The Sprue Cutters' Union wants to know: what are my spending habits?
There have been periods in my life when I've spent on my hobby without restraint, which is how I've ended up with a stash far bigger than I need or can realistically expect to build in my lifetime. For the last couple of years however I've worked within a self-imposed monthly modelling budget. And I'm pretty self disciplined about it; once I've spent that amount, there's no 'borrowing' from next month (even if there's a 40% off Squadron Sale). If I don't spend the full allowance for one month I carry it forward to the next. It's amazing the difference this has made to my spending – I evaluate each purchase much more carefully. Do I really need this kit that's going to eat up my entire budget this month, or should I leave the cash to accumulate until the model's on sale, or something better takes my fancy? (And it's amazing how often something I desparately needed when first I saw it is of no interest whatsoever two months later.) Since I buy a lot of stuff online and the shipping also comes out of the budget, I'm now much more selective about who and where I order from. I keep track of my spending using YNAB software. (Actually my wife and I use this for all of our household spending and it's great for monitoring where our money goes).
There are a couple of ways I can supplement my modelling budget. Any proceeds made from selling off kits on eBay go straight back into the kitty. The other main source is revenue from article writing, from which I put aside a percentage towards my hobby.
In the last 12 months I've spent more on paint, adhesives, tools and aftemarket decals than models. Having a sizeable stash means I don't need a lot of new kits, and since I'm just as happy building a 70's Airfix model as the latest Chinese superkit, my expenditure is fairly low. I have bought 12 models this year, but have disposed of over twice that number so my budget is quite healthy at the moment. I feel a trip to Hannants' website coming on.
This year's acquisitions to date:
This year's acquisitions to date:
What other Union members think about this subject:-
I love it...i do like your self imposed budgeting...well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shayne. Everyone's circumstances are different of course, but this works for me.
DeleteYou seem to have a very logical approach to it! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon!
DeleteExcellent read! I like your budgeting ideas. By the way, the Flettner and the T-33 in Japanese service look exciting.
ReplyDeleteCheers Jay, although the T-33 may not end up in the kit markings, there are a couple of South American schemes which I like the look of.
Delete"And it's amazing how often something I desparately needed when first I saw it is of no interest whatsoever two months later". Amen to that brother!
ReplyDeleteI transitioned from someone who lived on credit, to someone who lives on cash, about 6-7 years ago, and it's amazing how discriminating one becomes when it's real money he's spending. I too spent with reckless abandon and now have a stash in 300's that will last me a lifetime. Here's my union post: http://billweckel.com/2013/09/scu-spending-habits/
That's a really good point Bill, it's always harder to part with actual cash when standing in a hobby store than 'adding to basket' on the comfort of your sofa.
DeleteGreat post Mike, and some nice stuff you have purchased this year. I too may trying to be thoughtful and buy things I really love, rather than something I need right this second.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim. Even so, at the rate I build, this year's acquisitions alone will take me 4 years to complete – and how many more will I buy during that period?
DeleteMIke,
ReplyDeleteI heartily approve of all your purchases.
Thanks David, I'm really happy with all of them (though I think the glazing on the Roden bus is going to cause some problems). Having said that, see my reply to Jim above...
ReplyDelete