Ep. 92 Money Before It Shows Up: Preparing Young Athletes for Financial Success

What happens when an 18-year-old suddenly has more money than they’ve ever seen, and no one has taught them what to do with it? Financial advisor, UVA professor, and author Tom Henske has spent nearly three decades helping families and athletic departments answer that question, and he calls the risk “Sudden Wealth Syndrome.” It isn’t reserved for pro contracts or million-dollar deals. It can hit with a first NIL check, a scholarship, or a first real paycheck, and it explains why smart, hardworking young people so often make costly money mistakes. Tom breaks down the psychology behind “Ready, Fire, Aim” spending, shares his simple “4 P’s” framework for the moment a big opportunity lands, and explains why the people surrounding an athlete may matter as much as what the athlete knows. If you’re a parent who has invested years in your athlete’s training, fueling, and development, this conversation will show you how to prepare them financially too, before the money shows up.

You can follow Tom Henske here.

To learn more visit @thesportsnutritionplaybook and thesportsnutritionplaybook.com.

Check out our YouTube channel for more sports nutrition tips and tricks.

Have questions to ask our sports dietitians? Email us at [email protected]