Behavior Gap Radio 1420 | Price the Regret
Mar 24, 2026
A fresh take on spending decisions that asks not just about price but about the cost of regret. Short anecdotes and a concert example show how time and meaning can change the math. Practical reframes encourage purposeful spending and weighing emotional costs alongside monetary ones.
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Affordability Often Means Regret
- People often ask "Can I afford it?" but are actually asking if they can afford the regret of not going.
- Carl Richards points out the true cost includes time, energy, and missed chances to do things while you still can.
Daughter's Concert As A Regret Test
- Carl gives the example of a daughter inviting a parent to a concert where the parent hesitates over money.
- The scenario illustrates how regret and limited time with loved ones can outweigh monetary concerns.
Rephrase I Can't Afford It
- When tempted to say "I can't afford it," try saying "We've decided to use our money in a different way."
- Carl offers this phrasing to acknowledge choice and keep focus on priorities while still leaving room for meaningful alternatives.