This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He has written more than 115 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast and founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing. Whether money makes someone happy is a question that provokes many different opinions. Some will say yes; just look at people who have nothing and compare their happiness with people who have lots. Others will say no; some of the poorest areas of the world show the greatest happiness, and some of the richest people are unhappy. Research tells us that, as with most things in life, the answer is a bit of both. Understanding this interaction between... Read More

Geopolitical tensions have led to a bumpy start to 2025 for investors. If you’re worried about volatility and what it might mean for your long-term finances, there are reasons to remain calm despite the uncertainty. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in some anxiety in Europe, with the UK and other countries committing to increasing defence spending. In addition, the new Trump administration in the US has imposed several trade tariffs on partners and suggested more will follow. As a result, many companies and sectors have seen share prices rise and fall more sharply than usual. Indeed, according to the Guardian, the euro STOXX equity volatility index, which tracks market expectations of short- and long-term volatility, reached a seven-month... Read More

When people think about financial wellbeing, they often link it to frugality or building wealth. Yet, an effective financial plan isn’t always about that, sometimes, it might make sense to spend more. It can be difficult to get your head around. After all, as a child, you’re often taught that being sensible with money means putting it in a savings account rather than spending it. Yet, this approach only focuses on growing your wealth, rather than using it in a way that helps you reach your goals. So, here are three scenarios where your financial plan might involve increasing your outgoings. Spending more could help you reach lifestyle goals At the heart of your financial plan should be your lifestyle... Read More

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Our approach to money can be a great enabler of wellbeing. It can help us to spend our time doing the things we want to do. However, it can also act as a barrier. Money should be our servant, but it often acts as our master. Understanding this aspect of our relationship with money, and where it acts against our wellbeing, can allow us to create a financial plan that will help us to be happier, not just... Read More

After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances directly. Although, it did reveal that none of the changes made in the Autumn Budget would be overturned. However, one significant change has been made to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which could affect you or your family. The chancellor did announce that, due to global uncertainty and after the economy declined in January, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded its 2025... Read More