Well, you might ask how would I know, since what I understand of cricket would fit on the head of a pin! American Football bubbas pounding each other every weekend has never held any allure either, say what you will about those Lycra uniforms. Baseball has some sheer symmetry to it, watching the execution of a flawless triple play, for instance, is quite amazing, but it moves far too slowly for many of us. Of the more visible sports that draw large audiences, that leaves soccer and basketball, with the biggest money currently being made in the latter. And don't forget the endorsements, if you hit pay dirt, the biggest money of all. Mr. Woods understand that concept very well.

What we do know is that both construction professionals and athletes have tremendous potential for great monetary rewards. One, because they are both huge industries (construction the largest employer in the United States) and Two. Because both industries require massive outlays of sheer physical energy.

Ah, that it appeared this easy, we would all be employed in these two fields.

We know how to work hard, don't we? Somehow, though sitting behind a desk with the occasional stroll out for lunch or a cappuccino is not quite the same thing.

For athletes, both men and women, they are the success stories we all envy; fabulous `board man under the basketball hoop; ladies with great tennis serves; runners faster than anyone on the track seen training with no shoes; first female soccer team to bring in bigger crowds than football. They are all a short-lived career lot; one fracture away, at any time, from a devastating and abrupt end to a dream career. But because they are young and so successful, they think it will never happen to them! For construction professionals (sorry mostly men), they are envied in many circles. Stories of double overtime and high wages, big profits on jobs if you are a part owner, abound. They, too, can be a short-lived career lot; one false step off a high beam or the insolvency of one or two clients, at any time, can bring a successful business career to an abrupt halt. But because times are so good, a false sense of comfort is easy to embrace.

These successful individuals all have attributes that stand out: intuitive thinking, street smarts, extremely hard-working, excellent physical conditioning (for the most part), the ability to recognise the big picture, the ability to be a team player, totally disciplined and self-motivated no matter what economic circumstances they came from, and of course, possessing the God-given natural ability to rise above the crowd.

I once read that Walter Payton, as a young man growing up poor on a small farm did not have any Joe Weider barbells to throw around; instead, he made it a goal to reach 1,000 sit-ups and 1,000 pushups a day. That along with hauling hay and 100 pound grain bags kept him in shape and motivated to succeed. And we remember all of the Eastern European countries' tennis players that somehow made it to the West and great fame. Many construction professionals started out working with their families, or at the lowest rung, literally, of a construction firm and then worked their way up. In the United States, they are called pickup truck builders. Some of these athletes and construction professionals have had little formal schooling, but in a self-motivated business environment, it did not hold them back. They succeeded anyway.

What then do these two types of successful people have in common? They have planned for the future! They have delayed gratification, disciplined themselves to anticipate any contingency. They have put-off wanting to have everything now. Those that had trouble with investment concepts hired reliable people to manage their earnings for them. They all took charge of their financial lives, putting savings aside for the day they can no longer earn at such a rate. Many returned for the education they never had. After all even injury free, age is unkind to both athletes and those in construction. Sooner or later, but usually sooner, they will reach the stage where they can no longer tie their shoes, let alone drill a basket or fire off a 95mph fast ball.

Construction runs in boom and bust cycles. It always has, it always will. The smart, savvy construction pro is saving every single extra dollar, he can get his hands on, for that downslide. When the economy changes, as it has done before, he is prepared and his economic life is stable. He, too, will have sought specific financial planning to meet this goal. He also will have alternate business ideas to implement to protect his family and his livelihood.

Malcolm Forbes (not in our league, a multi-millionaire) has been quoted wildly as saying: "He who dies with the most toys wins.'' Well, he did die, and I think he had the most toys at that time, including a magnificent Harley-Davidson that he rode well way into his age of late seventies! For the rest of us, when the expensive car depreciates and starts rusting in the yard, those smart athletes and construction professionals who worked hard, saved, and planned for the future will have an untarnished appreciating legacy.

OUR MOCK PORTFOLIO Readers, check out the latest Money magazine with Shaq O'Neal on the cover (September 2000). After a disastrous first few years (he spent more than he earned), he took control of his finances. Now, he saves and he invests, as do many other athletes, including Anna Kournikova. Why else would she be pushing Charles Shwab? This way any money they pay her, goes right back into their pocket.

Here is a list of their favourite stocks picks, from Shaq, Michael Jordan, Anna, and Inger Miller and Jose Canseco. Most of them hired financial planning experts to manage their money. Note, too, that most of these stocks are pretty conservative, the only exceptions are the last three, Yahoo, Immunex and Chinadot.com, all picks of Mr. Canseco. Jose prepared for an alternate career a long time ago. He also owns Canseco Financial Services. So what I want to know , is there a conflict of interest here Jose is espousing the virtues of various stock positions while waiting for his turn at bat.

Funny thing, too, many of these stocks are in our own original mock portfolio.

You can't argue with success., can you.

Next week, a bit more on construction, and a local stockbroker gives some tips.

Under no circumstances does the information in this column represent a recommendation to buy or sell stocks or any other investments. Readers needing specific assistance should seek professional advice from their financial advisor.

Martha Myron CPA is a Bermudian, a Comprehensive Financial Planner, holds NASD Series 7 license and is a US tax practitioner. For 11 years, she was employed by and had clients in the construction industry in the United States, Including HomeBuilders Association of New Hampshire, a 1,600 businesses member group. She is Programming Chair for the Financial Planning Association/ Bermuda. Questions regarding this article may be sent to at Email: marthamyron y northrock.bm