Summary:
In this deeply human episode of Beyond the Numbers, Scott Stevens is joined by Brian Portnoy, author of The Geometry of Wealth and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, to explore what it truly means to live a meaningful financial life.
Brian challenges traditional norms in financial advice by asking a powerful question: What if true wealth isn't about getting more, but about funding a life that actually matters to you? He introduces the concept of “funded contentment” - the ability to underwrite a life that is meaningful, and unpacks how advisers can use this idea to transform their client relationships.
Drawing on behavioural finance, storytelling, and coaching psychology, Brian explains why most clients don’t need more information, they need empathy, clarity, and confidence. This conversation is a masterclass in how to show up not just as a technician, but as a guide through life’s uncertainties. If you’re ready to grow your practice by going deeper with your clients, this episode is your roadmap.
Top 10 Takeaways
- True Wealth Is Funded Contentment: Wealth isn’t about being rich. It’s about aligning your money with a life of meaning, purpose, and connection.
- The Adviser’s Role: From Expert to Guide: Great advisers are not just mechanics. They're co-pilots helping clients navigate the messy middle between money and meaning.
- Advice That Sticks Begins with Empathy: Human-first advice starts with self-awareness. Advisers must do their own inner work to show up fully for others.
- Clarity Is the Antidote to Chaos: Amid life’s uncertainty, clients crave clarity. A well-crafted plan becomes their stable foundation.
- Navigating the Paradox of Choice: More options don’t mean better outcomes. Advisers create value by narrowing the field, then co-creating a path forward.
- Planning Is the Bridge Between Goals and Purpose: Portfolios serve plans. Plans serve lives. The real work lies in helping clients live intentionally, not just retire comfortably.
- Clients Don’t Want More. They Want Enough: The pursuit of “more” never ends. Advisers who guide clients toward “enough” foster peace of mind and better decisions. Money Is Emotional. Start There: Money is a lightning rod for fear, hope, shame, and pride. Advisers who engage these emotions can build lasting trust.
- Stories Shape Our Financial Lives: We are storytellers, not calculators. Understanding a client’s money story unlocks motivation and meaning.
- Permission to Go Deep Starts with You: Most clients are ready for real conversations. It's advisers who need permission to move beyond the numbers.
Great Phrases
“True wealth is the ability to underwrite a life that is meaningful to you.”, . “Clients would rather talk about death than money. It’s an emotional lightning rod.”, “Being rich is the pursuit of more. Being wealthy is something deeper.” “Empathy is not a soft skill. It’s a power skill.”.
Resources (linked)
Brian's books:
The Geometry of Wealth
How I Invest My Money
https://www.shapingwealth.com/
Series of available programmes and coaching sessions: https://www.shapingwealth.com/experiences
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