Pickleball & Personal FinancesPickleball & Personal Finances

Pickleball & Personal Finance: A Winning Combination

As many of you may know, pickleball has taken the country by storm and has become one of the fastest growing sports. What started as a backyard pastime has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, with new courts being built in communities, parks, and retirement centers. As a new player myself, I was thinking about how pickleball is correlated to my finance career and what it teaches us.

A competitive game of pickleball and managing your personal finances both require a game plan, patience, and consistency. In pickleball, it is not about swinging at every ball—you position yourself wisely, anticipate your opponent’s move, and aim for long-term control of the court. Similarly, a smart financial plan is not about chasing every hot stock or trendy investment. It is about building a diversified portfolio that helps balance the hits your portfolio may take, staying focused on long-term goals when markets fluctuate, and adapting by making thoughtful, strategic moves that aligns with your financial plan—not reacting impulsively to headlines, market swings, or emotional highs and lows.

Written by: Cole Ducote, AIF®, Wealth Manager

Pickleball also reminds us of the importance of balance—between offense and defense, between saving and spending. You don’t win by only playing safe, but you also don’t win by being reckless. The best players know when to be aggressive and when to reset the rally. In personal finance, that might look like investing in growth while protecting your downside or buying something fun after you have met your savings goals. When I first stepped onto the court, I was all offense with no balance. I learned my lesson very quickly!

Personally, as a young investor and an up-and-coming pickleball player, I focus on consistency and adaptability every time I walk onto the court or into a meeting. One bad shot should not throw off my whole game, and one market downturn should not derail my financial future. Instead of reacting to every bump in the market, seasoned investors—just like experienced players—execute the game plan, are patient and are consistent to achieve long-term success.

Disclosures:

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The information contained in this report is not written or intended as financial, tax or legal advice. The information provided herein may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek financial, tax and legal advice from your professional advisors. You should consult your tax and/or legal advisors before implementing any transactions and/or strategies concerning your finances.