Football season is here and in Kansas City, we know a thing or two about building a championship team. Whether you’re sat at Arrowhead Stadium or at home, it’s always fascinating watching how the Chiefs operate. Behind every touchdown is careful strategy, disciplined execution, and constant adjustment.
Surprisingly, the same principles that help the Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy can also help you reach your financial goals. Here’s what the Chiefs can teach us about financial success.
The franchise quarterback & your game plan
The Chiefs have built their dynasty around Patrick Mahomes, making one thing clear: he isn’t just a player; he’s the centerpiece of the team. The organization carefully constructs the environment that allows him to thrive, focusing on four key areas. They draft and contract elite talent to build a strong supporting roster, invest in their offensive line to give Mahomes the protection he needs, design a playbook that highlights his strengths, and continually make season adjustments to stay ahead of opponents.
In financial services, you’re the quarterback, and your financial advisor is your head coach, guiding and helping you craft a plan tailored to your long-term goals. Discovery and planning (drafting and contracting) involves defining your goals and designing a strategy. Risk management (a strong offensive line) protects you from unexpected setbacks through insurance, diversification, and estate planning. Portfolio design (the playbook) moves you steadily toward your financial goal line. Finally, ongoing reviews (season adjustments) help you adapt to market changes, tax updates, and life events.
Free agency & diversification
When free agency opens, smart teams like the Chiefs build depth across positions. They don’t rely on a single superstar but spread talent across the roster, so the team can keep winning even if there’s an injury.
In finance, this is called diversification. By spreading your investments across different areas, you lower the risk that one setback could derail your entire plan. Just like how a deep roster helps the Chiefs win games, a diversified portfolio can help you weather market ups and downs.
Salary cap management & budgeting
The NFL salary cap forces teams to spend wisely. Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ GM, knows how to balance big contracts for superstars with role players who deliver strong value.
Your household budget is your salary cap. Overspend in one area, and you’ll have to cut back elsewhere. Smart cap management means funding essentials, saving for the future, and still enjoying life, which sets you up for winning seasons year after year.
Rookie development & retirement planning
Every NFL rookie has potential, but the Chiefs know that talent needs coaching to reach true greatness. The earlier there is an investment in a player’s development, the longer and more successful their career can be.
Retirement planning works the same way. Starting early gives you time to build skills, refine strategies, and take advantage of compounding, just as a rookie benefits from years of training before reaching their prime.
Final whistle
Whether it’s winning the Super Bowl or achieving your financial dreams, the formula is the same: have a smart game plan, protect against risks, balance your resources, and adapt as you go.
For the Chiefs, the goal is another Lombardi. For you, it’s a secure and fulfilling life. Both take strategy, teamwork, and the will to execute when it counts most.
