Shaq revealed the 1 concept he used to preserve his fortune as an NBA player

In fact, when it comes to financial discipline, Shaq shared a piece of advice he once received: “Save 75% and have fun with 25%.”

The save-and-invest mentality is what enabled him to build upon his fortune. He was an early investor in Google and invested in Ring before its acquisition by Amazon. He also operates a large portfolio of restaurant franchises.

For those without the benefit of an NBA-sized paycheck, saving three-quarters of your income might seem out of reach. However, the core lesson remains universal: whether you’re earning millions or living on a modest salary, knowing how to invest your money wisely — including the use of tools like annuities — can set the stage for long-term financial success.

Read more: Warren Buffett used 8 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)’

Start small, build big

Many insurance companies offer annuity products that allow you to invest money upfront — either as a lump sum or through regular payments — in exchange for guaranteed income in the future. You can choose from different types, such as fixed annuities, which provide a guaranteed payout, or variable annuities, where returns are tied to market performance. The key is to find a product that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance, offering you the ability to build wealth steadily without requiring a large upfront investment.

For those looking to diversify, investing in dividend stocks is another way to generate passive income. Many blue-chip companies pay regular dividends — a part of their profits — to shareholders. Some of these companies even raise their payouts annually, making them an attractive option for investors seeking a reliable and growing stream of income in retirement.

Again, you don’t have to start big. One accessible way to start investing dividend stocks is through platforms like Acorns. Acorns makes it easy for anyone, even beginners, to grow their wealth by automatically investing spare change from everyday purchases.

Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes. Link your cards, and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference — your spare change — into a diversified portfolio.

For those seeking a more customized experience, Acorns Gold allows for a mix of automated investments and individual stock selection, giving you the flexibility to tailor your strategy.

With Acorns, you can invest in a diversified portfolio with as little as $5 — and, if you sign up today, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey.

Passive income from real estate

Real estate is another compelling investment option that aligns well with Shaq’s emphasis on financial tools like annuities, thanks to its ability to generate consistent cash flow through rental income.

It can also serve as a hedge against inflation: when inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that can adjust for inflation.

Homeshares gives accredited investors access to this overlooked segment: the billions in locked-in equity sitting in owner-occupied homes.

Instead of purchasing properties, investors participate through a portfolio of Home Equity Agreements (HEAs) — allowing homeowners to unlock cash with no monthly payments, while investors share in future appreciation.

The result is exposure to a large, under-tapped market across top U.S. cities, without the headaches of being a landlord or the risk of being overleveraged.

HEAs come with built-in protection: they usually cover 25 to 35% of a home’s value in a lien secured position, which helps shield your investment if the market dips. And unlike traditional real estate, HEAs are also typically resilient to interest rate shifts, offering attractive, risk-adjusted returns even during economic uncertainty.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.