Episode 122 – Money, Purpose and Community with Jonathan Ruffer

Sep 26, 2025

In this engaging discussion, philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer shares his journey in revitalizing Bishop Auckland through The Auckland Project. He emphasizes the transformative power of wealth when used with purpose, revealing insights from his spiritual awakening that spurred him to help the voiceless. Jonathan discusses community engagement initiatives, education enhancements, and the creation of local pride through events like Kynren. He also reflects on the personal rewards of meaningful work, urging listeners to find purpose, especially as they approach retirement.

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ANECDOTE

Sudden Calling Led To Bishop Auckland

Jonathan describes a sudden calling on a silent retreat that redirected his life toward the voiceless in the northeast of England.
He chose Bishop Auckland without prior plans and committed to working there after that experience.

ANECDOTE

A Retreat Moment Sparked Responsibility

Jonathan recounts being upset on retreat when stories focused on a priest but ignored a kitchen worker named Maria.
He rhetorically asked, "Who will look after the little person?" and felt compelled to act.

INSIGHT

Wealth Can Distort Unless Redirected

Jonathan warns that large wealth distorts people and can take them off a straight moral course.
He treats giving as an act of will that channels money away from distortion into purposeful use.

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Episode 122 – Money, Purpose and Community with Jonathan Ruffer

In this episode of The Financial Wellbeing Podcast, the guys explore how wealth, when used with purpose, can create extraordinary change. They’re joined by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer, who shares the remarkable story of how he has devoted his resources to revitalising the town of Bishop Auckland. Along the way, we reflect on the dangers of money without meaning, the importance of community, and how finding purpose can enrich every stage of life – especially when approaching retirement.

Welcomes & Introductions

Chris Budd – Founder of Ovation Finance, the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and author of the original Financial Wellbeing Books, you can view all three here

Fancy a chat with Tom Morris, Chartered and award winning Financial Planner at Ovation? Contact details here

What’s on Today’s Podcast?

Our chat with Jonathan Ruffer around how he has used his wealth in an extraordinary way through The Auckland Project, helping to transform the community of Bishop Auckland. Jonathan talks about purpose, education, community spirit, and the lessons learned from putting money to work for the benefit of others.

Tight Ass Tommo

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Interview with Jonathan Ruffer

How Jonathan became involved in Bishop Auckland and the vision behind The Auckland Project.
Why wealth can be dangerous when it lacks direction or purpose. Reflections on how money can both distort and enrich lives, and why defining your own purpose is essential to financial wellbeing.
Education and community engagement were central to Jonathan Ruffer’s vision for The Auckland Project. The role of education in creating long-term change.
The importance of engaging local people in community transformation.

Conclusions from the guys

Avoid the deadly retirement

Come and speak to Ovation Finance, who want to talk with you about what you want your retirement to look like

Retirement often comes with baggage and many people don’t like the word. Producer Tommo often finds people don’t like being pushed into retirement but pulled towards something else.

Find Out More
The Auckland Project is a remarkable initiative bringing new life, education, and opportunity to the town of Bishop Auckland. From restoring historic landmarks to enriching local schools and building a stronger community spirit, it’s a shining example of how purpose and philanthropy can create lasting change. To discover more about their work and how you can plan your visit, come and take a look – www.theaucklandproject.o rg.