Shaquille O'Neal Reveals $1 Million Monthly Annuity Plan Starting at 55

Q: What secret savings rule did Shaq learn from a wealthy businessman that guarantees him $1 million a month in retirement?

Shaq said the key rule was simple: if you have $100, live on $25 and save or invest $75. He has described that advice as the turning point in how he handled money. After hearing it from a wealthy businessman, O’Neal said he stopped treating big checks as spending money and began saving aggressively, especially his endorsement income. That discipline fed into the retirement structure he says will eventually pay him about $1 million a month. O’Neal said he put large sums into annuities, which are designed to provide guaranteed payments later in life. He said those annuity payments are scheduled to start on March 6, 2027, with additional payouts tied to ages 55, 60 and 65. So the “secret” was not a hidden investment trick but a strict wealth rule: spend only 25% and save or invest 75%. The annuities were the vehicle he used to turn that savings habit into long-term guaranteed income, giving him a financial backstop even if other investments perform poorly.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 6

O'Neal said annuity payments of about $1 million a month will begin on March 6, 2027, when he turns 55, calling the setup his retirement backstop.
The 54-year-old said he built the plan after advice to save 75% and live on 25%, then funneled endorsement income into annuities instead of spending it.
He said the payouts are staggered around ages 55, 60 and 65 so he has fixed income "almost for the rest of my life" even if other investments underperform.
The comments came in a discussion with brand manager Leonard Armato about how young athletes can avoid branding and money mistakes that leave some former stars broke.