A drought, a dearth of harvest, bountiful returns—all in, there is so much to be thankful for. The holidays are upon us, and perhaps the best of all is Thanksgiving. While some may critique its historical origins, I believe Thanksgiving remains the greatest holiday. It’s a sentiment I’ve heard echoed countless times this year and in years past: “Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.”

On a personal note, I’m thankful for the sunny, dry weather we’ve had this summer and fall. As many of you know, I bought a used Jeep Wrangler this year, and I’ve kept the top off ever since. I don’t plan on putting it back anytime soon. While our local drought has had its downsides, I’m grateful for the opportunities it has brought—adventure, experience and smiles. For clients, we’ve seen bountiful returns across portfolios, with a dearth of opportunities to harvest tax losses due to the strong markets. Where possible, we’ve offset gains to ensure tax efficiency, but overall, it’s been a year of growth. For that, I am deeply thankful.

I’m also thankful for the relationships in my life, which have grown deeper and more meaningful this year. Relationships have always been a core value of mine, but with each passing day, they’re cementing their place as my top core value. This year, I’ve been fortunate to kindle new friendships and strengthen existing ones. To all my friends and family, I’m grateful for you.

This year has also been a year of learning—some lessons proactive, like reading books and seeking solutions, and others learned the hard way, metaphorically burning my hand on the stove. To those who may have been impacted by my missteps, I apologize. I strive every day to be a better leader, father, husband, and friend. I’m thankful for those lessons, and I promise to grow from them.

I’m especially grateful for the wanderlust adventures this year, traveling with family, kids, friends, business partners, mastermind groups, and my wife. I prioritized these trips, filling the calendar with adventure first—and it all fit. Nothing at work was missed, and I came back recharged every time. This approach has emboldened me to embrace the philosophy of “filling the fun first” and letting work seep in naturally. I’m thankful for the determination and drive that keeps me grounded and productive. Not everyone has that inner fire, and I don’t take mine for granted.

This year, I also came face-to-face with the importance of ownership. Change involves change, and to make change, you have to own it. I’ve recognized and thrown out excuses that once held me back. I’m thankful for the courage to call out myself—and others—when excuses arise. I’ve seen my brother and my friend Dave rise to challenges and thrive by taking ownership, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

Finally, I’m thankful for my kids and the growing-up journey they continue to navigate. My wife and I do our best—we’re not perfect, and neither are they—but that’s the beauty of it. Life is hard, and that’s okay. Once you accept that life is hard, you can own it, embrace it, and seize the experience for what it is: a wild, unpredictable, and rewarding ride.

To my clients, employees, friends and family, thank you for being part of my journey. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and connection.

With love,
Dane Czaplicki

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453. 

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