In 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that 78% of NFL players file for bankruptcy or face financial hardship only two years after playing their last game. Stories of Mike Tyson, Curt Schilling, Allen Iverson, and other athletes who have squandered millions of dollars constantly hit the news headlines. This book is written for those athletes who want to plan for a future that does not include financial hardships, regardless of the length of their career. "Playing Smart" is written for authors who dare to be different. Ryan Mack, nationally renowned financial expert and author, has worked with many athletes throughout his career. Many talented athletes are young men and women when they enter their professional sports career. These athletes want to be informed, but don't know which questions to ask. This book is a clear, easy to understand guide to a variety of topics which help professional athletes minimize the risk of losing their fortune. In fact, this book will help athletes learn how to make their money and savings grow. Inside you will find strategies for navigating: Family and Money: Strategies for navigating money with family in a way that is balanced and protects the athlete's interests. Advisors: Weeding out unethical advisors and building an effective/comprehensive team. Retirement: Wealth building strategies to create a long term financial plan for life after sports. Giving Back: Responsible strategies for giving back to the community and empowering others. Ryan Mack has used his expertise to create a handbook, the first of its kind, to empower athletes financially. If an athlete wants to spend his or her money wisely to maximize the possibility of long-term financial success, they must read "Playing Smart" and keep it for future reference. Ryan Mack wrote this book knowing that he would not be in the room or in the orientation to assist every athlete, but having this book and the answers to its questions is the next best thing "