Kim Bendall: An embarrassment of riches - a tale of two clients

'The best things in life are free'

clock • 8 min read

'I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love,' so sang The Beatles in 1964. Here Kim Bendall shares the moving story of two clients at opposite ends of the wealth spectrum - one with pots of cash, one with hardly a penny to bless herself. Read on for the moral of the story...

Most of us were told in our younger years that money can't buy you happiness. And yet, the concept of ‘financial wellbeing' is that money can buy you happiness - if you know how and where to use it. But more importantly, you need to have a clear picture of what actually makes you happy in the first place. This story is about two very opposite people: Mark and Stella. They never knew each other, and as individuals, they couldn't have been at more different ends of the spectrum in just about every respect. It's therefore of no surprise that their respective attitudes to money and wellbe...

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

Aberdeen's Kenny on 'hugely worrying' financial literacy gender gap

Aberdeen's Kenny on 'hugely worrying' financial literacy gender gap

Recent research findings

Jen Frost
clock 09 March 2026 • 3 min read
News editor's view: What I've learnt from ambitious young women in advice

News editor's view: What I've learnt from ambitious young women in advice

To mark International Women’s Day this year, I wanted to shine a light on the young female talent out there in the advice profession.

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 March 2026 • 4 min read
Give to Gain: Why lifting women lifts the entire financial sector

Give to Gain: Why lifting women lifts the entire financial sector

Sharing time, knowledge and opportunity creates meaningful change

Steph Willcox
clock 06 March 2026 • 4 min read