Lessons from a Kick-Six

Scoring on an unlikely play
will not win the game 

On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Arizona Cardinals (2-0) attempted an ill-fated field goal, which resulted in a rare "Kick Six," where Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) returned the kick from one endzone to the other. As a result, the game went from 10-10 to 16-10 at the half. 

Another result was that the halftime show aired the play no less than five times, questioning the decision repeatedly. Jaguars were gifted a great opportunity, and they capitalized on it fully. Instead of falling behind three points, they took a six-point lead into the locker room.

Then, there was another half of the game to play, and Arizona Cardinals had a stronger second half, winning 31-19. After all the advantages of that improbable touchdown gave them, Jaguars were only able to notch three more points, which was not nearly enough to win the game. The "Kick Six" still made highlight reels throughout the evening and it was shared across Twitter, but it was not a once-and-done solution to winning the game. In reality, any team expecting to win games with a "Kick Six" will not fare well throughout a full season.

Here is the loosely connected analogy to finance. That "Kick Six" touchdown reminded me of getting a big economic win, such as exposure to cryptocurrency, NFT, $GME or the like. Getting the big lead is only one part. Holding onto it is a different game altogether. Buying into Bitcoin 10 years ago has been spectacular, but NFTs may become nothing more than a beanie baby-esque fad and what happens to $GME remains to be seen early next year as those oversized increases then qualify for long-term capital gains.

More important than a single play, economically or athletically, is the strategy for the full game. Sticking to the strategy is quite often the singular skill that separates winners from losers, if not in sports, then at least for professional careers or in finance.

I warn people who are expecting a large inheritance (or hoping a big lottery win) can provide their financial stability that having money in and of itself does not equate to any money management skills. 

Herein lies the beauty of slowly building wealth. Your knowledge often expands as your wealth does, even if both are abstract concepts. There is an immeasurable benefit to that unity.