Author(s): HU, L., MAO, W.L., Institution: DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 124

Introduction
Financial planning is a goal-oriented process that allocates resources to meet short- and long-term needs. In Taiwan, professional athletes may earn relatively high incomes during short and uncertain careers that often end around age 30, increasing the risk of post-retirement income disruption. This risk is compounded by limited financial literacy, which can contribute to financial distress within a few years after retirement. This study aims to develop an expert-consensus, indicator-based framework to evaluate and prioritize financial planning strategies for professional athletes in Taiwan.
Methods
A three-stage approach integrating a modified Delphi method, DEMATEL, and DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) was employed. Using purposive sampling, 15 experts from the finance sector, the sports sector, and academia rated items on a five-point Likert scale. The modified Delphi method refined the dimensions and criteria, while DEMATEL mapped causal relationships among the dimensions and criteria. DANP derived priority weights to support strategy sequencing.
Results
At the dimension level, Cash Flow Planning showed the highest prominence, followed by Investment Planning; Risk Management demonstrated the strongest net influence, followed by Tax Planning. The causal structure indicated that Cash Flow Planning drives the other dimensions. At the criteria level, Expense Control ranked highest in prominence, Income Management ranked second, and Emergency Reserves showed the greatest influence. DANP weights prioritized Cash Flow Planning first and Investment Planning second; the highest-weighted criteria included Expense Control, Insurance Planning, and Post-retirement Career Transition.
Discussion
The findings highlight cash flow discipline as the foundation of athletes’ financial security, enabling informed investment decisions, effective risk management, and retirement readiness within a short and uncertain career cycle. The strong influence of risk management and emergency reserves suggests that buffering financial shocks (e.g., injury, income volatility, unexpected expenses) should be treated as a prerequisite rather than a supplementary step. The proposed framework can assist athletes and stakeholders (e.g., clubs, associations, and policymakers) in diagnosing financial preparedness and sequencing interventions—from budgeting first to investment and career-transition planning—within an integrated, actionable strategy.