11. Are You Playing Defence or Offence with Your Finances?

Are you protecting what you have or building what you want?

Most people don’t realise that they’ve been conditioned to play defence with money: budgeting, saving, and playing it safe. But defence alone won’t win the game. 

Offence is where transformation happens.

And in finance, if you don’t pick a strategy, one gets picked for you.

Why Defensive Money Habits Keep You Stuck

Let’s be honest here.

Most financial advice is built around fear.

We’re taught to reduce expenses, save for emergencies, and avoid risk. And while those habits are helpful, they’re not enough.

What’s more motivating to you: saving a little or building a lot?

A 2022 report from the Stanford Center on Longevity found that households who focus on income generation, financial literacy, and upskilling build significantly more financial resilience than those who focus only on cutting back (Stanford Center, 2022).

True financial confidence comes from creating.

Imagine a football team that only defends and never attempts to score a goal. That’s how many people treat money. They protect what’s there but miss the chance to win.

If you want real freedom, you can’t just play not to lose.

You have to play to win.

Signs You’re Playing Defence

Do any of these apply to you?

You track expenses, but can’t name your next income.

You protect money like it’s fragile instead of useful.

You’re proud of saving, but unsure how to grow.

You delay investing until it feels “safe” enough.

The Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program emphasises that income diversification and wealth-building tools (like entrepreneurship, investment, and education) are essential to resilience and upward mobility (Aspen, 2021).

One client I worked with who was a high-achiever had optimised her spending for a decade. But she never asked, “What would doubling my income look like?” When she did, she launched a side hustle that eventually replaced her salary.

She didn’t abandon defence. She added offence.

Shift into Financial Offence

If you want to play to win, this can help:

1. Audit your last 10 money moves: Were they about protection or creation?

2. Set one offensive goal this week: Income boost, skill gain, or taking a strategic risk.

3. Invest in leverage: Tools, people, knowledge, or systems that multiply your capacity.

4. Ask bold questions: “How can I achieve financial freedom with the resources available to me now?”.

This isn’t about reckless risk taking but calculated strategic boldness.

Build a Life That Moves Forward

If you only play defence, you’ll stay stuck where you are.

To gain financial freedom, add offence to your game plan.

That's all for this week.

See you next Friday.

- Jonathan M.

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P.S. Want help turning strategy into execution? Reach out here.

References

• Deevy, M., Streeter, J. L., Hasler, A., & Lusardi, A. (2021). Financial Resilience in America. Stanford Center on Longevity. Retrieved from https://longevity.stanford.edu/financial-resilience-in-america/

• Aspen Institute. (n.d.). Financial Security Program. Retrieved from https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/financial-security-program/

Disclaimer: This newsletter is general information only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a professional about your circumstances.