NBA legend Shaquille O?Neal is one of the richest former athletes ever. It is because of his hunger to learn new things and not to become complacent after receiving huge paychecks during his playing days and from his endorsement deals. He signed one of the biggest contracts at the time when he signed for the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq could have relaxed and lived off of his salary. However, he had the desire to be better at everything he sets his eyes on. Over the years, O’Neal has revealed some of the lessons he has learned from various people.

The legendary center once disclosed how Amazon founder billionaire Jeff Bezos inspired his investment philosophy. In 2019, he shared some information about his saving philosophy. Shaq initially stated that a “fellow” at a bar taught him the difference between the saving practice of a wealthy person and a rich person.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend gave an interview for Yahoo Finance during which he shared this lesson. The host asked what is the one piece of advice Shaq would give his younger self. “Would be the same address that a fellow gave me at a bar,” O’Neal said.

Shaquille O?Neal still follows the advice

Shaquille O’Neal then proceeded to explain the financial lesson he received in a bar. “He had a piece of paper and said, ‘This is a hundred dollars.’ Ripped it in half. He said, ‘You save $50. You can play with the other $50. But the difference between rich and wealthy is you rip the $50 in half and with the $25, you can do whatever you want. But with the other $25, you save it’,” Shaq explained.

The four-time champion added he followed this lesson and did not spend his first check until he got married and had children. He then revealed he received this lesson from Lester Knispel. He managed the finances of The Big Diesel. Knispel also managed the finances of the Kardashians, except for Kris Jenner.

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As per reports, O’Neal has an estimated net worth of $400 million. Over the years, he has made some smart investments and partnership deals that helped him build his business empire. However, the former MVP knows how to spend his millions in style. Shaq lives an extravagant lifestyle with a mind-blowingly huge mansion, huge yachts, unbelievable car collections, etc.

But he does not forget his roots and helps the community in every way possible.