So, what DON'T you spend money on?


OK, most of us have stereo systems that tally in the five-figure range -- more than many peoples' automobiles, inlcuding perhaps our own. ;-)

Last week in an attempt to self-justify recent hobby expenditures, I started drawing up a list of things that more "normal" people would own or spend money on, but which I choose not own. To wit, I am 34 and married and do not have a:

TV
Cable Bill
Blu-ray player
Ipod
Smart phone
PS3/Xbox/Wii
Car payment on my '03 Mazda
Child

.... How 'bout you?
cymbop
I drive old cars (the new one is a 1995 and the old one 1970)
My house is paid off
I don't take expensive vacations
No stinkin cell phone
No internet or computer at home
No wife, kids, or dogs
Prepare my own meals
Don't need fancy clothes
Don't go to movies
Don't pay big bucks for sports events

So, now I have money to play around with audio.
No children.

Ride motorcycle instead of car most of the time I have a choice (not having to haul gear).

Have old cars (strictly a necessary evil to me).

No cable (or any TV for the past 12 years).

No newspapers or magazine subscriptions.

Rarely go out to movies (though I'm a huge movie fan so spend plenty between Netflix and Rentals).

Make lattes at home instead of dropping $5 at a boutique-chain.

Cut (shave) my own hair (FloBee styling), or my wife cuts it.

No fancy clothes - not a slave to fashion.

Do most of my home repairs, maintenance and building. (I am a pretty capable builder/contractor).

Buy used furniture and antiques.

Things, other than Audio, I will not compromise on ever that probably go the other direction:

Healthy food.
Food and care for our dogs.
Tools I work with.
I drive a 1996 Toyota.

No smartphone ( I get one from work).

No Blu Ray.

I get basic cable package with HD service.

I have a wife and two kids not yet in college.

Also a nice house and generally nice clothes.

We take a nice vacation on occasion.

I drink an occasional beer, glass or glass of wine.

My stereo gear is my only generally expensive hobby.

My wife likes to shop!!

Other than all that I am pretty normal I guess.
No cable TV
No car repair bills - I borrow my kids used car when I need it, but I pay for the car insurance.
No Blue-ray
No movies
No expensive clothes or furniture
No gold or diamond jewelry

But I do spend money on:
Audio
good food, wine and cigars
travels