Need opinions/advice.

[JeepViking13]

I've been in social media/marketing for the last ~16+ years, so I'll give you the same advice that I give everyone else who tells me they want to start a blog/YouTube/podcast/whatever:

Content creation is hard work that needs a runway. Before you even set up your channel, I would challenge you to create at least a month's worth of content - if you're planning on doing weekly videos, then create four of them. If daily, do 30.

Do that BEFORE you do anything publicly. If you still want to do it and think it's realistic after you've created a month's worth of content, then you're probably going to do OK. Your channel will look better with a few videos anyways.

The "behind the scenes" pre-production work is what gets most people. Contrary to popular belief, successful YouTubers don't just turn on the camera and start talking. Most of them have a full production calendar, they plan their shots/footage, storyboard the flow of the video, stage the shots, possibly do some scripting, etc.

And that's just the "before" stuff. You still need to edit, figure out a title, description, etc. For me, personally, I can really get "into" the pre-production stuff, and I don't mind being on camera, but I *despise* editing.

~80% of the people whom I've given this advice don't make it to a full month of content. They'll get 2-3 under their belt, realize it's significantly more work than they thought, and bow out.

It's definitely work but fun because it's something we are into. We've made some practice video's already. Already have most of the equipment. It will definitely be a 1 episode per week deal. Actually might be more like a season of so many episodes until the next. Haven't decided. It definitely won't be every day.

Sponsored

 

[JeepViking13]

Is having the 392 going to be central to your channel or could you do the same channel with a standard engine? If the standard engine is fine, why spend the extra $20K. That could be set aside to fund various projects on your channel. Like rcadden said above, editing is a huge time suck. To me, it's harder than making content. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Yes and no. Hard to explain. It will definitely be one of the main characters if that makes sense without giving it away just yet.

 

[JLUW75]

No way if you not rich. The 392 is for folks who make 100k+ a year. Save your money my friend and enjoy a Willys or regular rubicon. Good luck with the channel but seriously don't blow your nest egg ....

$100K+++ and no mortgage and no kids then maybe! lol, otherwise, a base Willys Sport. Keep it under $40K.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

I read the first page, then skipped to here. Invest that $70k wisely. Every market expert right now is beginning to brace for a downturn. Inflation is way higher than the news reports and interest rates can't help but go higher. A 392 Rubicon can be an investment if you trailer it from the dealer then put it on eBay or bringatrailer.com. You could flip it for $10-15k right now. Same with a new Bronco. That won't last long though.

If your YouTube venture is going to be Jeep based, I and probably many others, would be more interested in seeing what can and can't be done with a stock Sport or Sport S, then modify and build based on what fails. Maybe even buy a used up JK that's in good shape but worn out and build it too. I see huge followings for the lower priced Jeeps being built. It's easy to buy a brand new do it all Jeep, but the vast majority of folks out there can't buy a $75k toy, much less do any kind of mods to it. You gotta admit, no one on this planet needs a 392 Rubicon.

 

[Ridgway Jeeper]

My parents always bought toys for themselves, and I had to sink myself in massive debt just to get a decent career in life. Did I learn good work ethic out of it, sure.. but I resent them for not helping me more and you can bet my kids wont be going thru that experience.

THANK GOD my kids didn't grow up with that entitled attitude. They work for what they have, as did I. I see so many people fail in life because someone gave it to them. You should be grateful your parents lived THIER lives and forced you to live YOURS. Please do not coddle your young adults, teach them to be self sufficient. That is the real key to success.

 

[AcesandEights]

...
If your YouTube venture is going to be Jeep based, I and probably many others, would be more interested in seeing what can and can't be done with a stock Sport or Sport S, then modify and build based on what fails...

This.

I don't want to watch someone with a vehicle I can't afford do things I can't do. I'd much rather watch a buy with an old Toyota pick up with a bobbed bed run a rocky trail than someone with a shiny new $60k+ Jeep. I flip to the next "channel" any time I see someone with the latest greatest thing that has to be financed by 99% of the people. So, I wouldn't bank on folks watching a channel based on the 392, not more than once or twice.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

THANK GOD my kids didn't grow up with that entitled attitude. They work for what they have, as did I. I see so many people fail in life because someone gave it to them. You should be grateful your parents lived THEIR lives and forced you to live YOURS. Please do not coddle your young adults, teach them to be self sufficient. That is the real key to success.

It's that coddling mindset that has lead to a weaker generation of narcissistic crybabies who would rather make excuses for their own shortcomings than try to work hard and rise above. If they can't meet the demands of normal life then when real adversity hits them they're doomed.

 

[GroovyGorilla]

THANK GOD my kids didn't grow up with that entitled attitude. They work for what they have, as did I. I see so many people fail in life because someone gave it to them. You should be grateful your parents lived THIER lives and forced you to live YOURS. Please do not coddle your young adults, teach them to be self sufficient. That is the real key to success.

Has nothing to do with entitlement dude, I busted my butt to where I am today. There are better ways to teach kids lessons. Coddling is one thing, being there for them and helping is another. It's not black and white, it can be a gradient.

 

[GroovyGorilla]

It's that coddling mindset that has lead to a weaker generation of narcissistic crybabies who would rather make excuses for their own shortcomings than try to work hard and rise above. If they can't meet the demands of normal life then when real adversity hits them they're doomed.

Just saying there is better ways to invest the money than to waste it on a toy automobile these days... If that's not for you, more power to you dude. If all it was is $70k, I'd invest it in where it impacts the most.

That does not equal handouts to my kids. It means I retire on time with a paid off house and can still help my kids if something serious arises where though couldn't make it. It's a safety net for the family, not a coddling handout. Coddling is a boomer mindset to justify their reason for excessive consumerism; you can invest in your family without it being "coddling."

 

[DUNE RAP]

I would buy the 392 just for the sheer resale value. You could probably own that jeep for five years and still sell it for big money. Plus, you only live once! Don’t miss this opportunity with your daughter!

 

[tampahoosier]

Typically I don't ask for advice like this. But this is a hard one considering the current environment we're in with Covid-19 and everything else that's going on. It's really making me consider the you only live once theme and life is short. Especially being I have heart problems and I'm high risk.

Originally I planned on ordering a 2 door 2022 Willys or Rubicon. But lately I've been seriously considering possibly getting a 392. Especially since my daughter and I are getting ready to start a youtube channel. We both think it would help the channel.

The problem is I'm not rich. I did take $12k 2 years ago and invested in the stock market. It was a long grinde and traded the hard way. In and out of trades and when I broke $25k I started day trading. Also selling puts. Right now I have $70k exactly. Truth be told the stock market is burning me out big time. Especially lately. I'm lucky I made what I did.

I have excellent credit and could put like $20k down and finance the rest and continue to sell puts in the Market to pay the payments. But that's never a guarantee and like I said the stock market is burning me out. Or I can pay for 90% of it and finance a small amount. Might even be able to pay 100% buy the time it comes in.

As far as the YouTube channel goes I'm not under the delusion that it will take off become popular and make us a lot of money. I pray to God it does but It's more something my daughter really wants to get into with me and have fun. At the same time we both plan on working hard for the channel and making it entertaining. We both really like the 392 and do think it can help. I look at it like sort of a business investment. I really think we are going to have good content that you guys will like. I think our content and hard work will speak for itself but I have seen people make it on YouTube and the vehicle was definitely a catalyst even if it was just for people to find the channel. It definitely was.

Also as a side note I'm a huge muscle car fan and I really miss my 392 Challenger Scat pack. Muscle cars we're never a practical vehicle living in the north in the winter and I feel like the 392 Jeep can be the best of both worlds. Off Roading and Muscle car.

I don't know. This is definitely not an easy decision. And in normal circumstances the responsible me wouldn't do it. Its definitely a big investment. But it's definitely crazy times we're living in and life is short. That's literally the reality more then ever! And if anything even if the channel doesn't make it we'll have a hell of a good time in the 392 Jeep together while we can!

What to do? ?

No one is asking the obvious question. Is this stock money just play money or is it part of long term savings? I have my 401k and life investments, then I have my crypto money. The crypto can be cashed at any point for whatever fun I deem worth it. Now of course some I don't touch in the hopes long term they make me millions... but you get the drift!
I say, if you put that 12k in as just play money and it's not affecting any sort of retirement plan then fuck it, spend it! If that is your savings don't do it! If the initial 12k came from some sort of savings or retirement don't touch that portion. Personally I would not spend all of it though. Maybe do a loan for 20% and pay cash 80%, that way you have some you can keep in and keep investing and perhaps you can pay for mods and super cool trips off of it too!

 

[Wbino]

Hurry to Autozone and buy a new car scent air freshener to get it out of your system. ?

 

[csjlu]

THANK GOD my kids didn't grow up with that entitled attitude. They work for what they have, as did I. I see so many people fail in life because someone gave it to them. You should be grateful your parents lived THIER lives and forced you to live YOURS. Please do not coddle your young adults, teach them to be self sufficient. That is the real key to success.

In GroovyGorilla's defense, many of my friends have had to support their parents (we are generally Gen X, our parents are generally Baby Boomers) because their parents could never stop buying stuff, had little in the way of financial discipline, or were incapable of saving for a rainy day or leaving behind something for their kids/grandkids. They were YOLO before it was a hashtag. I read GroovyGorilla's previous comment as more of "be responsible" and less "you should coddle your kid."

IMO there is nothing wrong with being financially responsible in case things don't go as planned. Saving money and helping family every now and then doesn't mean you are raising deadbeat kids. I am secure enough to admit that my parents paid for my college education. Does that mean I'm entitled? No. I work 70-80 hours a week and earn like crazy because (1) I am committed to prove they were right to bet on me, and (2) the social safety nets in the US may be on the cusp of unravelling and I want to be able to cover for them if something fails. I am doing the same with my kids, but I also expect them to work hard in return.

I know plenty of kids whose parents did nothing for them. Some of them developed a great work ethic. Some did not. Some are financially fit. Others are not. It's not a linear relationship. My experience also has led me to believe that hard work does not guarantee success. It doesn't hurt one's chances at success, but the world is also filled with hard working people who never make it. One look at an inflation-adjusted US wage curve over the past 30 years tells you that it is capital (i.e. savings, investments) that gets most of the rewards, not labor. It's not fair. But it's true.

Being financially responsible is easy. Google "Index Card Financial Plans" or Dave Ramsey's "Baby Steps". Once you achieve progress, have fun and live life. I'd also recommend John Bogle's Georgetown commencement address. The key takeaway: being rich isn't about X-salary or y-net worth, its about having something reckless spenders can never have...."enough."

 

[Steve JLUR]

Depending on where you live (i.e. not California lol) $100k can get you pretty far if you're not house poor.

I agree. I am not complaining about how I am doing, but I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[AcesandEights]

...

I know plenty of kids whose parents did nothing for them. Some of them developed a great work ethic. Some did not. Some are financially fit. Others are not. It's not a linear relationship. My experience also has led me to believe that hard work does not guarantee success. It doesn't hurt one's chances at success, but the world is also filled with hard working people who never make it. One look as an inflation-adjusted US wage curve over the past 30 years tells you that it is capital (i.e. savings, investments) that gets most of the rewards, not labor. It's not fair. But it's true.
...

I agree with a lot of what you say, and not contrary to what you say, but in addition, I would add that although hard work does not guarantee success, there are far more hard-working successful people than those that have a poor work ethic. Not all hard-working folks are successful, but few successful people are not hard-working. Obviously that depends on a person's definition of successful, but for most folks, it's hard to be successful without hard work.

Sponsored