Building the Portfolio of Life: Dr. Meir Statman’s Fourfold Framework for Financial Well-Being

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
Weekend reading portfolio of life meir statman Weekend reading portfolio of life meir statman

Weekend Reading

What if the most important portfolio you’ll ever build doesn’t live inside a 401(k) or brokerage account—but instead, within your life?

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The Four Types of Capital: In his book, A Wealth of Well-Being, behavioral finance guru Dr. Meir Statman introduces a refreshingly human framework that invites us to think beyond dollars and dividends. He lays out a “portfolio of life,” composed of four unique types of capital: financial, social, cultural, and personal. This diversified blend represents the assets that truly support a meaningful and fulfilling retirement—not just financially, but emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

Key Takeaways:

📌 Financial capital isn’t the goal—it’s the fuel for a fulfilling life

📌 Social capital—from deep friendships to casual connections—can open doors money can’t

📌 Cultural capital anchors your financial choices in personal values

📌 Personal capital is your greatest asset (health, mindset, and emotional strength)

Ask yourself: Where are you thriving? Where could you reinvest time, money, or energy for a better return on life? Retirement isn’t just about wealth preservation—it’s about life maximization.