Personal Finance for Sports Fans – Little Things Make a Big Difference in the Big Dance

How many times have you heard an ESPN announcer make a comment about a play that won’t show up on the stats sheet? Diving on a loose ball to force a tie-up or making an extra pass that results in an easy basket are examples of little things that can make a big difference in the NCAA tournament.

Win One Possession at a Time
Every team needs skilled players to help them win games but it’s not just the NBA range three pointer or the monster blocks that bring victory during March Madness. Basics such as boxing out, making free throws, and avoiding silly fouls are all little things that add up over the course of 40 minutes. Since basketball games are won a single possession at a time, these little things are more obvious and frequently get praise from guys like Dick Vitale, Jay Bilas, or Digger Phelps.

Be Money Smart & Cut Down the Nets
Paying attention to details can bring you financial success as well. Not everyone can be a money superstar and earn an enormous salary but if you do the little things right you’ll come out ahead in the end.

Play good offense by regularly saving or investing and the power of compounding growth will work its magic over time. There are countless ways to put up a good financial defense. Follow the time-tested play of spending less than you earn and this full court press will keep your balance sheet in the black.

Think of the rush you get when your team wins a cliffhanger to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. You might not feel that way every time you save or invest a little money but I’m pretty sure you’ll celebrate down the road when your net worth gives you the freedom to make the choices you want in life.

Check out the other articles in the series Personal Finance for Sports Fans

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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