Atomic Habits
WORKSHOP 1
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Let’s Talk
Continue the conversation at home
Today’s workshop introduced ten simple money habits that can help build long-term financial confidence.
These questions aren’t designed to test your son or daughter or catch them out. Instead, they’re simply conversation starters to help continue the learning at home.
Choose one or two that feel natural. You might ask them over dinner, on the journey home from training, or while watching the football together.
Conversation starters
I was reading about the 10 Atomic Money Habits you covered today. Which one do you think will have the biggest impact on you?
I saw that one of the themes was building good money habits rather than just earning more. What did you make of that?
Out of everything you learnt today, is there one habit you’d like to start putting into practice straight away?
I noticed you spoke about building an emergency fund. Why do you think that’s especially important for someone playing football?
I read about the idea of taking a bit more time before making big purchases. Do you think that’s something you’ll actually do in the future?
You also discussed social pressure and comparing yourself to others. Do you think that’s something young footballers have to deal with more than most people?
If your wages increased over the next few years, do you think today’s workshop would change how you’d manage that extra money?
I saw you talked about saying “no” and protecting yourself from financial pressure. Was that something you’d thought about before?
One of the habits was asking for help rather than guessing. If you were ever unsure about a financial decision, who do you think you’d speak to first?
Looking back at today’s workshop, what’s the one idea or habit you hope sticks with you throughout your career?
A conversation, not a quiz
The aim isn’t to have the “right” answers. Some of the best conversations happen when parents share their own experiences too.
Perhaps tell your son or daughter about:
A financial mistake you made when you were younger.
A money habit you’re glad you developed.
Something you wish somebody had taught you earlier in life.
Money is often easier to talk about when everyone is learning together.
Key Takeaways
What your son or daughter learnt today
Success with money isn’t usually about earning more; it’s about building good habits.
In this workshop, we explored ten simple financial habits that can help young athletes make better decisions throughout their careers. The session focused on practical behaviours rather than complicated financial products, helping players build confidence and develop routines that will serve them well both during and after football.
The 10 Atomic Money Habits
1. Ask for help
Nobody knows everything about money. Players were encouraged to ask trusted people for guidance before making important financial decisions rather than guessing or feeling they have to work everything out themselves. Never assume, never guess and never ignore it.
2. Build an emergency fund
Creating a financial safety net should come before expensive purchases. Having savings set aside helps protect against unexpected events and gives players more confidence and flexibility. Aiming for 6mths worth of income saved up as a starting point.
3. Control impulse spending
Big purchases don’t need to happen immediately. Players learnt the “24-hour rule” – taking time to think before spending can prevent costly decisions made in the moment.
4. Avoid lifestyle creep
As income increases, spending doesn’t have to increase at the same rate. Building savings alongside higher earnings creates long-term financial security. With every earnings increase; increase the savings %
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
Social media and football environments can create pressure to keep up with others. Players were encouraged to make decisions based on what is right for them, not what someone else owns. Comparison is the thief of joy!
6. Save with purpose
Saving becomes much easier when there’s a clear goal. Whether it’s buying a first home, travelling or planning for the future, meaningful goals help build consistent habits. Name those savings accounts and emotionally connect with saving
7. Protect your credit score
Good financial habits today can improve future opportunities. Players learnt how their credit history can affect borrowing, mortgages and other financial decisions later in life. High score = low rates and fees. Low score = high rates and fees.
8. Know your numbers
Understanding income, spending and savings is one of the simplest but most powerful financial habits. Players were encouraged to regularly check where their money is going.
9. Stay scam aware
Professional athletes are often targeted by scams and fraudulent investment opportunities. Players were reminded to slow down, ask questions and always verify information before acting. If something is ‘too good to be true’, if often is.
10. Learn to say no
As careers progress, requests for money, investments and financial support often increase. Players were encouraged to set healthy boundaries and avoid making emotional financial decisions. Insulating themselves from those decisions by putting people (maybe you!) in-between the request and the response.
Activity
In today’s workshop we had a practical activity where the young athlete’s had to work through a pile of ‘habit cards’ and put the into two groups; good habits and bad habits
Some were very obvious, whilst others we’re a little more challenging!
Common mistakes young athletes make
Even talented young players can fall into these traps:
Spending more simply because they earn more.
Feeling pressure to keep up with teammates.
Making impulse purchases without thinking them through.
Ignoring bank accounts, payslips or credit scores.
Believing it’s a weakness to ask for help.
Saying “yes” to financial requests before taking time to think.
How you can help at home
One of the biggest influences on a young person’s financial habits is regular conversation at home.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply encouraging open conversations about money, celebrating sensible decisions and reminding them to ask questions before making big commitments can make a lasting difference.
Final thought
Just like football, financial success is built through small, consistent habits. The choices made today can have a significant impact on opportunities and financial wellbeing in the years ahead.
Our aim is to help elevate the young persons knowledge so that they can stay part of the conversation and not become passive. They’re working incredibly hard for every penny they earn, let’s protect it!
Reminder: Our workshops are designed to educate, coach & guide…not sell. No products are recommended, no commission is earned and players are always encouraged to make informed decisions that are right for them.