IT’S footy finals season in Australia, and no matter whether you follow the AFL or NRL, the excitement is hard to miss.
The atmosphere builds as the best teams compete for the chance to lift the premiership trophy.
But behind the big game-day moments lies something less glamorous: training hard, showing up consistently, and pushing through the weeks when progress feels slow.
There’s a lesson here for all of us in how we manage our money.
The top players don’t get to finals week by accident. They put in the effort, stay disciplined, and rely on both their fitness and mental toughness to see them through.
In the same way, our financial lives are shaped not just by the big decisions but by the consistent actions we take each pay cycle.
Paying bills on time, adding to savings, or sticking to the family budget might feel routine, but these small efforts build resilience and prepare us for unexpected challenges.
And just as no player can win a premiership on their own, no one person carries the full weight of family finances.
Every contribution matters.
One partner may manage the spending plan, another might focus on reducing debt, and even kids can pitch in by learning the value of saving their pocket money. Like a team working towards a common goal, the collective effort creates the win.
Here’s how to bring some finals season discipline into your money habits.
Set a big vision but play week by week. Every team starts the year with a goal of making the grand final, but they make it game by game.
Financially, it’s the same. Your big goal might be owning your home or retiring without debt. Keep that vision in mind but focus on small, achievable steps each pay cycle.
Stick to your training plan. Athletes follow strict training schedules. For us, that means following a spending plan or keeping a close eye on cash flow.
It might involve reviewing your transactions each week or setting up automatic transfers to savings. It’s not glamorous, but just like conditioning on the training track, it’s what keeps you financially fit.
Recover well. Players need rest and recovery to stay at their peak. With money, that means building breathing space into your finances.
Start with a small emergency fund or allow for a modest guilt-free treat in your budget. It’s not wasteful, it’s a way of keeping your energy strong across the long season.
Coaches change tactics as the match unfolds. We need to do the same with our finances. Interest rate movements and managing bills mean reviewing and adjusting your plan regularly. Staying flexible keeps you in the contest.
This finals season, take inspiration from your favourite team. Stay consistent and you’ll put yourself in the best position to win your own version of the premiership: financial confidence and long-term security.
