If it isn’t tracked, it didn’t happen. Columns: brand | deliverable | due | paid | usage. Document everything along the way Share a screenshot of your Deal Tracker

Split NIL income: 60% spend, 30% taxes, 10% save. Simple beats drama. SPEND category: 50% business/sport expenses, 30% Logistics(Food/Travel), 20% Fun Money

NIL money can be up-and-down. Build a rainy-day fund first, then spend. Many families aim for 3–6 months of basic costs saved. That cushion keeps you steady when a deal is late. Sources: FINRED emergency-fund checklist; NerdWallet rainy-day explainer. https://finred.usalearning.gov/Money/EmerFundChecklist?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/why-you-should-save-a-rainy-day-fund-and-an-emergency-fund?utm_source=chatgpt.com First principle: Stability beats speed. Analogy: Spare tire in the trunk—boring until you really need it.

Most D-I athletes must report third-party NIL deals ≥ $600 in NIL Go. Report before the deal starts or within 5 business days after signing. Missing it can risk eligibility. Check your school’s page for the exact steps. Sources: NC State NIL Go page; Colorado’s NIL Go guide; College Sports Commission FAQ; ESPN explainer. https://gopack.com/sports/2025/7/7/nil-go-reporting?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.collegesportscommission.org/faq/ https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/45711511/college-sports-commission-clarifies-valid-business-purpose-nil-deals First principle: No surprises for compliance. Analogy: Like checking in at the scorer’s table before you enter the game.

Watch for three hot spots: - Exclusivity: Blocks you from other brands for months. - Usage rights: Can the brand use your photo/video in ads? For how long? - Payment schedule: When do you get paid—and how? One bad clause can bench you. Sources: NCAA NIL contract best-practices; overview of key NIL clauses (exclusivity, usage, payment). https://www.newburglaw.com/newburg-law-blog/what-should-be-in-an-nil-contract-key-clauses-every-athlete-needs-to-understand First principle: Freedom has value—protect it. Analogy: Hidden penalties in a board game—small words, big impact.