Chris Budd: Four theories of happiness and wellbeing

'Realise intrinsic values'

clock • 4 min read

In his first column for Professional Adviser, Initiative for Financial Wellbeing (IFW) founder Chris Budd discusses four theories of happiness …

Financial wellbeing is the study and application of how financial planning can make us happier, not just wealthier. There are many theories as to what makes us happy. In this column I will take a look at each of them so that we can consider if they can be applied to your and your clients' lives. It might just be that we recognise ourselves and our own bad habits - part of the ‘Know Thyself' principle that runs through my Financial Wellbeing Book and podcasts. Set point theory The first theory says we have a set level of happiness. Events might move us away from this set point, but ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 12 June

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 June 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Has raised £10,000 and hopes to generate an additional £10,000

Professional Adviser
clock 12 June 2026 • 1 min read
Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

‘These are design choices we have inherited’

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read