Being a pro athlete is challenging work. It’s exciting when athletes finally hit the jackpot with those big contracts. Athletes go from living on a frugal budget to having more money than they ever dreamed.
The average NFL salary is £2.16 million. For rookies, their first contracts net £292,000 to £1.2 million on average. In the NBA, salaries range from £480,000 to £40 million for superstars.
With all those zeroes, it’s tempting to live large. Lots of athletes feel pressure to spend lavishly on houses, cars and bling. But burning through cash causes money stress later. Athletes need to learn money management fast.
Budgeting for the Future
Most pro sports careers are short. The average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years. NBA players last 4.5 years on average. Baseball and hockey average 5-6 years. Income doesn’t last forever.
That’s why athletes need smart budgeting. Experts suggest players bank half their take-home pay. Living below your means prepares you for life after sports.
Many athletes also start businesses, invest or finish college degrees during their offseason. This gives them skills and income for a second career. Continuing education and financial literacy classes help players manage money wisely.
When athletes get rich quickly, lots of “friends” and family may come asking for handouts. It’s smart to keep finances private. Learn to say no to requests. Don’t fund other people’s lifestyles.
There are too many sad stories of former players going broke and supporting others. Set boundaries. Only help those truly in need, not people looking for free rides.
Handling Windfalls
Landing a multi-million-pound contract or endorsement deal is life-changing for athletes. It’s exciting to have more money than you ever dreamed of suddenly. But it’s critical to manage windfalls responsibly so your newfound wealth lasts.
Financial experts recommend banking at least 50% of any windfall money you receive after taxes. By making savings the priority, you ensure you have ample reserves to live on for many years. Lock away a chunk for long-term investing as well to keep growing wealth.
Live Below Your Means
Use windfalls to set yourself up responsibly, not elevate your lifestyle year after year. Buy a nice but modest home and vehicle. Avoid racking up big monthly bills that eat through cash quickly. Keep living simply and keep savings rates high, no matter how big your contracts grow.
Just Say No
Be prepared to have lots of friends and family ask for handouts when money comes your way. Set limits and politely decline excessive requests. Don’t let hangers-on take advantage of your earnings.
Budgeting in the Offseason
For many sports, incomes dip during the offseason when not playing. It’s important to budget carefully to make earnings last year-round. Track offseason income and expenses monthly to prevent overspending.
Keep living expenses humble no matter how big your seasonal salary is. Limit monthly bills to essential needs only. Avoid inflated lifestyles that bleed you dry in the off months. Cook at home, drive older cars and maintain frugal habits even as income rises to save more.
Use the Offseason to Prep
With more free time, the offseason is a great chance to work on a college degree, gain job skills, or start a small business. Smart athletes use downtime to create income streams for their post-sports careers.
If offseason cash flow is tight due to high monthly debt payments from reckless spending, consolidate the loans! A debt consolidation loan in Ireland combines debts into one payment at a lower interest rate, which can ease the crunch. But the root issue of overspending must be fixed.
Budgeting ensures athlete earnings last through pay peaks and valleys. Living simply, saving plenty, and planning ahead are always the smartest financial game plans.
Investing Wisely
It’s never too soon for athletes to start investing to build long-term wealth. Work with financial advisors to create a customised plan based on your savings. Time and compound growth do wonders.
Understand Your Risk Tolerance
Not all athletes have the same appetite for investment risk. Conservative players prefer minimal risk and steady returns on savings. Aggressive investors seek higher reward potentials despite more volatility.
Choose Safer Investments
Though the stock market offers a high upside, it also comes with risks. Safer options for athletes include mutual funds, index funds, bonds and real estate. Work with advisors to create a diverse portfolio that is not dependent on individual stocks.
Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
When huge investment returns or “can’t miss” opportunities get pitched, proceed cautiously. Verify claims to avoid getting scammed. If it sounds too good on the surface, it often is.
While short-term gains tempt, sustainable wealth comes from long-term growth. Make investment decisions based on 10, 20 or 30 years out time horizons. Pick options aligned with those extended horizons rather than quick returns.
Planning for Taxes
Athletes lose a huge percentage of earnings between federal, state, and local taxes. Work closely with tax professionals to minimise liability. Understand withholdings and estimated payment responsibilities.
Life After Sports
Even the longest sports careers come to an end eventually. The average NFL career only lasts 3-4 years. For the NBA, it’s 4-5 years, MLB 5-6 years. Before they knew it, the crowds stopped cheering their name.
That’s why smart planning for that inevitable retirement date is huge. Here are some tips to be financially set when your playing days conclude:
Banking as much cash as possible while still in the game is critical. Experts say save at least 50% of take-home pay minimum. Lock some away just to sit and collect interest. Invest a chunk in mutual funds or real estate for steady gains.
Find Income for the Future
Very few players sign TV analyst deals like Tom Brady. For income after sports, consider finishing your college degree or starting a business venture while still playing. That provides skills to earn a salary after your jersey is retired.
Reduce Expenses
Examine spending habits even during peak earning years. You need to see where to trim expenses and excessive bills. Getting used to simpler living makes the post-career transition easier. Consider downsizing homes. Driving paid-off cars. Don’t accumulate expensive assets just because you can.
Don’t put this off! As soon as drafted, start funding IRAs and other retirement accounts. Use career earnings to pile up savings that can support you to age 100. With compound growth and disciplined contributions, retiring comfortably is doable.
The Next Chapter Beckons
Sports stars only rule supreme for a short period. Before stardom slips away, stick to budgets, limit spending, and max out wise investments. If you’ve managed money responsibly during your playing days, you’ll be set up for success.
And if you end up with big credit cards or loan debt from overspending, debt consolidation loans in Ireland can provide some financial relief. But avoiding too much debt in the first place is always the smartest play.
Conclusion
Start with the basics before investing, taxes and complex topics. Lessons on needs versus wants, budgeting, saving and smart spending give the foundation for making good choices as they earn and manage larger sums. Building healthy habits early leads to financial success.
It’s exciting when first drafted. But don’t believe the hype that it will last forever. Riches can disappear quickly with bad investments or reckless spending.
Stay grounded and live below your means. Save and invest wisely and take care of your body. Make each contract count, but plan for the future after sports. Handled correctly, athlete wealth can last a lifetime.
