Description
How does money figure into a happy life? In The Geometry of Wealth, behavioral finance expert Brian Portnoy delivers an inspired answer, building on the critical distinction between being rich and being wealthy. While one is an unsatisfying treadmill, the other is the ability to underwrite a meaningful life, however one chooses to define that. Truly viewed, wealth is funded contentment. At the heart of this groundbreaking perspective, Portnoy takes readers on a journey toward wealth, informed by disciplines ranging from ancient history to modern neuroscience. He contends that tackling the big questions about a joyful life and tending to financial decisions are complementary, not separate, tasks. These big questions include: - How is the human brain wired for two distinct experiences of happiness? And why can money "buy" one but not the other? - What are the touchstones of a meaningful life, and are they affordable? - Why is market savvy among the least important sources of wealth but self-awareness is among the most? - How does one strike a balance between striving for more while being content with enough? This journey memorably contours along three basic shapes: A circle, triangle and square help us to visualize how we adapt to evolving circumstances, set clear priorities, and find empowerment in simplicity. In this accessible and entertaining book, Portnoy reveals that true wealth is achievable for many - including those who despair it is out of reach - but only in the context of a life in which purpose and practice are thoughtfully calibrated.
About the Author
Brian Portnoy, PhD, CFA, is an expert at simplifying the complex world of money. His insights and advice are driven by a passion for teaching and investing, and based on a 25-year career in both money management and academia. Brian is the Director of Investment Education at Virtus Investment Partners, a diversified investment company with $80 billion under management. He leads the firm's thought leadership initiatives on sound investing and smarter decision-making for both financial advisers and individuals. He has worked throughout the hedge fund and mutual fund industries, having held senior strategy, investment, and research roles at Chicago Equity Partners, Mesirow Financial, and Morningstar. He is the author of The Investor's Paradox: The Power of Simplicity in a World of Overwhelming Choice (Palgrave, 2014). Through the lens of behavioural finance, the book provides a practical road map for navigating the complex landscape of countless investment strategies. He regularly blogs for Forbes.com, has spoken to audiences globally about investing and decision-making, and has lectured on the history and future of hedge funds at the US Securities and Exchange Commission as part of its Leading Authors series. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Brian pursued his research and teaching interests in political economy at the University of Chicago, where he earned his doctorate. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Brian lives with his wife and three children on the north side of Chicago.
Reviews
"Managing one's money is an emotionally fraught job, and comes with a confusing lexicon to boot. Is it any wonder so many individuals devote less time to their personal finances than they do planning their next vacation? Brian Portnoy's The Geometry of Wealth makes a bracing assertion: it doesn't have to be this way. In this elegant and insightful volume, he imparts the crucial message that building "wealth" isn't strictly about money, but finding the intersection between our life's purpose and the funds needed to achieve it. It's essential reading for serious and novice investors alike." -Christine Benz, Morningstar, Director of Personal Finance ; "In the Geometry of Wealth, Brian Portnoy has done something wholly unique and framed the conversation around money in a manner never before previously considered. Using a simple framework to make profound points, Dr. Portnoy has crafted a work that is simultaneously educational and poignant. For those looking to revolutionize their approach to money and even life, this book receives my highest recommendation." -Dr. Daniel Crosby, NYT bestselling author of The Laws of Wealth ; "In The Geometry of Wealth, Brian Portnoy has used his incredible talent for translating financial drudgery into simple, accessible, and entertaining prose to help us re-define our satisfaction with money. He has written a book that will leave you truly wealthier for reading it." -Corey Hoffstein, Chief Investment Officer, Newfound Research ; "The Geometry of Wealth walks you through what really matters in our relationship with money. In clear language, simple enough for my kids to understand and sophisticated enough for professionals, Portnoy gets to the heart of the issue. And that's the point - our relationship with money is about what's in our heart and what troubles our mind. Geometry brings it all together in a framework that every reader can follow to live a more contented life." -Ted Seides, Managing Partner, Hidden Brook Investments ; "Good books about money are few and far between. Great books about money - which provide useful investment analysis and helpful personal insight presented powerfully and engagingly - are as rare as a bad investment by Warren Buffett, largely because the universe of terrific writers with the academic power and practical experience to write such a book is vanishingly small. The Geometry of Wealth is a great book about money because of who Brian Portnoy is, what he knows, and how well he writes. Don't miss it." -Bob Seawright, Chief Investment Officer, Madison Avenue Securities ; "The Geometry of Wealth is told in three parts, with each part matched with a shape that represents a journey from purpose to priorities to tactics. At each respective step, we adapt to life's evolving circumstances, set clear and actionable priorities, and render difficult decisions easier through the act of simplification. Creating a seamless narrative, not accomplished elsewhere, as money tends to be addressed either in broad philosophical terms or wonky technical details and Portnoy is considered an expert at simplifying the complex world of money." -Brian Tramuel, Contributor for Retirement Savvy
Book Information
ISBN 9780857196712
Author Brian Portnoy
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Harriman House Publishing
Publisher Harriman House Publishing
About the Author
Brian Portnoy, PhD, CFA, is an expert at simplifying the complex world of money. His insights and advice are driven by a passion for teaching and investing, and based on a 25-year career in both money management and academia. Brian is the Director of Investment Education at Virtus Investment Partners, a diversified investment company with $80 billion under management. He leads the firm's thought leadership initiatives on sound investing and smarter decision-making for both financial advisers and individuals. He has worked throughout the hedge fund and mutual fund industries, having held senior strategy, investment, and research roles at Chicago Equity Partners, Mesirow Financial, and Morningstar. He is the author of The Investor's Paradox: The Power of Simplicity in a World of Overwhelming Choice (Palgrave, 2014). Through the lens of behavioural finance, the book provides a practical road map for navigating the complex landscape of countless investment strategies. He regularly blogs for Forbes.com, has spoken to audiences globally about investing and decision-making, and has lectured on the history and future of hedge funds at the US Securities and Exchange Commission as part of its Leading Authors series. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Brian pursued his research and teaching interests in political economy at the University of Chicago, where he earned his doctorate. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Brian lives with his wife and three children on the north side of Chicago.
Reviews
"Managing one's money is an emotionally fraught job, and comes with a confusing lexicon to boot. Is it any wonder so many individuals devote less time to their personal finances than they do planning their next vacation? Brian Portnoy's The Geometry of Wealth makes a bracing assertion: it doesn't have to be this way. In this elegant and insightful volume, he imparts the crucial message that building "wealth" isn't strictly about money, but finding the intersection between our life's purpose and the funds needed to achieve it. It's essential reading for serious and novice investors alike." -Christine Benz, Morningstar, Director of Personal Finance ; "In the Geometry of Wealth, Brian Portnoy has done something wholly unique and framed the conversation around money in a manner never before previously considered. Using a simple framework to make profound points, Dr. Portnoy has crafted a work that is simultaneously educational and poignant. For those looking to revolutionize their approach to money and even life, this book receives my highest recommendation." -Dr. Daniel Crosby, NYT bestselling author of The Laws of Wealth ; "In The Geometry of Wealth, Brian Portnoy has used his incredible talent for translating financial drudgery into simple, accessible, and entertaining prose to help us re-define our satisfaction with money. He has written a book that will leave you truly wealthier for reading it." -Corey Hoffstein, Chief Investment Officer, Newfound Research ; "The Geometry of Wealth walks you through what really matters in our relationship with money. In clear language, simple enough for my kids to understand and sophisticated enough for professionals, Portnoy gets to the heart of the issue. And that's the point - our relationship with money is about what's in our heart and what troubles our mind. Geometry brings it all together in a framework that every reader can follow to live a more contented life." -Ted Seides, Managing Partner, Hidden Brook Investments ; "Good books about money are few and far between. Great books about money - which provide useful investment analysis and helpful personal insight presented powerfully and engagingly - are as rare as a bad investment by Warren Buffett, largely because the universe of terrific writers with the academic power and practical experience to write such a book is vanishingly small. The Geometry of Wealth is a great book about money because of who Brian Portnoy is, what he knows, and how well he writes. Don't miss it." -Bob Seawright, Chief Investment Officer, Madison Avenue Securities ; "The Geometry of Wealth is told in three parts, with each part matched with a shape that represents a journey from purpose to priorities to tactics. At each respective step, we adapt to life's evolving circumstances, set clear and actionable priorities, and render difficult decisions easier through the act of simplification. Creating a seamless narrative, not accomplished elsewhere, as money tends to be addressed either in broad philosophical terms or wonky technical details and Portnoy is considered an expert at simplifying the complex world of money." -Brian Tramuel, Contributor for Retirement Savvy
Book Information
ISBN 9780857196712
Author Brian Portnoy
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Harriman House Publishing
Publisher Harriman House Publishing
