When Shaquille O’Neal talks about his fortune, people listen. The NBA legend, known for extravagant car collections and business acumen, recently unveiled the secret that set him up for life-and it wasn’t advice from Jeff Bezos or a Silicon Valley CEO. Instead, O’Neal shared that the key to his financial success lies in one word: *annuities*.
“I had never heard of annuities before,” Shaq admitted. “This old, wealthy friend told me, ‘Shaq, you need to invest in annuities.’ At the time, I had all this money rolling in from endorsements and commercials, and I didn’t know what to do with it.”
Curious, Shaq looked into annuity funds and discovered a long-term investment plan that would allow him to cash in steadily from age 50 onward. “Every year I was in the NBA, I invested in annuities,” O’Neal revealed. “Now, if I lose every dime tomorrow, I won’t care-my family and I are already set for life. I don’t even work for money anymore. I work for fun.”
What’s the big deal with annuities?
An annuity is a financial arrangement where you invest money over time, and in return, the company pays you back regularly at a future date. For the Los Angeles Lakers’ former center, this was a game-changer. “I can retire from anything anytime,” he said confidently.
Though he also made big plays by investing in companies like Google, Shaq credits annuities as his most reliable investment. “It wasn’t about fast profits,” he explained. “It was about ensuring stability for me and my family.”
More than just dollars-Impact matters to Shaq
While the Big Fella’s financial strategies keep his bank account growing, his recent ventures show that he’s just as committed to making a difference. Inspired by Bezos, Shaq adopted a philosophy focused on investments that change lives. “If you invest in things that improve people’s lives, the return will follow,” Shaq said, paraphrasing the Amazon founder.
One of O’Neal’s latest investments is Campus, a startup dedicated to making education more accessible. “This isn’t about profit,” he emphasized. “Everyone should have access to world-class education.”
Shaq’s strategy of blending smart financial planning with meaningful investments reveals why he’s not just a beloved athlete but also a business icon. Whether it’s annuities or education, Shaq proves that success isn’t just about making money-it’s about making a difference.