When he’s not holding the backline for the Queen City – or stepping up to represent the United States on the men’s national team – Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream makes the most of his time and money.
Here’s what he had to say about his family and finances:
What's the first thing you remember saving for?
The first thing I remember saving for was an engagement ring for my wife.
What's the next thing you're saving for?
A kitchen remodel. We’ve just purchased a home and we're really looking forward to changing things up. We've worked on the bathroom so far and we're trying to save up for a new kitchen.
What was your first job?
I had two – in the mornings I would do landscaping with a friend of my parents and then in the afternoons and evenings I would work in a retail soccer shop selling cleats, balls, cones, jerseys. You name it, we sold it.
First kit you ever purchased?
I've actually never purchased a kit for myself, but I've purchased many for my kids. My boys are soccer fanatics, so I know we've purchased national team kits from all around the world.
How were you taught about money growing up?
Truthfully, I wasn't really taught a whole lot about money growing up. I knew that you need money to purchase things and advance, but I didn't really understand it fully until going into college and studying finance and economics.
Best piece of financial advice you’ve ever received?
The best financial advice I ever received was to purchase assets, not liabilities. Assets appreciate over time and liabilities are, well, liabilities and depreciate. I’m not a huge car guy – they can be liabilities – but I am into things like property, art, stocks and savings.
What’s something in your wallet that’s not money?
Business cards from networking over the years. I keep a few of the important ones in my wallet.
If you found $50 on the sidewalk, what would you do with it?
I'd probably just tuck it away and eventually use it on something for my kids or put it away into one of their accounts so that they have it later.
What's your guilty pleasure spend?
A good meal and a nice bottle of wine. My wife and I really enjoy a date night for ourselves.
Big or small – what’s something you’ll gladly pay extra for?
Time. I travel quite a bit and when I'm home I don't want to be doing things that take time away from my family. I'd happily overpay to be able to buy my time back so that I can then spend it with my kids and my wife.
In three words: What are your financial priorities?
Save, stability and future.
If you weren’t a pro soccer player, what would you do for a living?
I have no idea. I knew from a young age that this is what I wanted to do. I did go to college, I did graduate, I did study business, but that was more of a fallback. Thankfully, I didn't have to fall back into that!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The views, information or opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Ally.
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