Embracing the Moment: Why I Finally Bought that Jeep Wrangler of My Dreams

For the past 24 years, I've been practicing the math of delayed gratification. I would even say delayed gratification became one of my superpowers. I not only personally lived this life, I used its core philosophy to guide clients toward financial achievement. I was deeply disciplined, following the ingrained teachings of an early book I read Rich Dad Poor Dad[i]: never buy liabilities or dooddads[ii], only invest in assets. Rich Dad Poor Dad often emphasized using your W-2 income to buy assets that generate income, and then only using the asset-generated income to buy experiences or material items you desire. Sorry Wharton MBA and CFA Charter, I was a Rich Dad Poor Dad loyalist, long before I met you two. My education is clearly multi-dimensional.

Through these years of practice, I learned to prioritize financial stability over immediate gratification. This philosophy served me well for many years, helping me build a solid financial foundation. However, as time went on, I began to feel a shift in my priorities. And then I recently read Die With Zero[iii]

To Rich Dad Poor Dad and thus to me, cars should viewed as liabilities or expenses, not assets. To Die with Zero, I cannot drive that Jeep Wrangler of my dreams to my own funeral, nor will I really want to be putting up with that rough ride even in a healthy 70s 80s, or 90s. So better to buy it now in my 40s, when I have the health to enjoy it, and with income from assets not w-2 income. Reconcile both Rich Dad and Die with Zero. Job accomplished.

The Jeep Wrangler has been a long-time dream of mine. I had one in college and then sold it for the practicality reasons of family and then went 22 years without having a set of wheels of my own. My wife and I shared one car for those 22 years. I pushed this Jeep desire aside for years, convinced it was an impractical choice. But recently, I've come to realize that life is not just about financial prudence—it's also about fulfilling dreams and experiencing joy.

As my kids grew older and started getting rides from friends and driving their own cars, I found myself entering a new phase of life. I no longer needed the family car as often to chauffeur them around. I started yearning for the freedom to hit the trails with my dog, to explore nature, and to indulge in adventures that a Jeep Wrangler could provide. (For those that say buy experiences, not material things, I certainly agree but this particular purchase, is more than a material item, it is an experience. It is a Jeep thing, and you might not fully understand[iv].) But with the top and doors off yesterday and riding around town for the first time with my youngest daughter, her first ride ever in a jeep, her smile was priceless. And the memory of riding in my dad's Jeep for the first time when I was the same age my daughter is now flooded back in me like a memory that too is priceless. Mom even reminded me that Dad bought it without her knowing!! And Mom wanted a ride too yesterday!

For me, the Jeep represents more than just a vehicle; it symbolizes freedom and a long-awaited personal reward. I wanted an older model, so it was not just about the money (while 23-year-old jeeps hold their value better than most, it was not an overly large purchase)—it was about finally allowing myself to enjoy something I have wanted for so long.

At Members’ Wealth, in our work with families, we first seek to help our families not run out of money, but then we seek to emphasize the importance of maximizing life experiences, not just financial gain. This weekend, I took that lesson to heart. I decided to break free from my strict financial discipline and embrace a bit of indulgence. After all, I'm only human.

Sometimes, it's more than okay to prioritize joy and personal fulfillment. This Jeep Wrangler is my way of doing just that—embracing the freedom and adventure I've delayed for so long.

[i] Kiyosaki, R. T. (1997). Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! Plata Publishing.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, written by Robert T. Kiyosaki, is a personal finance classic that explores the author's upbringing and the contrasting financial philosophies of his two father figures—his own highly educated but financially struggling biological father (referred to as "Poor Dad") and the wealthy father of his best friend (referred to as "Rich Dad"). Through anecdotes and practical lessons, Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of financial education, investing in assets, and understanding how money works. The book challenges conventional beliefs about wealth and encourages readers to adopt a mindset geared towards financial independence and wealth-building.

[ii] In "Rich Dad Poor Dad," Robert T. Kiyosaki introduces the concept of "doodads" to describe items that people mistakenly consider assets but actually drain their financial resources. According to Kiyosaki, a doodad is something that takes money out of your pocket instead of putting it in. Common examples include:

• Expensive gadgets and electronics
• Luxury cars
• High-end furniture
• Recreational equipment like boats or RVs

Kiyosaki stresses that while doodads might provide temporary pleasure or status, they do not generate income or appreciate in value over time. Instead, they often lead to increased expenses and can hinder wealth accumulation. The key takeaway is to focus on acquiring true assets—things that generate income or appreciate in value—rather than spending on doodads that reduce your net worth.

[iii] Perkins, B. (2020). Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins presents a provocative approach to personal finance and life planning. The book argues that the traditional focus on saving and accumulating wealth for retirement often leads to missed opportunities for experiences and fulfillment during one's lifetime. Perkins advocates for maximizing life's memorable moments and experiences by strategically spending money when it can create the most value and joy. The core message is to optimize your life for net fulfillment, ensuring that you use your resources to create rich, meaningful experiences rather than leaving behind unspent wealth. The book challenges readers to rethink their financial priorities and adopt a more intentional approach to spending and saving.

[iv] The phrase "It's a Jeep thing, and you might not fully understand" is often used by Jeep owners and enthusiasts to convey the unique culture and sense of community associated with owning and driving a Jeep. This slogan suggests that the experience of owning a Jeep is distinctive and filled with specific joys, challenges, and a lifestyle that might be difficult for non-Jeep owners to fully appreciate. It reflects the passion, camaraderie, and adventurous spirit of Jeep owners, who take pride in their vehicles' ruggedness, off-road capabilities, and the shared experiences that come with being part of the Jeep community.

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.

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