We all know giving feels good. But most people never stop to ask why it feels good or why our brains sometimes pull us toward certain causes and not others.
In this episode of Wisdom in Wealth, Chief Behavioral Officer Brendan Frazier explores four psychological forces that shape how, when, and why we give. These ideas can help you understand your own generosity, make more intentional decisions, and connect your giving with the impact you want to create.
You will learn about:
- Identifiable Victim Effect: Why one personal story often moves us more than large statistics.
- Psychological Distance: How geography and time can make real needs feel less urgent.
- Scope Insensitivity: Why huge numbers rarely translate into stronger emotional responses.
- Proportion Dominance: How ratios can trick us into feeling like one option makes a bigger difference than another.
Brendan also shares a simple practical step. Just like you plan your saving and investing, you can create a giving plan that makes generosity a consistent part of your financial life rather than something you only do when a moment feels urgent.