The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing: Create a Pathway to a More Healthy and Meaningful Life

I preordered this having encountered the author's work professionally. Chris has a very easy going approach which makes the topic of financial wellbeing very approachable. This isn't a book which is designed to make things sound complicated, nor does it gatekeep the whole financial wellbeing field. There are some areas where I would have liked some more evidence, or for the evidence alluded to critically analyised, however this is not an academic text. It isn't a self help book as much as it is a call to action and a demonstration that how we feel about money is much more important than how much we have.If your objective in life is to make more than the next guy then reading this might be helpful, though sadly I feel that those whose objective in life are solely material are unlikely to pick it up, let alone give it a good reading.Approach with an open mind, don't expect all the answers and use it as the stepping off point for your own journey into financial wellbeing or helping others on that journey.

"The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing" by Chris Budd is an intriguing read, particularly for those steeped in the financial planning and coaching sectors. While the book is celebrated for its insights into improving financial wellbeing, its approach, notably the exclusion of spiritual wellbeing, draws criticism. Budd's categorization of 'Purpose' under social wellbeing, rather than spiritual, suggests a cautious approach to a subject that might be contentious for some. However, this omission leads to a one-sided view that focuses predominantly on ego-driven goals, arguably overlooking the deeper, soulful aspects of human psychological development essential for overall wellbeing.Budd's book emphasises traditional financial strategies like savings and investments, aiming to guide readers towards managing their existing finances rather than exploring income generation or debt management. This focus seems particularly tailored to those already in a comfortable financial position, potentially sidelining the 92% who might benefit more from advice on income creation and debt resolution. The author's stance on financial advisers managing clients' finances, rather than empowering individuals to take control, is a point of contention, suggesting a potential conflict with fostering genuine financial literacy and independence.Critically, the book appears to underrepresent the importance of holistic wellbeing, including the balance of mind, body, heart, and spirit. By prioritising intellectual and emotional responses and downplaying the roles of instinct and intuition, Budd's approach may seem skewed. The book's failure to fully embrace the concept of self-transcendence, placing an undue emphasis on self-actualization, and its limited perspective on wealth creation and management, might leave readers seeking a more comprehensive guide to financial wellbeing somewhat unfulfilled.

Chris discussed the principle of confirmation Bias in his insightful book. My feedback focuses on the key principles he discusses that confirm my biases as a coach and financial planner. He asserts that financial planning is easy, provided you can work out what you want from life that will satisfy your inner and future self. The difficulty lies in working on what you want from life that will bring you well-being. He backs up my belief that financial planners should have coaching training to give them a more comprehensive skill set to help people identify a future self that has a meaningful purpose and is fulfilled. I am thankful to see this significant point in print. He covers many other important principles in a book full of wisdom pearls.

If you were to follow all the suggested exercises, I don’t think you would have much time for anything else in life, nor have any understanding of how it all fitted together. Bizarrely, the author expects us to believe that his own privileged life experiences and the opinions of friends provide the basis for all of us being happy. It’s almost religious in its zeal and epiphanies. But cynically, the book also implies that the only financial advisers who understand happiness and financial wellbeing are those who have attended one of his own designed paid for training courses. Given that his definition for financial wellbeing is out of date, not based on any relevant UK research, and seems to encourage more financial product sales, I would suggest steering clear of any financial adviser presenting the ideas in the book.According to up-to-date empirical research, financial wellbeing has a limited impact on overall happiness. The mere suggestion that a financial adviser reading this book or being indoctrinated in the authors methods can make you happier is at best “for the birds”, at worst bordering on “narcissistic”. Whatever important sounding theory or neurological fact is inappropriately thrown into the mix, this book is definitely one to avoid taking seriously unless you are studying the art of self-promotion.

Loved this book. Helping us to understand why we do what we do with money and how our happiness and contentment has little to do with the accumulation of cash!A great read in straightforward language with a clear messages to improve our wellbeing.

I read this book in two sittings because it really spoke to me in many ways. I have always struggled with finding a balance between money and my own happiness and wellbeing. This book provided an understanding of my relationship with money, and where the balance lies between wealth and happiness. The 4 cornerstones that the author writes about provided a framework for getting to grips with the main points of the book. Thinking about money and personal finances is not something many people enjoy, but this book was motivating and encouraging, and it gave me real advice to try to move forwards with my money and life at the same time.