This essay might be one of the most important from my new book, "Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches."

It’s called "Life Meets Money" and it’s about what really drives good financial decisions. Not markets. Not headlines. But the messy, human stuff underneath: goals, timing, fear, meaning.

This is my behind-the-scenes thinking that shaped essay #10 in the new book coming out in October 2025.

This is the essay:

Good financial decisions happen at the intersection of what’s going on in your life and what’s going on in the markets and the economy.

We start with a simple question. Then we get into the details, the nuances, the exceptions and trade-offs. Suddenly, things get very complicated.

It’s complicated because two complex forces collide: your life and the markets. That intersection is where every good financial decision is made.

🎁 Want a preview of the book?
Email hello@behaviorgap.com with the subject line "Friend of Carl" and we’ll send you 7 of my favorite sketches and essays in the book.

📚 Pre-order now:
My recommendation? One copy from Amazon, one from your favorite local bookstore!
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Reimagining-Wealth-Sketches/dp/1804091715
• Bulk orders (25+ copies) — Use code YourMoney5 at checkout for an additional 5% off the already discounted bulk order pricing: https://bulkbooks.com/products/your-money-reimagining-wealth-in-simple-sketches