[Wealth Wednesdays U.S. Open Watch - Pt. 2] Rising Tennis Star, Sachia Vickery, Shares Her Most Important Money Lessons
[Wealth Wednesdays U.S. Open Watch - Pt. 2] Rising Tennis Star, Sachia Vickery, Shares Her Most Important Money Lessons
Building wealth & wisdom on and off the court
As we discussed in Part 1 of our intimate look at what it’s really like for tennis players and their families to rise to the top of the game, Paula Liverpool, and her daughter, WTA ranked Sachia Vickery, shared how their lives have changed dramatically from the early days, when Paula worked nearly 20 hours a day to support her daughter’s tennis aspirations. As a mom, Liverpool often found herself in tears trying to figure out how to make it all work.
“The sacrifice I’ve had to make for tennis is the biggest financial sacrifice I’ve ever had to make in my life,” says Liverpool.
A sacrifice that is paying off in every way. Sachia’s career earnings are approaching the $1.4 million level, but it is those early struggles, and the family’s strong values that have defined how they manage their growing financial success.
“A fool and his money will soon part,” says Liverpool. “If you have money and you don’t know how to invest it wisely, get the knowledge to do so, or overindulge, you can part with your money instantaneously. If you’re aware and knowledgeable, half the battle is already done,” she adds.
[Click HERE for WW U.S. Open Pt. 1”A Single Mother’s Sacrifice to See Her Daughter Rise To Tennis Stardom]
Keeping it Real
While Liverpool does the hands-on financial management, so that Sachia can focus on her tennis, the lessons the family learned during the difficult early days, and a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving wealth, are embedded in the 23-year-old rising star’s DNA.
“I don’t live extravagantly. I’ve lived in the same neighborhood my whole life. I’ve trained on the same courts my whole life. I keep very grounded.” Says Vickery.
In addition to staying grounded, Sachia says the realities of making a living as a professional tennis player have taught her the importance of preserving and growing wealth.
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“In tennis, there’s so much stress every week, that if you have a bad week, you can’t spend as much money because you don’t make as much money. If you have a good week or two, you may have four bad weeks after that. You never really know what’s going to happen,” says Vickery.
“This year has definitely been the most successful year financially that I’ve had in my career. I’ve learned to make sure I’m always aware of what I’m spending, and to just really think into the future,” she adds.
Investing in Her Future, Investing in Herself
Vickery, who possesses a wisdom and maturity that is well beyond her years, knows that there is a lot more to financial wellness than dollars and cents. Personal growth, and a sense of self-responsibility, are as important as money when it comes to building wealth.
“It has had a great impact on my life. Not only does it ease a bit of pressure, but I’m also able to invest in my game and future. I feel very happy about that,” she says.
If this ‘old soul’ had one lesson she could convey to us all: “Do not get ahead of yourself and waste your hard-earned money. Be smart, invest, and build a solid foundation.”
A foundation that is taking Vickery to the top of the tennis world while creating a lifetime of financial security.
