Judy Murray, mum to tennis champions Andy and Jamie, has shared how she gave up financial security to support her sons’ sporting dreams. She didn’t pay into a pension and took on freelance work, all to fund the early stages of their careers. Thankfully, the gamble paid off. But for many women, taking similar risks – especially without a safety net – can have long-term consequences.
We often see women prioritising others’ goals over their own, especially when it comes to money. Whether it’s helping a child pursue a dream, supporting a partner during a career change, or pausing work to care for family, these decisions can quietly erode our own financial future.
The truth is: supporting loved ones and building your own financial security shouldn’t be either/or. Yes, sometimes sacrifices are necessary. But those decisions are far more powerful when they’re made from a place of strength, not survival. 🛟
If you’re self-employed, freelance, or in a period of low or unstable income, it’s even more important to create a foundation that protects your future. Here are a few things to check in on:
Your Financial Foundations Checklist
- 💸 Do you have a clear picture of your monthly spending and what your essentials cost?
- Maybe you’ve made a budget and can’t stick to it – here’s how to stay on track.
- 🚨 Do you have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses?
- Building a “F**k Off Fund” can give you the financial freedom and confidence to take control of your future. Learn how here.
- 🏦 Do you have a pension in place – and are you contributing regularly?
- This pension checklist can help you get started or check if you’re on track.
- 🛡 Are you protected* with basic life or critical illness cover if others rely on you financially?
- Our protection checklist can help you figure out what’s missing.
- 🤔 Are your financial goals still your own – or have they been put on pause for someone else?
- If you’re not sure where to start or how to stick to your goals, check out how to set money goals you’ll actually achieve for some practical tips.
Judy’s story is inspiring – it’s a reminder of what mothers, and women in general, are willing to do for the people they love. But it’s also a prompt for the rest of us: don’t let your future become an afterthought.
You deserve stability, independence, and a life that works for you – not just for everyone else.
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