Broker Check

The #1 Financial Mistake that Jockeys Make

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Use the calendar below to schedule a 30-minute video call with me:

Want to learn more? Read on to get my guide on a jockey's 6 Steps to Financial Stability

Not everyone needs help from a financial planner right away.

That is why I created a 10-page PDF guide for jockeys called 6 Steps to Financial Stability.

It details things like building an emergency cash reserve, building credit history, purchasing disability inusrance, and more!

Simply enter your email address below and I will send the guide right away!

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Who I work with:

Racing jockeys and other horsemen who want specific, actionable steps to grow their investments to the point where they can live off of the income generated by those investments.

Jockeys pursuing this goal can create wonderful opportunities for themselves, their families, careers, and hobbies.

I Help You:

  • Prepare your finances to deal with the ups and downs of a racing career
  • Establish an income and savings plan that will result in your passive income being greater than your living expenses
  • Reduce taxes over the course of your lifetime
  • Fund your children's education
  • Have the right insurance and estate docs in case things go wrong

Intro Call Agenda

During the free intro call, we'll discuss your career as a racing jockey or exercise rider so far as well as your family background and future plans. We will also discuss your recent earnings and current expenses (I don't need exact numbers... just a general idea).


Based on our discussion, I will provide recommendations to maximize your financial stability in the areas of short-term savings, insurance (health/life/disability), and how you can start making your money work for you.


With my guidance, you will have the financial security and freedom to pursue your passion in racing.


Let me worry about your money so you can focus on winning races!!! 

Have an unpredictable schedule? Don't worry!

You can call or text me at 864-432-5575 to discuss your situation.

I also visit Keeneland and the Thoroughbred Center regularly for morning workouts so we can meet in person if that's easier for you.

"Somebody's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."

-Warren Buffett

Planning Principles

  • Avoid Lifestyle Creep 
  • Save Consistently
  • Invest for Cash Flow
  • Manage Realistic Risks
  • Acknowledge that we can't control everything nor can we plan for every possible outcome.
  • KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! Simplify the plan until it can't be simplified any further.

You are always one decision away from a totally different life.

Investment Philosophy

  • Cash flow is king and the return of cash in the form of interest, dividends, and buybacks are the drivers of investment selection. Relying on price appreciation is essentially hoping that a greater fool than us will pay more for the investment at some point in the future.
  • A global allocation to quality, dividend paying companies that are expected to grow their dividends is the starting point of any portfolio.
  • Price appreciation is the added benefit of owning good companies that are sustainably growing their returns to shareholders. We don't plan for significant price appreciation.
  • Based on risk tolerance and timelines, some debt instruments (e.g. bonds) may be added.

About Me: Money Nerd & Horse Racing Enthusiast

Hello, I'm Derek Merkler, financial planner, thoroughbred breeder, and small-time racehorse owner.  I've been breeding thoroughbreds since 2013 and have worked as a financial planner since 2017. You can consider me the Chief Money Nerd who also lives and loves horse racing!

It's possible we have crossed paths if you have raced in Kentucky and I count my biggest successes as a breeder of Cairo Cat and Tyler's Tribe.

I know the ups and downs of the thoroughbred industry as well as anyone and I will help you have the financial confidence to chase your biggest racing dreams!


Reach out to me today!