The big game is this Sunday.

And since Sunday is my son's ninth birthday, I'm not even sure if I'll be watching much of it.

But as millions of sports fans tune in to the big game this weekend, I find myself thinking about how we often sensationalize one area of the game while we completely overlook important things that are happening behind the scenes.

The same can be true for your investment approach.

And if you'll indulge me today, I'll share some thoughts on how success in this weekend's big game can translate to success for your retirement investments.

Which Players Really Do the Heavy Lifting

Most of us have a favorite play we watch for each year.

• The long-range touchdown pass...
• A breakout run that slices into the endzone...
• Maybe even a bone-jarring defensive tackle...

My daughter doesn't even like football. But she enjoys seeing a good field goal or extra point splitting the uprights.

But you know what area of the game doesn't get much attention?

The offensive line. I'm talking about the players who protect their team's superstar quarterback (or running back) every single play of the game.

These players rarely win medals. Most will go their entire career without ever scoring a single point. 

And the only time they really get media attention is when they mess up and someone sacks the quarterback.

It's a thankless job, really.

But without a strong offensive line, the superstars would never be able to score points for the team. 

They would simply be tackled every play of the game with high-profile players getting injured and the team losing ground.

Here's another football point a lot of people forget about...

Defense Wins Championships

It's fun to score points.

But it takes hard work to keep the other team from scoring. That's why most football coaches will tell you that "defense" wins championships.

In a football game, having a great defense doesn't just keep the other team from scoring. 

A strong defense also gives the offensive team a chance to catch their breath, adjust their strategy and get back out on the field in a good position.

In other words, when your defense is at its best, your offense can have an even better shot at scoring points.

So what does any of this have to do with living a rich retirement? I'm glad you asked!

Protecting Your Capital Will Help You Score

One of the most important lessons I ever learned from my boss and mentor Bill, was to protect your capital.

When I was managing money for the hedge fund, each of our clients was worth millions of dollars. 

And as Bill constantly reminded me, "These clients have already taken risks to grow their wealth. Now it's up to us to protect that wealth.

To Bill, this meant not taking unnecessary risks that could lead to losses. 

Specifically, Bill wanted me to focus on investment strategies that kept our customer's capital out of harm's way — much the way an offensive line protects the quarterback or creates safe rushing lanes for a running back.

Practically, that meant investing in areas that weren’t the latest fad or the most exciting companies on Wall Street.

Sure, we missed some chances to score a long-range touchdown.

But much like a successful offense moves the ball forward five yards at a time in a cloud of dust, our income strategies consistently added more capital to our clients’ accounts day after day.

If you want to have long-term success in your retirement account, think of your investments the same way you would think of running a championship football team.

Use income strategies to gain a few yards (or reasonable payments) time after time.

Focus on reliable stocks that protect your investment capital.

And when uncertainty enters the market, play defense by setting some of your capital out of harm's way.

This way when the market turns and you have the advantage once again, your offense will be in a better position. 

That's how investors consistently grow wealth to new highs. And it's a great way to enjoy the game — even if you're not a football fan.

Hopefully, this analogy gave you some good ideas for managing your retirement wealth.

If not, at least you can watch the game and smile thinking about the similarities between football and successful investing.

Here's to living a Rich Retirement,

Zach Scheidt
Editor, Rich Retirement Letter
RichRetirementFeedback@StPaulResearch.com