We recently sat down with Tom Banton, Somerset and England cricketer and proud Cooper Associates Group brand ambassador. Known for his explosive, innovative batting, Tom spoke with us about life beyond the boundary – walking us through his dream home, his mortgage journey, and the complexities of personal finance as a professional sportsman.
Watch the full interview to hear Tom’s thoughts on everything from his dream home and pre-game superstitions to the challenges of the mortgage process and planning for a secure financial future.
Continue reading to discover how Cooper Associates Group can help you to secure your financial future through bespoke, professional financial advice.
Tom’s Key Concerns When Taking Out His Mortgage
Reflecting on his mortgage journey, Tom shared the challenges of understanding the process and the steps involved.
As a professional athlete, Tom is in a unique position. Sportspeople are often employed on fixed-term contracts, typically lasting just 1-2 years. Meanwhile, mortgage lenders tend to favour long-term financial stability in borrowers, as it reduces their level of risk.
As a first-time buyer, working with Cooper Associates Mortgages allowed Tom to fully understand the process. Regular meetings ensured that he understood each step of the application, guiding him from start to finish.
Advice to Homebuyers
Patience proved vital in Tom’s homebuying experience – and that’s the advice he would pass on to any prospective buyer.
Tom explained how he viewed around 40–50 houses in different areas before finding the right one.
One property was almost perfect, aside from a small flaw. At first, Tom tried to overlook it, but his patience helped him realise that the issue could affect his long-term enjoyment of the home. He continued his search.
“I drive past the house every day into work, and I’m really happy I didn’t go for it. Take your time with it, because it’s really important, and you could be there for however long. Where I am now, I’m very happy.”
Advice to His Younger Self on Managing Money
At school, Tom wasn’t taught about budgeting, saving, or investing – all of which became challenges when he received his first professional contract.
Working alongside Cooper Associates Wealth Management, Tom learned the value of ISAs and the importance of preparing for the future through regular pension contributions.
His relationship with his financial adviser has grown into more than just financial guidance, as they now enjoy catching up and chatting about cricket too.
“When you’re younger, you want to enjoy what you have and not really think too much. Once you buy a house, you realise it’s time to start saving. You’ve got one life to live, I guess, and you’ve got to enjoy it.”
Tom’s advice? Work with a financial adviser to educate yourself and build confidence in managing your money. It’s never too early to start planning ahead.
Advice to an Athlete at the Start of Their Career
“Try to set up an ISA as soon as possible. As soon as you start as a professional, go to Cooper Associates Wealth Management and get an ISA set up.”
Tom’s guidance for those at the start of their career applies to athletes and non-athletes alike: think long-term, even at the beginning.
Reflecting again on his time in school, Tom notes that financial education around money, investing, and supporting your family is often lacking. It’s why seeking expert advice and building strong financial habits from the outset is so important.
With regular support from his Cooper Associates Wealth Management adviser, Tom has created a financial plan that provides peace of mind, both now and for life after cricket.
Why Do We Partner with Tom?
At Cooper Associates Group, we believe in long-term relationships built on trust – whether that’s with our clients or our brand ambassadors.
As a cricketer, Tom represents the values we stand for: professionalism, passion, and a commitment to growth and development.
We’re proud to support Tom both on and off the field, and we look forward to being part of his continued success, in sport and in life.
How can we help you?
Whether you’re moving home, planning your financial future, or need support with personal or business finances, Cooper Associates Group is here to help.
Click below to discover how our expert advisers and accountants can help you take control of your finances and hit your financial planning for six.
