Budgeting for Accessories & Upgrades, how?

05/12/2004 04:31:13 PM · #1

Hi everyone,

I was wondering, for those of you on very tight life-money budgets, how do you afford lenses, equipment, camera upgrades (to newer models), etc? Do you sell your photographs? Have 2nd jobs? Skip lunch 2+ times a week? I want to hear your stories and get some ideas.

For those of you with lots of money or 'spending' is in your budget, you can answer this question, but please try to understand that I am asking from a zero allowance for fun-spending (while my husband is in school and I am the sole supporter of our family). Thanks :)

fsteddy

05/12/2004 04:45:09 PM · #2

I quit smoking in January so now I have lots of extra cash for stuff. I still take the same amount I was spending on smokes and toss it in a drawer. It adds up fast. Also have you seen the price for empty pop & beer cans lately? Around here they are paying 50cents a pound and that can add up also.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/12/2004 04:47:03 PM · #3

I think most of the homeless will beat me to the empty cans, but I think they need it more than I do! :) Thanks for the advice. I wish I had some habit to quit! :) Heehee

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

05/12/2004 05:07:58 PM · #4

Personally, I have a decent disposable income, but I really dislike spending money because I have found myself in some tight financial positions in the past...

So, what I am doing is some side jobs to earn some extra cash. It's going to take me quite some time, but I am saving up for a copy of Photoshop CS right now by requesting payment in CompUSA Gift Certificates... (Makes the payments more 'earmarked' for something in particular.)

I take in the PCs of friends of families and co-workers and fix them up or give them a tune-up over the course of a weekend. I really prefer to only deal with software issues as those are often easier to rectify then obnoxious hardware malfunctions...

Virus related, Spyware related and similar issues are what I prefer to do... If it's a hardware thing I suggest they take it into a shop. I did benchtech work for to many years to will those battles on myself over a weekend...

Outside of that, I am hoping to hone my skills through this site well enough that people start suggesting or asking when I will be selling certain images through this site... Then, I will start doing that as well.

Beyond that... I can only suggest the following to cut back on spending...

Don't eat out anymore or only do so on very special occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries and other similar events.

Bring a sack lunch to work/school no matter what. This can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a month. If you eat out and spend anywhere from $7 to $10 daily, that seriously adds up. ($10 times 30 days equals a new low cost lense or a few pieces of other equipment...)

Stop going to movies in theatres. Rent them on DVD/Video 6 months after they are out of the theatre or better yet, see them at the 'Dollar Theatre' if you must see a movie on the big screen.

Why drive when you can bike or walk? This really depends upon where you live and the kind of weather common to your area, but if you live in a city with decent public transportation or happen to live close to everything you need, you are all set there. The savings in gas alone could prove quite a bonus.

Other then that... I am unsure what else you could do...

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/12/2004 05:19:00 PM · #5

It's starting to look like a 3rd job is my best option. I am in training for my part time / 2nd job (Financial Planner - commission only).

For savings, I can start bringing more bag lunches too. I usually eat in the cafeteria since it's only $3 a meal, but perhaps I can one up that, if it's not too much of an effort! :)

I already stopped eat out unless my friends or family demand on paying. I loved eating out! :) Now, it is so very very rare. Luckily, my husband will be going to school where i work, so we can carpool our 16 mile drive instead of going separate! Yay. That should free up some money, but not money for me. That money we agreed would go toward birthday/christmas presents for our friends and family and to school supplies for him.

So.... anyone know of any good, legit companies that pay you for taking surveys?

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

05/12/2004 05:27:33 PM · #6

Financial Planner? hmmm... methinks 'Primerica Financial Services'...

Am I right?

If I am all I can say is it is a great opportunity, unfortunately it can be very difficult to get and then keep rolling.

Whatever you are able to do to get the extra cash I wish you the best of luck with it.