When the recent tv programmes about financial mismanagement in football and how to keep your money safe appeared on BBC and ITV, many people were left asking the same question: who can we really trust with money?
Football in the UK is more than a sport. It is part of our culture, our communities and, for many, our identity. That is why when financial scandals emerge, they strike such a deep chord. Whether it is overspending, hidden debts or poor governance, the result is always the same. Supporters feel betrayed, confidence is shaken and the reputation of the game suffers.
This feeling of unease has not gone unnoticed by the wider public. The BBC’s How to Keep Your Money Safe programme explored many of the same issues. The key message was clear: when trust is broken, it affects everyone, not just those directly involved.
The importance of trust in money management
At the heart of football’s troubles, and at the heart of personal finance, is one word: trust.
Supporters put their trust in a club’s leadership, just as clients put their trust in financial advisers. In both cases, the expectation is the same: that money will be looked after responsibly, transparently and with long-term stability in mind. When this expectation is not met, the consequences can be devastating and long-lasting.
At Four Oaks, trust is not a slogan. It is the foundation of everything we do. Our clients know that transparency, accountability and clear communication sit at the centre of our approach to financial planning.
Lessons we can all learn
Both programmes highlight principles that are just as relevant to individuals as they are to football clubs:
- Transparency is essential: if debts or risks are hidden, confidence will always erode.
- Short-term gains can be costly: chasing quick wins often undermines future security.
- The fallout affects the many, not the few: Families, friends and communities often end up paying the price for poor decision-making.
Your money should never be a mystery. It should never be put at risk for short-term advantage. Above all, it should be managed with your long-term financial wellbeing in mind.
Practical steps to keep your money safe
- Review your financial plan regularly – circumstances change, and your plan should change with them.
- Work with a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registered adviser- choosing an FCA-registered financial adviser ensures accountability and safeguards.
- Diversify your savings and investments – spreading risk across different areas helps protect against uncertainty.
- Build an emergency fund – setting aside money for unexpected events provides security and peace of mind.
- Stay informed – take an active interest in where your money is and how it is performing.
Dream. Plan. Enjoy
At Four Oaks, we believe financial services should be everything football’s financial scandals were not: transparent, grounded and trustworthy. Trust is not just part of what we do, it is our entire ethos.
Because money is never only about numbers. It is about people, families and futures. And that is why we will always treat it with the respect it deserves.
Why not book a no-obligation consultation with one of our advisers and see how we can help you keep your money safe?