Brian Portnoy, Ph.D., CFA, is an expert at simplifying the complex world of money.
He has served as keynote speaker, seminar leader, and coach to thousands of investors on topics ranging from portfolio strategy to the connection between money and happiness.
He is a CFA Charterholder, earned his doctorate at the University of Chicago, and serves on the advisory board for the Alliance for Decision Education.
In his three books, The Investor’s Paradox, The Geometry of Wealth, and How I Invest My Money, he illustrates how to not only make better financial decisions but also figure out how money fits into a joyful life. Brian also founded Shaping Wealth, a financial wellness platform that works with individuals and organisations.
In his talk for GAIA on ‘Money, Happiness and the Future of Advice’, Brian talks about how to best to help those whom professional planners serve. Moving on to the history of financial advice, he talks about how the vanguard of the profession has constantly reinvented itself.
Another topic he touches on is ‘physical’ versus ‘emotional’ versus ‘spiritual’ versus ‘financial well-being’. People want to lead good lives, which involves money. As advisers, we are critical guides on their quest to achieve this. Finally, on ‘more’ versus ‘enough’, we all want to grow, progress and thrive in life. However, the push for ‘more’ can also produce sadness and frustration, which is why it’s important to understand what ‘enough’ actually is. The good news is that he defines a state of ‘funded contentment’ which is achievable to all as ‘the ability to underwrite a life that is meaning to you.’
All in all, Brian’s talk provides countless insights for our profession as we aim to become agents of positive change along our clients’ life journeys.
