Who makes up the perfect fantasy team when it comes to your finances?
• There are some lessons we can learn from a few of last year’s stars that make them the perfect financial fantasy team.

Quarterback, Cam Newton

• You need a good leader because financial planning is a team game.
• Planning for something like retirement is a lot for one person, the good news is you don’t have to do it alone!
• A trusted financial professional can help you navigate all of the decisions and make the right calls for your financial future.

Running Back, Doug Martin

• After two really bad years this Tampa Bay running back bounced back as the second-leading rusher in the league last year.
• In finance, you can bounce back and play catch up.
• Retirement accounts are designed to help older workers by allowing additional catchup contributions for workers age 50 and older.
• Younger workers are capped at saving $18,000 per year in their 401(k) and $5,500 in their IRAs for 2016. However, older workers can save an additional $6,000 in a 401(k) and $1,000 in an IRA.

Wide Receiver, Julian Edelman

• You need to be able to make adjustments.
• This New England wide receiver was a quarterback in college but knew his best chance to make it in the NFL was by switching positions.
• A financial plan isn’t something you can set and forget.
• You need to adjust your financial plan- especially when entering a new phase of life like having a baby, getting married or divorced, or having a child or grandchild entering college.

Tight End, Rob Gronkowski

• This Patriots tight end is universally considered the best fantasy option at his position.
• He’s a no brainer in a fantasy football draft, just like taking free or easy money should be when it comes to finances
• More than one-third of people who are putting money into employer-sponsored retirement plans are not taking full advantage of their employer’s match. That is like throwing money away.
• I recommend putting 10-15% of your salary into a 401(k) or IRA but if you can’t do that at least contribute enough to get the company match.

Kicker, Adam Vinatieri

• You need to think long term
• The 43 year old Indianapolis Colts kicker is the oldest player in the NFL.
• All that time has added up. He is currently third on the all-time scoring leader board
• While each game or month matters, it is the overall points or savings that really helps down the road.
• Even low interest gains can add up, and that’s why it’s important to start saving early and think long term.