Chris Budd: What isn't financial wellbeing?

Relationship between money and happiness

clock • 3 min read

In this month’s column for Professional Adviser, Chris Budd looks at some of the uses of the term as it becomes increasingly popular…

Since writing The Financial Wellbeing Book in 2015 (proceeds to charity), the term ‘financial wellbeing' has become use more and more widely. In the previous 29 of these monthly columns for PA, I've been seeking to explain the concept. I define it in its broadest terms as being the topic of our relationship between money and happiness. Sometimes, however, you need to define a topic by what it isn't. This was brought home to me in a recent Twitter discussion with a lifestyle financial planner, who claimed that financial wellbeing is the natural outcome of his work. That is not finan...

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

Advisers on Iran war: 'My advice goes well beyond just saying don't panic'

Advisers on Iran war: 'My advice goes well beyond just saying don't panic'

‘Clients are naturally concerned’

clock 11 March 2026 • 5 min read
The capacity trap: Why advice firms can't hire their way out of the admin crisis

The capacity trap: Why advice firms can't hire their way out of the admin crisis

'You cannot outrun a broken process by adding more people to it'

Stuart Breyer
clock 10 March 2026 • 3 min read
The enduring value of advice in an era of DIY investing

The enduring value of advice in an era of DIY investing

'The debate is about execution and consistency'

Chris Ball
clock 10 March 2026 • 4 min read