Matt Dawson: I’m locked and loaded for pensions however splash out on golf

Team participant: Matt Dawson as England scrum-half in 2005

Matt Dawson, 51, was a part of England’s Rugby World Cup-winning group in 2003 and likewise made his mark with the British & Irish Lions, writes Dan Moore. 

He rose to prominence as a scrum half for the Northampton Saints and Wasps, profitable the Premiership in his first season on the London membership. 

Before retiring in 2006, Matt had launched into a media profession, being a group captain on the hit BBC present A Question Of Sport, and an everyday contributor to BBC Five Live’s rugby protection. 

He can be a eager investor and runs Lemon and Lime Associates, a enterprise growth consultancy. 

Matt lives in South West London together with his accomplice Elizabeth, his two sons Alex, 12, and Sami, ten, and Elizabeth’s two daughters Isabella, 17, and Ava, 13.

What did your mother and father educate you about cash?

When I used to be 14 or 15, whingeing about pocket cash and wanting extra for garments and going out, my mum recommended I write down what I assumed I’d must survive. I put this to my dad, totting up what I assumed I’d want for the 12 months – garments, going out with mates, haircuts, every part. He mentioned if that was how I wished to do it, he’d agree on a month-to-month allowance, and I’d get this and never a penny extra.

It did not go very nicely. I assumed I’d over-egged it, allowed for extra garments spending than I wanted and so forth, however I used to be unsuitable. I simply had no concept what my mum and pa have been truly spending on me. This taught me the significance of budgeting.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

When I moved from residence at 18 I used to be on a shoestring, renting a spot with two different rugby gamers. I used to be residing on tuna mayo pasta, incomes £8,000 a 12 months and driving a clapped-out Peugeot 205.

Have you ever been paid foolish cash?

Never foolish cash as I’ve all the time tried to pitch myself as nice worth. It encourages efficiency and remuneration in different methods, resembling bonuses and fairness.

What was your profession spotlight?

Being a part of the 2003 World Cup-winning squad. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some sensible sides through the years – England, Lions, Wasps and Northampton – however nothing may usurp that. We all realised it could change our lives. I used to be already doing slightly media work, and was all the time within the company facet of rugby, the sponsorship and firms across the sport however the World Cup moved issues to a brand new degree.

What was one of the best 12 months of your monetary life?

It was 2021, popping out of lockdown, after I had a great social media presence and there was an urge for food for promoting, so there have been media and company alternatives. But it was my position as a enterprise growth marketing consultant that took off.

What was your greatest cash mistake?

Buying a vacation residence in Spain and plot of land in South Africa. I simply did not really feel I had management over it. I used to be suggested to not do it and put money into different areas, however my ego took over about having property overseas. Now I choose investing in our six-bedroom, Thirties home in South West London.

Drive: The rugby star is golf-mad

What would you’ve achieved if rugby hadn’t labored out?

Rugby wasn’t a plan A, B or any letter of the alphabet. It wasn’t one thing you’d earn any cash from. I used to be a safety guard, I offered promoting for a newspaper in Milton Keynes. I then received a job as a PE instructor, which I totally loved. I’d in all probability be a instructor if issues had panned out otherwise. But because of Sue Barker, Phil Tufnell and the group on BBC’s A Question Of Sport, we ran with it for 15 years, giving me one other profession apart from rugby. I used to be additionally constructing a company profession that I wished to see me by means of to retirement.

Do you’ve a pension?

I’m locked and loaded on the subject of pensions, Isas and tax-efficient investments. I’ve a unbelievable monetary adviser, whom I’ve identified since I used to be 17. I’ve a stable funding portfolio, excessive yield however regular. I’m additionally an angel investor. It’s a better threat, however I get pleasure from seeing younger corporations come by means of. Plus I’m a shareholder in some companies I work for.

What is your high indulgence?

I’ll lay good cash {that a} excessive proportion of my extra yearly spend is on golf – memberships, holidays, equipment, classes, you identify it. It’s undoubtedly my vice.

What is your high monetary precedence?

I’m fortunate in that the household is pleased. We like going out for dinner and happening holidays, however we’re not extravagant. I’d say my objective is to take care of the usual of residing we’ve got achieved over the previous 5 years. If I can get to 70 and nonetheless be capable to take care of the youngsters, have some holidays and play golf, I’ll be a contented soul.

• Matt Dawson is an envoy for Sodexo (conscious.sodexo.com/uk), which seeks to boost consciousness of well being and wellbeing points.