"Mindful Spending" Topic

So I came across the idea of mindful spending related to hobby purchases. Basically, deciding what you want for the year and sticking to it. For example my 2022 is:

A 40K Ork army of 1000 points or so
Eldar and other Kill Teams that strike my fancy.
A Sector Mechanicus KillZone
Warlord Epic Black Powder French starter ready for the table
Painting LotR Battle for Balin's Tomb or generally anything I already own.

I do something similar to this although from a more general sense. I play sports board games and being a wargamer you can burn through cash real quick.

I allocate $500 USD per year for these two hobbies I enjoy. I am pretty good with this. There are times however that I surpass it.

Recently, I did kickstarter for Combat! Volume 2 and Race Formula 90 2nd ed. combined cost me $250 USD, half of my limit in one shot!

I am ok with this as it doesn't happen very often.

I'm sorry, but I think that this is a really bad idea. Hobbies should make you happy. You risk ending up being unhappy either because:
1. you don't buy something that you really want because it isn't on the list; or
2. you buy something that you want that isn't on the list and feel guilty.

If you really must limit spending it is better to set an annual budget, then divide by 12 to get a monthly limit. Any underspend in a month gets carrier forward. And in the event of an emergency (at a show for example) you might allow yourself to "borrow" from next month.

John, I love the idea of an 'emergency' buy at a wargame show.

Good plan, Mr Elmo--so long as your tastes never change, and no unexpected opportunities ever present themselves. Post in five years, and let us know how it worked out.

Me? I'm more "keep in mind how much you can prudently spend on entertainment, and remember you're going to have to paint all this stuff."

I could do that. But honestly, my interests can change on a dime. There have been times that I am not even thinking of doing period X. Then I read a book or see a film and Bam! It is what I am dying to do. So how can I budget for that?

Nope. Can't do it, especially when I don't know what my interests for the year are going to be. I am pretty good at budgeting other areas of my life so, if I want to buy toy soldiers, I am going to buy toy soldiers.

A combination. Yes, of course I have long-range projects and wish lists, and a sort of budget. But I also enjoy bargains and unexpected opportunities and new media and topics. So maybe 50/50.

robert piepenbrink – "…and remember you're going to have to paint all this stuff."

This has actually stopped me from overbuying. I know my limitations. Not always mind you.

Case in point: Warlords ACW Epic scale. I am going to buy this at some point in the future (2023 probably) I just have to make some room on the painting table.

I am pretty disciplined (Not!!!!) in buying only figures I plan to use, but terrain is a free for all! – I almost bankrupted myself this month for a great deal!

At my age, my needs are simple.

I go to some local conventions and am willing to drop $100.00 USD no questions asked. Thant said, more than once, I walk away empty handed.

I also don't put a limit at my local brick and mortar store. I seldom leave without dropping between $20 USD to $50 USD in supplies.

Online purchases are limited to the current status of my War Department funds in my PayPal account. This is funded by online sales of unwanted thing in the collection. My last sale was in the fall of 2020.

It was a combination of painting and storage which finally broke me of buying new stuff because it was cheap, or because I'd read a book on the battle.

Someone really ought to put together a checklist along the lines of--
1. How much will I need for an army? Is it all in production?
2. Will it need an opposition army? Is that available?
3. Is this going to need unique terrain? How much?
4. How long will it take to paint the troops/make the terrain? And how long is the queue right now?

If you have to check first to make sure all the troops are available, that you have time to paint them and you know where to store them and their associated terrain, the new project seldom gets to whether or not I can afford it. Pity I didn't figure this out 40 years ago.

I've been collecting fantasy mini's for around 30 years, now. I have plenty of armies. My problem is a new set of figures appear on my Internet browser, and I realize that I 'need' these new figures to buff up that particular army… It's a disease. It's a mini's gaming pandemic, I tell ya'! I think my last purchase will inoculate me against further purchases, but like the mRNA COVID vaccine, it only lasts so long… Then, I get re-infected. Again. And. Again. It's just too much fun. Can't take toys, nor money, with you to the grave. While they can be buried with you, you won't care.

If I were into historical gaming, the disease would still infect me. Repeatedly. Time after time. There's no hope. "Give up all Hope, Ye who enter the Gaming Hobby." Cheers!

I get and understand the concept, but I must say I'm not a big fan of it, and not disciplined enough to do that (probably would be better if I was).

This would/could be easily blown by the "oh shiny" new releases that come out, as well as specials, etc., which could easily blow one's budget, and/or leave you with regrets at having missed some great sales, or one-time deals.

I rate this right up there with budgeting and dieting, in terms of fun.

Perhaps use the budget as a rough "guideline", but have "emergency money" available just in case.

I am resisting any new figure purchases & plan on selling off much of what I have unpainted which I have been doing for a year or more.
Paul

Nope.

+1 John Armatys

My wife, the former bank manager, gives me an allowance every month. Monies unspent are carried forward, a problem more theoretical than actual. Extra allocations may be made if unexpected money comes in, like a stimulus check or tax refund, etc.

It's a hobby, cheaper than cocaine and no jail time and lots more fun.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
Bunker Talk blog

I think having a plan is a good idea. Set the yearly budget, list the miniatures you want. When you start to stray review the plan. I've had miniatures in the plan for two years that I've not bought because other things have popped up. No need to be ridged about the plans.

Before I made a plan for 2022 I cleaned and partially organized the game area. This year the plan is a little slimmer than in previous years.

I plan to get my painting space up and running and actually do some painting and making this year.

Mr Elmo--so long as your tastes never change

Not "never" just for the year.

Another idea is to record all your purchases for the year, see the total as well as reflect on what may be just gathering dust. The year is young and so far I've purchased Tzangors (on the painting table) and a Battle Sanctum (assembled waiting primer)

I held off on Epic Waterloo since it will be for sale for months or years to come. If the line gets discontinued before I get there, I've saved money.

My name is Patrick, and I haven't bought a military miniature in two weeks.

pjm

I haven't bought a military miniature in two weeks

How did you do it?

Keep trudging the road of happy destiny.

"Not "never" just for the year."

Of course. How could I have missed that? Are the tastes permitted to change on a calendar year, or a fiscal year? And how big is the window? Do I correctly note that four of the five things on the list are GW projects, which means your army lists are subject to change without notice?

Mind you, I agree with the notion of showing restraint and planning in hobby purchases, and wish you well. It's just that you sound so much like someone in the second week of a new diet, or a new recruit to some lifestyle fad. Come back in a few years when you have a track record, and I promise to listen attentively.

Been sick, work has been busy, and I doubled up on attending military miniatures byers anonymous meetings. :)

pjm