Summary

The author learns the value of living in the present and enjoying the fruits of one's labor after purchasing a long-desired Jaguar, inspired by the sudden deaths of two actors.

Abstract

The author, with a background in finance, has always viewed money through the lens of future planning and investments. However, the unexpected passing of actors Paul Ritter and Helen McRory, both in their early 50s, prompts a shift in perspective. Realizing that life is unpredictable and that one should not defer dreams indefinitely, the author decides to purchase a Jaguar, a car they have long admired. This decision represents a move away from the strict financial calculations that have governed their life, towards embracing the joy and experiences that money can enable in the present. The purchase is not just about acquiring a luxury vehicle but also about creating memories, enjoying the journey of life, and potentially opening new opportunities.

Opinions

Money should be used not only for future security but also for enhancing current life experiences.
The deaths of Paul Ritter and Helen McRory served as a stark reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of fulfilling dreams while possible.
Changing the mindset from "I can't" to "How can I?" can reveal new possibilities and solutions.
The enjoyment of a luxury item like a Jaguar is not just in its functionality but in the emotional and aspirational value it holds for the individual.
The author believes that the purchase of the Jaguar could lead to increased motivation, self-reflection, and potentially new business networks.
The Jaguar symbolizes more than a car; it represents the author's journey, achievements, and aspirations.

A Jaguar Taught Me That Money Is For Here And Now, Not Just The Future

Some things are about more than money.

Having worked for a number of years in finance, it has become very difficult for me to look at money as anything other than hard numbers.

“If we spend that, it will cost us X more over the long term.”

“If we hire a cleaner, that’s a thousand pounds a year we could put to overpaying the mortgage.”

While I believe this to be a positive trait, the truth is money is about more than hard numbers.

Money is a tool to help us. That includes having savings, but that needs to be balanced with the life it can give us now.

The world recently lost two brilliant actors: Paul Ritter and Helen McRory. While I knew them only for the shows I had seen them in, rather than their entire bodies of work, their deaths had a profound impact on me.

In fact, their deaths inspired me to fulfil a lifelong dream within little more than a week.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to own a Jaguar (car, not the big cat).

As a young boy, I marvelled over the boat-like length of the XJs, the sleek lines, and the sheer elegance of the luxury saloons.

As an adult, I still desired one.

Yet it remained elusive.

“I can’t afford it.”

“Think what else I could do with that money.”

Last year, I treated myself to test driving a few models on my birthday. Those exhilarating drives only exacerbated my need to own one. Alas, I refrained.

And then Paul and Helen died.

In their early 50s.

From cancer.

And I thought “What am I waiting for?”

The problem with always planning for the future is it assumes the future will be there as you expect it.

For Paul and Helen, it isn’t.

I realised with a shock that they were only 20 years older than me. It hit me I don’t want to keep deferring a literal lifelong dream to such an extent that I never achieve it at all.

When you change your thinking from “I can’t” to “How can I?” it’s amazing how options appear.

I won’t bore you with the details, but my wife and I realised we could make it work (fortunately she wants the car as much as I do).

After years of self-denial, I went from “I can’t afford it yet” to signing the paperwork within a week.

And while I’m not immune from looking at the numbers, I’m learning the lesson of what else this experience is teaching.

See, it’s not just a case that one car can do what any other car can do. Some people look at all cars as four wheels and an engine and consider anything that isn’t the cheapest option is a waste of money.

Features, technology, safety upgrades all aside, life is a series of moments. Experiences and memories. I place value on what memories and experiences I can enjoy in a specific vehicle. I savour the flutter in my stomach when I look at the beauty. I feel a jolt of excitement at the power under my foot and wonder at the quietness and stillness of travel in a premium car.

I recognise that isn’t true for everyone, and that’s okay. My Jaguar might be your stereo, house, vacation destination, or technological gadget.

It’s also possible that the car will expand my network. Will I now have the key that opens the doors to conversations with owners of other “luxury cars”? If so, will that lead to new business opportunities? Quite possibly.

But the big one for me is the impact the car will have on me.

Yes, I’ll be paying cold hard money for that car each month (trust me, I know). But in return, it will drive me; not just literally, but figuratively.

If I’m concerned about the money, it will motivate me to earn more.

It will show me how far I have come, and how far I have yet to go.

It will be a reminder of where I want to go in life.

It will change my perception of myself.

For a long time, I thought I had to reach a point in life before I could buy the Jaguar I’ve always wanted. Now I think perhaps the Jaguar will push me to get there.