Jimmy Bisharat - Money Decisions Every Athlete Faces Early Part 4 of 4: Do Athletes Need a Financial Advisor, and What Should They Look For? | Gerber Kawasaki

By: Jimmy Bisharat

Many athletes eventually ask whether they really need a financial advisor or if they can manage their finances on their own. It is a fair question. With access to investing apps, financial content online, and constant market coverage, it has never been easier to learn about stocks and investing. The truth is, some athletes can handle parts of their finances on their own, especially early on. But as soon as income becomes real and consistent, the question becomes less about whether you can do it yourself and more about whether you are doing it in the most effective and sustainable way.

Investing in stocks is not the problem. Long-term investing, when done thoughtfully, is one of the best tools athletes have to build wealth. The challenge is that investing is only one piece of a much bigger picture. Taxes, cash flow, account structure, risk management, and long-term goals all matter just as much as which stocks you own. That is where a financial advisor can add real value. Not by taking control away from you, but by helping you connect all the pieces into one clear plan.

The most important thing is not simply having an advisor, but having the right advisor. Athletes should look for someone who is truly acting as a fiduciary, meaning they are required to put your interests first. That alignment matters, especially when decisions start to get more complex. A good advisor should also be able to explain every recommendation clearly. You should understand why something is being done, how it works, and what role it plays in your overall plan. The goal is not blind trust, but informed confidence. You stay involved, you ask questions, and you understand the strategy.

Education is a key part of the relationship. The best advisors do not just manage money, they teach. They help athletes understand how investing works, how taxes impact decisions, and how different choices today affect the future. Over time, that education makes athletes more confident and more in control. The earlier athletes start working with the right advisor, the more impact it tends to have over time. Building good habits early matters. Structure, discipline, and clarity compound over time, just like investments do. Starting that relationship early often leads to better decisions and fewer mistakes as income grows.

There are times when an athlete may not need an advisor immediately. If income is small, taxes are simple, and investing is already being handled responsibly, self-education can be enough for a period of time. But as income increases, even modestly, the value of guidance grows quickly. At its best, working with a financial advisor feels more like a partnership than a handoff. You are not giving up control of your money. You are gaining perspective, structure, and a clearer path forward.

For athletes, the question is not just whether they need an advisor. It is whether they have someone they trust, who is aligned with them, and who is willing to invest the time to help them understand their finances. When that relationship starts early, it can make a meaningful difference for the rest of their career and beyond.

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management is an investment advisor located in California. Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Gerber Kawasaki only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. A copy of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management 's current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses, among other things, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management's business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC's website at: http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov . 

Jimmy Bisharat is a Financial Advisor of Santa Monica, California-based Gerber Kawasaki Inc., an SEC-registered investment firm with approximately ~$4.09B billion in assets under management and advisement as of 12/31/25.  The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which course of action may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Readers shouldn't buy any investment without doing their research to determine if the investments are suitable for their situation. “All investments involve risk and one should consult a financial advisor before making any investments. Past performance is not indicative of future results." Every situation is unique and you should consult a tax professional and a financial advisor before making any decisions.