After Von's sterling and frank review of his frugal year, it's time for me I suppose. I'm going to cut to the chase by completely ignoring last year and making a few frugal promises for 2011.
- The Second Great Scottish Clearances: It's sad to say, but I have had to finally agree with Mrs AK. that the Arabian Towers Hobby shed is too full of "stuff". I'm going to have to take that tough, heartbreaking journey to ebay (and in some cases the charity shop) to make the space more habitable. On the up side this'll hopefully bring in some cash and assuming that the British Goverment don't start an new hobby tax (best not joke, actually) this'll help balance the books.
- Open Accounting: which seemlessly brings me onto my second grand plan. Although I try to keep costs down I've never been brave/bothered enough to keep note of what I spend on my hobby. Some stones are best left unturned as they say. Well it's time do bring out the lifting gear and tip this mighty menhir over this year. In an attempt to see what the true cost of gaming is I'll be keeping a running spreadsheet of comings and goings. What's more I'll be airing this dirty laundry in public with a linked page from the top of my own blog. Here's hoping that I don't end too many months with my head in my hands muttering "Oh no, what have I done. The wife'll kill me!"
- Playing more games: This isn't just a bid to wrack up the hours spent rolling dice. To get full "Value For Money" the gaming resources need to be used, so I'll be looking to play a variety of games to get the most from my figures. To start off I've joined a league at the local store which will force me to play at least a game of Warmachine each month. Good start.
- Bought v Painted ratio: Which start of year list would be complete without this old chestnut. I think I did OK last year but without having accounted it I can't be sure how well. So this year I'll be keeping a note of that as well in the aforementioned accounting page.
This should all, in theory, bring frugality to the fore, as oppossed to being just a consideration. I'll see I suppose - and so shall you!
5 comments:
Eager to see your plans unfold !
Greets,
Open Accounting is an interesting (and scarey) prospect. I probably should so that as well, if only to scare myself into spending less on this infernal hobby.
Mind if I follow your lead on this?
Col. Gravis actually did a monthly breakdown, simply listing incoming and outgoing totals along with how much he had paid off his Reaver Titan debt. It was a nice method of keeping track and very simple.
Anyone who wants to share the pain is more than welcome. I'm quite confident of justifying most my spend (at least to myself if not to the wife), but I'm a bit scared of the final bill in May when Carronade in Falkirk comes round :-S
Well, then consider me onboard.
Hopefully having to post my purchases online will discourage me from frivilous purchases this year... :)
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