Shaq says annuities could pay him $1 million a month

Shaquille O’Neal says he has a plan to avoid the financial troubles that have affected some retired athletes. Speaking on the “Dinner Party” podcast, the former NBA star said he began putting money from endorsement deals into annuities after hearing advice from a wealthy businessman.

“If you have $100, you want to save $50,” O’Neal recalled the man telling him. “But if you want to be wealthy, you play with $25 and save $75.” O’Neal said he followed that principle and invested a substantial share of his income.

He expects the annuity payments to begin when he turns 55, on March 6, 2027. He said the payments are structured to increase at ages 55, 60 and 65, and could amount to about $1 million a month. O’Neal described the arrangement as a safeguard in case other investments don’t perform as hoped.

In other, much more everyday news, a Costco trip prompted a question about the cheerful employees who check receipts and memberships at the entrance. A longtime shopper wondered whether the company trains workers to be especially friendly, and how they manage to stay upbeat year after year. After roughly a decade of visits, the shopper said they still hadn’t encountered an especially grumpy employee.

One reader clarified that a previous mention of Costco’s food court referred to its chicken tenders, which he recommended trying.

A reader who works in the outdoor-equipment industry said California regulations have affected sales of gas-powered engines. Some manufacturers, the reader wrote, have stopped selling certain engines in the state or have limited warranty coverage, while exemptions may be available for a fee.

The same reader said golf courses are increasingly considering automated equipment as it becomes harder to find staff for tasks such as mowing slopes and raking bunkers. New fairway mowers can cost around $120,000, and electric versions are not dramatically more expensive, he said. Automation may soon become commonplace.

There was one reservation about the trend: automated electric mowers don’t always leave the neat, straight stripes golfers expect. The results can look a little chaotic, though further improvements may help.

Another reader marked the end of summer with patio cooking and Costco ribs, while joking that the college football teams favored early in the season tend to find their way into the playoff conversation anyway. He also urged people worried about elections to avoid panic, keep reasonable supplies on hand and make practical plans rather than letting fear take over.

A Florida reader, meanwhile, expressed disappointment about political changes in Texas and said the state’s shift had surprised him. He contrasted the situation with Florida, where, in his view, the political climate remains more comfortable for him.

As the holiday season approaches, one shopper said he tested the idea of bringing out decorations early. His wife declined for now, preferring to enjoy fall a little longer, although colder weather nearby might change that soon.

With the NFL season moving along and college football’s regular season winding down, the column closed with a familiar reminder: make the most of the weekends still left on the schedule.