Antonio Nieves Knows how a One-Two Punch in the
Boxing Ring can Help at the Bank
PNC’s personal banker and pro boxer has learned some lessons in the ring that apply to everyday life.
Antonio Nieves lives a double life – personal banker by day, pro boxer by night.
Nieves began boxing as a child when he attended a boxing program for inner-city youth, but he didn’t take it seriously until he graduated from college. He turned pro in 2011 and is ranked seventh in the world in his weight class
He rises every morning at 5:30 to run four miles. And for the past five years he has worked at PNC during the day, currently as a personal banker counseling people on how to build a better financial future. After work, he trades in his tie for a pair of boxing gloves so he can train for two to three hours before going home to his wife and two kids.
Life in the ring can be challenging. It takes hard work, dedication, help from others and sometimes, tough choices must be made to stay in the fight. So, it’s a lot like life.
Nieves spars at the gym with his trainer, Joseph Delguyd. Nieves met his trainer as a child when he attended a boxing program for inner-city youth.
Nieves has learned a few lessons in the boxing ring that can help his clients prepare for a hook to the right that life may throw.
- Know your goals: Determine what you really want in life. Whether you want to win a world title or put your kids through college, be honest about what’s most important and keep your eyes on the prize.
Nieves sees some people spend money on unnecessary items when they could be saving to improve their financial situation. Is it really that important to have the newest gadget, or would saving that money help you achieve a larger goal?
- Plan ahead: Now that you’ve outlined your goals, create a plan to reach them. It’s easy to get off track without a plan. For example, if you want to retire early, continuously invest toward that goal. If you want to spend money on something that might buy happiness in the short term, consider whether it will affect your long-term financial goals.
- Reach for the stars with a ladder: In boxing and in managing finances, even the most skilled person can’t learn all the moves in one day. It takes time and practice. Taking small steps toward your goal now can help it seem easier to reach your larger goals.
- Get help: Many people don’t reach for the stars because they think it will be too difficult. Everything is harder when you try to do it on your own, so determine who can help you reach your goals and ask for their help.
Nieves is never in the ring alone. He has an entire team of people around him – trainer, family, opponents – who are helping him strive for more.
Just as in boxing, you may need to depend on others to help you become financially savvy and secure. So go ahead and ask for assistance or advice. There’s no shame in it, and others are likely to applaud your efforts. And remember, it’s human nature to want to help others, so they’re not likely to turn you down.
Nieves often helps his clients set goals and achieve them. All they need to do is follow the steps above and they can be on the road to long-term financial stability and success.
Though he has a passion for boxing, Nieves has no plans to give up banking. His daytime career enables him to prepare for the future and gives him the tools to help others in his neighborhood.
I try to educate people about finance because it intersects with everything that they have to deal with in the world. If they understand credit and know how to save and invest, they can achieve the American dream.
-Antonio Nieves
PNC Point of View
Real People. Real Perspective. Real Insights.
Read more POV Stories »
Important Legal Disclosures & Information
The material presented in this article is of a general nature and does not constitute the provision by PNC of investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice to any person, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any investment strategy. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. The information was obtained from sources deemed reliable. Such information is not guaranteed as to its accuracy. You should seek the advice of an investment professional to tailor a financial plan to your particular needs. For more information, please contact PNC at 1-888-762-6226.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the marketing names PNC Wealth Management® and Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth® to provide investment, wealth management, and fiduciary services through its subsidiary, PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”), which is a Member FDIC, and to provide specific fiduciary and agency services through its subsidiary, PNC Delaware Trust Company or PNC Ohio Trust Company. PNC also uses the marketing names PNC Institutional Asset Management®, PNC Retirement Solutions®, Vested Interest®, and PNC Institutional Advisory Solutions® for the various discretionary and non-discretionary institutional investment activities conducted through PNC Bank and through PNC’s subsidiary PNC Capital Advisors, LLC, a registered investment adviser (“PNC Capital Advisors”). Standalone custody, escrow, and directed trustee services; FDIC-insured banking products and services; and lending of funds are also provided through PNC Bank. Securities products, brokerage services, and managed account advisory services are offered by PNC Investments LLC, a registered broker-dealer and a registered investment adviser and member of FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products may be provided through PNC Insurance Services, LLC, a licensed insurance agency affiliate of PNC, or through licensed insurance agencies that are not affiliated with PNC; in either case a licensed insurance affiliate may receive compensation if you choose to purchase insurance through these programs. A decision to purchase insurance will not affect the cost or availability of other products or services from PNC or its affiliates. PNC does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice unless, with respect to tax advice, PNC Bank has entered into a written tax services agreement. PNC does not provide services in any jurisdiction in which it is not authorized to conduct business. PNC Bank is not registered as a municipal advisor under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Act”). Investment management and related products and services provided to a “municipal entity” or “obligated person” regarding “proceeds of municipal securities” (as such terms are defined in the Act) will be provided by PNC Capital Advisors.
“PNC Wealth Management,” “Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth,” “Vested Interest,” “PNC Institutional Asset Management,” “PNC Retirement Solutions,” and “PNC Institutional Advisory Solutions” are registered service marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.
Insurance: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank or Federal Government Guarantee. Not a Deposit. May Lose Value.
These articles are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. PNC urges its customers to do independent research and to consult with financial and legal professionals before making any financial decisions.
This site may provide reference to Internet sites as a convenience to our readers. While PNC endeavors to provide resources that are reputable and safe, we cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services obtained on such sites and will not be liable for any damages arising from your access to such sites. The content, accuracy, opinions expressed and links provided by these resources are not investigated, verified, monitored or endorsed by PNC.
Read a summary of privacy rights for California residents which outlines the types of information we collect, and how and why we use that information.
