Narrative Wins: How Personal Stories Shape Financial Decisions w/ Joe Caruso & Shawn Mahoney, PhD | Episode 45

By Wealth on the Move | March 5, 2026

Summary: In this episode of Wealth on the Move, host Will Hoffman engages with Joe Caruso and Dr. Sean Mahoney, co-authors of the book ‘Narrative Wins!’. They explore the profound impact of personal narratives on financial success and decision-making. The conversation delves into how the stories we tell ourselves shape our behaviors, particularly in the context of money, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and re-contextualizing these narratives to foster better financial outcomes. The discussion also highlights the role of fear and greed in financial decisions and the significance of client relationships in wealth management. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate relationship between trust, personal narratives, and financial decision-making. They explore how trust is built and the impact of scarcity versus abundance mindsets on financial behaviors. The discussion highlights the psychological ties between love and money, the importance of understanding personal narratives, and the role of AI in enhancing financial advisory services. The speakers emphasize the need for self-awareness and the ability to shift narratives to foster better financial outcomes.

Resources:

Takeaways:

The personal narrative is foundational to our identity.
Successful individuals often have healthier narratives than those who struggle.
Curiosity and awareness are crucial in understanding our narratives.
Fear and greed are the two primary emotions influencing financial decisions.
Contextualizing financial fears can lead to better decision-making.
Personal narratives can evolve over time based on experiences.
Client conversations should focus on understanding their narratives.
The stories we tell ourselves can either empower or hinder us.
Awareness of our narratives is the first step to change.
It’s essential to remember that financial management is about people, not just money. Trust is fundamental in relationships and must be earned.
Scarcity mindset can lead to neurotic behaviors and poor financial decisions.
Understanding personal narratives is crucial for self-awareness.
Rationality in financial decisions is often clouded by fear and emotions.
AI can enhance financial advisory but cannot replace human connection.
Generational perspectives shape our views on money and wealth.
Narratives influence how we perceive wealth and success.
Shifting one’s narrative can lead to better financial outcomes.
Identifying disruptive narratives is key to improving financial habits.
Listening and understanding clients’ narratives is essential for advisors.

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