I’ve always been curious about how things work. As a kid, I took my bike apart and put it back together so I could understand the system. And my family always had Jeeps—a Grand Wagoneer, 3 Cherokees, and a Grand Cherokee.
Car Talk
Cut to a few decades later, I had a Jeep of my own. I love getting out of the city—whether it’s to ski, camp, or kayak. My Jeep helps make that possible.
But this Jeep had a problem: a strange vibration above 55mph. I took it to a few mechanics. They couldn’t diagnose it.
So I inspected the driveline myself. It turned out, the universal joint was worn and misaligned. The part cost $15 and took me 15 minutes to fix.
Do It Yourself
I was hooked. I started teaching myself how to maintain, repair, and even upgrade my Jeep. I’m on my second Jeep now. Looking back, I’ve:
- Replaced the radiator
- Replaced and upgraded the fuel injectors
- Replaced the water pump
- Aligned the wheels
- Replaced the power-steering pump
- Replaced the crankshaft position sensor
- Replaced the camshaft synchronizer
- Replaced the auxiliary electric fan
- Replaced and upgraded the front and rear suspension
- Did the brakes (new rotors, pads, drums, shoes, & hardware, bleeding the lines each time)
- Replaced and upgraded the front axles
- Replaced the rear driveshaft
- Installed a CB radio and antenna (so great!!)
- And much more…
Why Does This Matter?
I believe the mechanic’s mindset applies to investing. I like to get under the hood and get to the root of the problem.
Whether it’s a car or a company, a mutual fund or an estate plan, I learn how it works, why it works (or doesn’t), and what to do. I believe in understanding the fundamentals.
You don’t want your mechanic to trust his gut when he fixes your engine—you want clear judgement and proven procedures based on evidence, experience, and logic. The same goes for investment and planning.
It’s Not Just About the Numbers.
The goal of smart financial planning isn’t just to make money—it’s to create the life you want to live. That means creating the experiences that make your life meaningful, being able to provide for others in a way that fulfills you, and enjoying the comforts that bring true satisfaction. For me, my Jeep is part of that equation—both a hobby and a way to get away.
What about you? What’s the life you want to live? Building the foundation for it—that’s where I can help.
Let’s Talk