Episode Details

Episode 032: In this episode, I sit down with behavioral finance author Brian Portnoy to explore what wealth really means beyond numbers on a balance sheet. We talk about the idea of funded contentment and how aligning your money with purpose, priorities, and decisions can lead to a more meaningful life. Brian also breaks down his “geometry of wealth” framework and the four C’s of contentment—connection, control, competence, and context.

We dive into the psychology of money, including how childhood experiences shape our financial beliefs and why we’re wired to constantly want more, even when “enough” might already be within reach. This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial planning isn’t just about returns—it’s about purpose, meaning, and minimizing regret along the way.

Brian Portnoy, PhD, CFA is the Founder and CEO of Shaping Wealth and a global leader on the psychology of money. He is the author of three behavioral finance books published in 15 languages, including the bestseller The Geometry of Wealth. Brian spent more than 20 years in the hedge fund and mutual fund industries and earned his PhD from the University of Chicago.