At just 22, Mary Fowler is already kicking goals—on the field and in life. The CommBank Matildas star isn’t just known for her football brilliance; she’s also admired for her grounded, thoughtful approach to everything she does.
When it comes to money, Mary’s story is all about learning, growing and figuring it out as she goes. She’s discovered how to set boundaries, find a sense of control through budgeting and strike that tricky balance between enjoying today and planning for tomorrow. Here, Mary opens up about her financial journey (spoiler: she’s still on it) and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.
What’s your earliest memory of learning about money?
I come from a big family and we didn’t have a lot so I learnt early on not to spend what we didn’t have. Most of our shopping was done in charity stores or secondhand shops. That upbringing has stayed with me—I often justify my purchases now by giving back to others. If I’m not spending on myself, it feels okay.
Did you feel guilty spending money as you started earning more?
Early on, I didn’t save or plan for the future. It wasn’t until I moved overseas, started living on my own and had to manage pay cheques and bills that I began to understand the importance of budgeting and saving.
How has being a professional athlete shaped your views on money?
In sport, you usually have a short window to earn. Many athletes’ careers start winding down at about 30 so there’s pressure to make the most of the time you have. Talking to friends and teammates helped me realise how important it is to save and plan for the future. It’s a bit scary to think about what comes after football but it’s also a big motivator to prepare now.
Do you set financial goals for the future?
Yes, setting goals has been a game changer for me. It gives me peace of mind and saving for specific targets has reduced my anxiety about the future. I know what I’m working towards, which makes everything feel less overwhelming.
