The Financial Wellbeing Podcast

Episode 124 – Money and Meaning with Daniel Crosby What is money really for? In this episode of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast, Chris Budd is joined once again by behavioural finance expert and author Daniel Crosby to explore the deeper relationship between money, happiness, and meaning. Daniel’s latest book, The Soul of Wealth, moves beyond traditional behavioural finance to ask how money can support a life that feels fulfilling, connected, and purposeful. Together, Chris and Daniel discuss comparison, gratitude, social influence, the role of luck, and why understanding people’s stories matters just as much as understanding their finances. This is a thoughtful and wide ranging conversation about using money well, not just managing it efficiently. 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? Why behavioural finance has evolved to include happiness and meaning The dangers of comparing yourself to others and how reference points affect satisfaction The power of social influence on money habits How simple gratitude practices can boost wellbeing Making your future self feel more real to support better decisions The role of luck and why acknowledging it can encourage generosity Tight Ass Tommo Lighthearted money saving tips, guaranteed to make you smile and think twice about your spending habits. Interview with Daniel Crosby The core conversation covers: The emotional story behind financial decisions and why empathy matters How money influences wellbeing beyond traditional financial outcomes Why your environment and role models are powerful predictors of behaviour Practical ways to build salience for your future goals Insights from The Soul of Wealth that people can apply in their daily lives Conclusions from the guys Reflecting on the key themes from the interview: Understanding money’s role in life requires looking beyond numbers Compassion and curiosity help uncover underlying financial motivations Small practices like gratitude and future visualisation can make a meaningful difference

What if the secret to financial wellbeing isn’t just in what you earn or spend, but in how you think? In this episode the guys are looking to see if we can do anything to improve our thinking and thereby improve our wellbeing. Along with the usual TightAssTommo money saving tips we have a thoughtful episode just for you! Welcomes and Introductions Fancy a chat with Tom Morris and the team at Ovation? Contact details here What’s on Today’s Podcast? Exploring the issue of thinking – is it something that just happens or do we have some control over it so we can improve our relationship with money and wellbeing? Tight Ass Tommo Go and watch women’s sport, a great way to see quality sport at a fraction of the cost. Chris’ Good News A new feature, do share your name ideas for future episodes in the comments below! This time, a sauna in Somerset that promotes social wellbeing. This Episode How do we think, what gets in the way and how can we think better? The Questions That Unlock Real Happiness Thinking well begins with asking the right questions. Try asking yourself: What really matters to me? What brings me joy and meaning? Whose expectations am I trying to meet? Will this decision make me happy in the long term? One of our advisers describes this as “daring to dream.” It is the courage to ask honest questions, even when the answers might challenge the path you are on. The right questions bring not confusion, but freedom. Thinking Tools That Make a Difference A few simple shifts in perspective can make a big difference. Look beyond first impressions. If something seems like the key to happiness, pause and ask, What happens next? Spot your zero. Notice one thing that could cancel out your progress — the habit or belief that quietly undermines your wellbeing. Focus on what is truly yours. Choose goals that reflect your own values, not those that rely on the approval of others. When your goals come from within, they lead to satisfaction that lasts. Conclusions From The Guys

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.

Dive into the complexities of financial infidelity, uncovering what it really means and how it can manifest in relationships. Discover everyday examples of secret spending and hidden debts that can erode trust. Hear a personal tale of family bankruptcy that underscores the emotional toll of financial deceit. Learn practical strategies like no-judgment budgeting and the importance of open money conversations to foster transparency. Get tips on addressing issues together, ensuring healthier financial dynamics in partnerships.