Dykstra: Do You Have a Game Plan?

The bottom line is this: The more you begin to understand about finances now, the more money you're going to have later on when your family really needs it.

I don't wear my championship ring. I'm not a jewelry kind of guy. I keep my ring in a safety deposit box. On those rare occasions that I take it out, though, all the memories come back.

I can see the day I got it as if it were yesterday. Opening day 1987. One by one, my teammates and I were called out onto the field where the rings were set in our hands while a stadium full of fans went wild.

It was a great moment for many reasons. It was a reminder of all that we'd accomplished. But also, it was great to have that ring placed in my hand on opening day. I've always loved opening day. Opening day is a symbol of a fresh start and new hope.

I had no idea on that day what would happen to me after I retired. I didn't know the weird feeling that would come the moment the paychecks stopped. I couldn't understand how all the support staff and services the club provided would suddenly vanish from my life in order to take care of the player who replaced me.

I had no idea that my high school buddy -- who I'd trusted with my money -- would try to steal my car wash business. Or that the investment broker he'd recommended would lose most of my nest egg in the stock market. I couldn't see the future back then, but now I can.

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