Dear Katie,

As we celebrate your big 5-0, I can't help but reflect on our journey together – 25 years since we first met, 20 years of marriage, and now you have officially spent half your life with me. Each anniversary, my dad used to say to my mom (and anyone who would listen), "The first (fill in the blank #) years are the hardest," sarcastically insinuating that it’s been a tough slog "with you Kathi, it's all down hill from here." While part funny and demeaning, this statement falls short in capturing our time together. I suspect you might agree, though perhaps from a different perspective.

I've always been the vocal planner, openly sharing my dreams and desires. You, on the other hand, have always had a plan – not always shared or written down, but meticulously followed through day by day. Your approach has led us toward a life filled with achievements, big and small. As a critical care nurse, your strength, determination, and 'tough love' have not only raised two incredible children, now young adults, but have also been a grounding force for me.

You've always been part controller, part master delegator, living by principles that align perfectly with our financial values. We’ve never had a cable bill, share a 12-year-old Toyota Highlander, and you’ve consistently maxed out your retirement contributions – all testament to your practical and forward-thinking nature. Your aversion to shortcuts, both in life and in using the microwave, speaks volumes about your commitment to quality and hard work.

Your resilience was especially evident when we lost your mother before you turned 40. It was an unexpected turn in our lives, but it led you to pour even more love into our family. Your mother would indeed be proud. And as for finances and planning, while you delegate much of it to me, your support and willingness to embrace risks and inconveniences for our long-term goals have been invaluable.

I write this letter as we prepare for our annual winter trip, this year to Vermont. Your willingness to ski, cross-country or downhill, or even to embark on long drives over flying, makes you an adventurous and fun companion. Just as my father kept my perspectives in check, you do the same for me, balancing my office stresses with your far more challenging days at the hospital.

Turning 50 doesn’t seem to faze you, perhaps because with each passing year, you become even more beautiful and healthier. I remember on our honeymoon in Chile, you pointed out an older woman's grace and beauty – a perspective that resonates even more now as we both approach this milestone. You have indeed aged gracefully, becoming more beautiful in countless ways since the day we met.

As we celebrate your 50th, I want to remind you (and will likely do so on our drive to Vermont) that you can now make catch-up contributions to your retirement plan – that's $7,000 more a year!

Happy 50th Birthday, Katie. The world needs more people like you, but then again, if there were, Members’ Wealth might not be as necessary!

With all my love and admiration. Dane

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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