It’s March, and for anyone who’s ever been part of a team—on the court, in business, or at home—this season is a reminder of what it takes to win. March Madness is more than just brackets and buzzer-beaters. It’s about momentum, strategy, and trust. It’s about how no one gets to the championship alone. And when it comes to your finances, the same truth applies.

As someone who played basketball at the collegiate level, I learned early on that success depends on more than individual talent. We didn’t win because one player carried us—we won because we practiced relentlessly, understood our roles, and held each other accountable. Some nights I led the charge, other nights I passed the ball. What mattered was how we played together. That same approach works in real life, too. Whether you’re building a business, managing your household, or preparing for retirement—you need people around you who know their roles and show up ready to contribute. Financial success isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about building the right team and trusting the system.

What Basketball Taught Me About Money

• Preparation is non-negotiable – No team wins without practice. In basketball, we studied opponents, ran drills, and prepared for every possible scenario. In finance, preparation looks like setting intentional goals, building a well-thought-out plan, and staying consistent—regardless of market conditions. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to make rushed or emotional decisions.
• Trust your team – As a player, I had to trust that my teammates would be where they were supposed to be, and that our coach had a strategy that made sense. In your financial life, that same level of trust matters. Whether it’s an advisor guiding your investments, a CPA handling taxes, or a mentor helping you navigate business growth, you don’t need to carry the entire load alone. Strong teams create strong outcomes.
• You can’t score if you’re stuck on defense – If you’re always reacting—putting out fires, stressing over market dips, or scrambling to make financial decisions—you’re not playing to win. Financial offense means having a forward-thinking strategy: investing regularly, staying ahead on taxes, preparing for big milestones. With a solid team and a proactive mindset, you’re always looking for the next smart play—not just defending your current position.
• Execution wins games – The best strategy is worthless if no one executes. On the court, great plays only matter if everyone follows through. In money matters, execution means consistent contributions, reviewing your plan regularly, staying disciplined, and making adjustments when needed. Wealth isn’t built by ideas alone—it’s built by action.

Final Buzzer

You don’t build long-term wealth alone. Just like March Madness, financial success comes down to preparation, trust, and teamwork. And the truth is—you need a bench. People who can guide you, check your blind spots, and help you stick to the game plan when emotions run high. Financial wins don’t happen by accident. They come from smart strategy, steady execution, and having the right people in your corner.

As March Madness unfolds and the upsets roll in, take a moment to think beyond the court—who’s in your financial huddle? Are you still trying to play every position, or have you built a trusted team around you?

In the game of life and money, it’s your court—but the best outcomes come when you’re surrounded by the right people. With a solid financial team behind you, you’re not just showing up—you’re positioned to win. And your odds of reaching long-term goals? Let’s just say they’re a whole lot better than a 16-seed knocking off a 1.