32 minIn the 172nd episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what research reveals as the key driver of productivity among financial advisors. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- When Advising Clients Loses Its Spark: Burned Out, Or Bored-Out?Aug 21, 2025 · 30 minIn the 171st episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss advisor burnout—and the hidden culprit that could be fueling it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Helping Clients Navigate AI Career Challenges By Building Financial Planning ResiliencyAug 7, 2025 · 33 minIn the 170th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how financial advisors can help clients navigate career uncertainty caused by AI disruption by focusing on actionable items, offering flexibility vs long-term growth, and being more proactive in planning strategies. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Is There A Future Of Financial Planning In The AI Era?Jul 24, 2025 · 42 minIn the 169th episode of Kitces and Carl , Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards explore how AI is set to transform the roles advisors play and the unique value they provide in client relationships. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Do You Really Have To Go Deep With Every New Client In The First Meeting?Jul 10, 2025 · 36 minIn our 168th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss whether it's more effective to dive deep in the first client meeting or to focus on the immediate issue and reserve the more emotional conversations for future sessions. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Are Financial Advisors Less Happy When Working With HNW Clients?Jun 26, 2025 · 36 minIn our 167th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the complex emotions money can stir up—and how a client's level of wealth can shape an advisor's happiness in their own life. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Financial Planners As The Guide To Help Clients Navigating Potentially Changing TerrainJun 12, 2025 · 35 minIn our 166th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to help clients un learn unhelpful lessons and shift from relying on luck-based decisions to making strategic, informed choices. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Finding Repeatable Conversations To Explain Complex Concepts More Understandably To ClientsMay 29, 2025 · 35 minIn our 165th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards explore strategies for breaking down complex ideas into clear, simple explanations that clients can easily grasp. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Is Complexity In Financial Planning Necessary To Prove (Young) Advisor Credibility? Kitces & Carl Ep 164May 15, 2025 · 30 minIn our 164th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to strike the right balance between technical accuracy and clear, client-friendly communication. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Overcoming Objections When Clients Reject The Recommendation By Asking What You MissedMay 1, 2025 · 32 minIn our 163rd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle when clients not only ignore advice but actively push back against it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Avoiding Staff Management Duties You Don't Want By Paying A Virtual Assistant For Only What You NeedApr 17, 2025 · 33 minIn our 162nd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how a virtual assistant can support management responsibilities—and how to identify what tasks are worth delegating in the first place. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- How Valuable Is Getting Feedback About Your Original Business Ideas (That Others May Not Get Anyway)?Apr 3, 2025 · 39 minIn our 161st episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how they navigate others' opinions on their projects—and the strategies they use to invite feedback in the first place. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Calming Clients With Anxiety About Trump Tariffs And Trade WarsMar 20, 2025 · 44 minIn our 160th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what advisors can do to keep clients from panicking—and making poor financial decisions—during market volatility. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- When You Promised Early Clients Special Fees Or Minimums You Can No Longer HonorMar 6, 2025 · 30 minIn our 159th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what to do when your original fees no longer make financial sense—but you promised to honor them for some clients. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Should Prospects Be Allowed To Move Forward If They Don't Want To Think It Over First?Feb 20, 2025 · 34 minIn our 158th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the reasoning behind not allowing clients—even excited ones—to sign up the day of their first meeting. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Reducing The Fears Of Prospective Clients By Communicating Clear Expectations Before The First MeetingFeb 6, 2025 · 31 minIn our 157th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss tactics for reducing the worry that can arise for people when meeting with a financial advisor for the first time. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- How Are You Getting Value Out Of ChatGPT As A Financial Advisor?Jan 23, 2025 · 30 minIn our 156th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how they're using ChatGPT in their own work and share their thoughts on the future of AI in financial advising. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- How Do You Know When You Are Adding Value Versus Just Trying To Justify Your Fees?Jan 9, 2025 · 37 minIn our 155th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss a common pitfall among advisors, and what you should consider to make sure you're actually adding value—not just wasting time. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- The Limits Where Technology Can't Scale Financial Planning AdviceDec 26, 2024 · 32 minIn our 154th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss technology and AI's role in the future of financial advice. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Evaluating The Tradeoffs That Come With Retaining 'Legacy' ClientsDec 12, 2024 · 36 minIn our 153rd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what to do when legacy clients start to hurt profitability down the line. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Advisory Fee Confidence And Building The Happy-Client Stoke FileNov 28, 2024 · 30 minIn our 152nd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss surprising data from recent research on the different ways advisors charge fees. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- What's Holding You Back From Delegating What You Need To Let Go Of?Nov 14, 2024 · 35 minIn our 151st episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what often stands in the way of delegating tasks—and what you can do to avoid common sticking points. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- When The Early Years' Scarcity As A Financial Advisor Prevents You From Growing To The Next LevelOct 31, 2024 · 28 minIn our 150th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how the scarcity mentality many new advisors experience when just starting out can negatively affect their career down the road—and how to avoid this common trap. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Do You Really Need A Business Partner… Or A Study Group?Oct 17, 2024 · 31 minIn our 149th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why having friends in the trenches with you as you launch your own firm might be more valuable than having a business partner. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Making It Easier To Get Started By NOT Building In Public And Focusing On Version 0 InsteadOct 3, 2024 · 34 minIn our 148th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the mindset shift that can help when you're scared to take the next step toward your goals. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Preparing An Advisory Firm For The Risk Of A Market (And Revenue) DeclineSep 19, 2024 · 33 minIn our 147th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss what advisors can do to prepare for the next market downturn. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Re-Educating Clients (Scalably) After They 'Read Something On The Internet'Sep 5, 2024 · 29 minIn our 146th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how to handle when clients try to educate themselves about finance online—but come away with misinformation. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Explaining The Full Value Of (Life) Planning By Unlocking The Emotional Job To Be DoneAug 22, 2024 · 32 minIn our 145th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how advisors can communicate their planning style in their marketing before investing time in client meetings that may or may not lead to long-term engagement. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- The Success Trap Of Boutique Practices And Building With IntentionalityAug 8, 2024 · 28 minIn our 144th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss how fast growth can get in the way of working "lifestyle" hours—and what to do about it. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Taking Over Clients From An Advisor With A Different Personality And Communication Style: Kitces & Carl Ep 143Jul 25, 2024 · 36 minIn our 143rd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards explore how next-gen advisors can navigate transitioning clients accustomed to a quantitative approach to financial planning. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Carl's 13 Magical Questions Of Conversational Goodness With (New) ClientsJul 11, 2024 · 45 minIn our 142nd episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss impactful questions to ask clients in order to create deeper conversations and deeper connections. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .
- Creating The Space To Have More Meaningful Money Conversations With ClientsJun 27, 2024 · 38 minIn our 141st episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the powerful questions to ask clients in order to create impactful conversations about money. For full show notes, see kitces.com and thesocietyofadvice.com .