What the World Cup can teach us about building lasting financial success

Spain may have lifted football's biggest prize, but what we rarely see behind any World Cup triumph are the years of planning, preparation, discipline and resilience that made that moment possible.

Building long-term financial security follows much the same path.

According to Howard Freese, Certified Financial Planner® at Old Mutual Personal Finance, winning the World Cup is not about one great performance. It is the result of a clear strategy, disciplined execution and staying committed to the goal over time. Financial success works exactly the same way.

Just as no team arrives at the World Cup by chance, achieving financial security does not happen by accident. Every successful team follows a carefully developed game plan, adapts to changing circumstances and trusts its coaching staff to help navigate difficult moments.

“Likewise, every successful financial journey starts with a clear financial plan and the guidance needed to stay on course.

"A financial adviser is much like a coach to provide the guidance. Their role is not simply to help you choose a financial product, but to help you develop a strategy, keep you focused on your goals, and help you make informed decisions when life inevitably throws new challenges your way,” Freese explains.

The same principle applies to our financial decisions. Lasting financial success is rarely the result of one big decision. Instead, it is built through consistently making smart choices, staying focused on your long-term objectives, and trusting the process, even when progress feels slow.

Every sound financial decision, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger financial future in much the same way that every training session and every qualifying match contributes to a successful World Cup campaign.

Importantly, every championship journey includes setbacks. While Spain lifted the trophy, every nation leaves the tournament with lessons that will shape its next campaign. The most successful teams do not allow disappointment to define them. Instead, they analyse what went wrong, adjust their strategy and begin preparing for the next opportunity. Building financial security requires exactly the same mindset.

“Life will always present unexpected challenges, whether it's an emergency expense, illness, job loss or another financial setback. The key is not to let temporary setbacks derail your long-term goals,” says Freese.

This is where having a trusted financial adviser becomes particularly valuable. Rather than making emotional decisions during difficult times, individuals can adjust their plans, remain focused on their objectives, and continue moving forward.

While discipline is essential, Freese stresses that a financial plan should also make room for life's memorable moments.

“A good financial plan is not about denying yourself the experiences that matter to your life. It's about planning for them, so you can enjoy them without compromising your long-term financial wellbeing, he Freese adds.

Reflecting on the tournament, Freese says there are seven practical lessons every South African can take from this year's World Cup and apply to their own financial journey:

• Qualifying matters before winning - Define success against your own goals.
• Every position has a role – Build a balanced financial plan with protection, saving and growth.
• Train consistently, not occasionally – Small decisions repeated over time create lasting results.
• Adapt to changing conditions – Markets, inflation and life events require regular review and flexibility.
• Build squad depth – Emergency savings, insurance and investments create resilience.
• Avoid own goals – Emotional financial decisions can undo good preparation.
• Use the right support team – Advisers help keep the plan focused, realistic and responsive.

“Spain's victory was built on years of preparation, discipline and teamwork rather than chasing quick wins. Those same qualities are what underpin lasting financial success. Our financial lives deserve exactly the same approach,” Freese says.

“Ultimately, financial planning is not about avoiding life's surprises. It is about being prepared for them,” Freese adds.