PITTSBURGH - Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has worked his way into the Pittsburgh Steelers starting lineup, but thats his football portfolio.Off the field, Heyward-Bey has saved most of his career earnings of about $35 million, largely from his rookie contract as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.The secret, Heyward-Bey told ESPN: his mother, Vivian, a certified accountant and, as a result, a co-worker.Vivian handles the books, and those books are thick.I get an email [from her] every Tuesday, said Heyward-Bey, who pays a commission for his mothers work. I can read it over, check it up. I see where the money is going.Heyward-Bey made $30.3 million in four years with the Raiders, according to Spotrac.com, which tracks NFL salary data. He never had the 1,000-yard season that could have earned him the big second contract, but hes been a steady option for Pittsburgh, which re-signed him to a three-year, $3.8 million deal in March. He caught a touchdown pass in Week 7 against the New England Patriots, and hes on the first-team depth chart alongside Antonio Brown as the Steelers prepare for the Baltimore Ravens.More than eight years after signing that rookie deal, Heyward-Bey, 29, gives himself a monthly allowance that he and his mother configured. Though he wont disclose exact figures, he assures that pot keeps growing because he doesnt spend much of that money.Heyward-Bey even shuts down the cable in his California home for half the year because nobodys there watching TV.I dont have any kids and Im not married, so the money I spend is on me. Its really easy to say no to myself, Heyward-Bey said. I keep things real simple. Im not really a flashy guy. I understand what I want to buy. I invest my money well and pay my taxes.Heyward-Bey ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the 2009 NFL scouting combine, and hes also quick to run to his mother for financial wisdom. Shes been an accountant for more than 20 years, Heyward-Bey said.I grew up knowing what to spend and what not to spend, Heyward-Bey said. Its easy when you dont have money to not spend. Thats how I grew up.