A professional rugby league footballer who’s played for both NSW and Australia at an international level, Wade Graham understands the importance of planning for the future. He’s working with DPN to support Australians in getting financially fit, especially on the back of COVID-19.
A recent chat with Wade delivered valuable advice and key takeaways towards financial success.
Wade Graham, Get Financially Fit Program ambassador, and DPN Director Lloyd Thomas
The motivation behind success
Growing up with three sisters, Wade wanted to be like his tradie dad and go to work with him, instead of school. When he started playing football at a junior representative level though, it became a motivating factor and a realistic career option.
Now, Wade is a dad who looks forward to coming home to the family and enjoying the fun surrounding having children. He acknowledges that it’s challenging, but that the good far outweighs the bad.
In the past, he was motivated towards improvement, chasing his dreams, earning the respect of other players and achieving success. As he’s getting older, the motivation is to make sure his family is well looked after and financially fit.
Challenges of COVID-19 and the importance of planning for the future
It’s important to position yourself with a plan in place, to make the most out of the money you’re getting paid in your career.
Like the rest of the country going through COVID-19, the 2020 NRL season started slow and faced challenges around revenue. The Cronulla Sutherland Sharks are tracking along into the top eight with the view of playing finals getting back into the season. While still going through the challenges of what it looks like on the other side, Wade advises on the importance of financial wellness on an individual level.
Getting to the point where you’re looking to the future and securing it for your family is key to success. It’s important to position yourself with a plan in place, to make the most out of the money you’re getting paid in your career. This way, you’re comfortable to explore what the future holds. The earlier you think about it, the better.
Financial wellbeing for life after sport
Wade has a family house residence with a mortgage and another residence in Canada, where his fiance was born. He invests into a stock portfolio monthly and just signed a land and build package for a duplex in Ballina, with DPN. Once complete and rented, these homes will provide him with a passive income, as well as appreciate in value over time.
Wade partnered with DPN as, like many people, he was unsure about what to do when it comes to finance and life after his career. DPN provided guidance and support towards making effective decisions about property investment, and ensuring his family is financially fit now and into the future.
dpn's Get financially fit program
We’re passionate about helping Australian’s take control of their financial future. And this starts with education. Our Get Financially Fit program is designed to empower people with the tools and insights to help them build wealth and achieve financial independence. No matter what your starting position is, understanding the principals of good money management will help you live the life you want.