Is it possible to spend too much on a hobby?

[A HERETIC I AM]

I've recently become absolutely fascinated by an avocation that could, if taken to even a moderate level, involve a capital expenditure in excess of $25,000 over the course of the next 5 years. There are plenty of Americans, many Du'rs among them, I'm sure, that spend large sums on hobbies, be it something as detailed as Model Railroading or Radio Controlled Aircraft, to knitting or other crafts taken to an extent surpassing personal needs. Some people own Sailboats they have built and maintain themselves. Some people own race cars. Some people are woodworkers and others involve themselves in "Period Reenacting" which involves expensive clothing and character supplementation.

I know I don't need anyones permission to persue an interest, I am just curious of the responses a question like this might evoke. In light of the apparent opinions of some on DU that any and all excess income should ONLY be spent on the betterment of humanity, is an expensive hobby anti-progressive?

If I spend too much on this hobby I have become enamored with, does it make me a bad person?

[cobalt1999]

1. Anyone with a boat knows the pain in the wallet.

It's still worth it.

[TexasObserver]

2. The two days you'll cherish most: the day you buy it, and the day you sell it

[2KS2KHonda]

6. I once experienced both those days on the same day.

Pretty much unforgettable. ;-)

[DemoTex]

8. How did that work?

...

[2KS2KHonda]

15. Nothing spectacular, really...oh got a call back later

...

[A HERETIC I AM]

16. Well, in my case, the buying process will be over the course of several years.

This particular interest is the kind of thing you might spend $200 on this month, nothing for 3 months, $1,000.00 the next month, etc. It also will quite likely require ...how shall I say.....not inexpensive tools to bring the first issue to completion.

[cobalt1999]

18. Hey, we are fessing up our expensive hobbies

Time to stop being so vague and come clean.

[A HERETIC I AM]

25. See post #23 below

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3840344&mesg_id=3840609

[edbermac]

3. I'm into photography.

I could easily spend a year's gross pay on cameras, lenses, lights etc. I'd love to be able to sell some pics just to break even on the camera gear I'd buy.

[catnhatnh]

41. Been there, Done that.....

Are you good? There IS a way that worked for me and might for you...When I took up photography I went to a local weekly paper (circulation about 10K) and asked to shoot for them-here's the catch-the editor insisted I also write copy to go with the pictures AND agree to cover certain local events and provide copy and photos. So while I got some cover shots that where artistic, my first assignments were ground breakings and chamber of commerce stuff where the hard part was to get the names of the thirty people in the boring photo spelled correctly...

So what happened? Eventually I became editor of the Stratford News in Stratford Ct. After that paper folded, I worked at the Bridgeport, Ct Eagle as a writer/photographer/columnist until it folded for the SECOND time...essentially, I made damn little money (I used to tell people that after my first week I received a pack of cigarettes and a check. And that the cigarettes were good.), but learned a bunch of skills, and someone else was paying for the film and processing (Back then it was Ilford HP-4, A monochromatic, C-41 process, high speed film that could easily be used for half tone printing).

Like most posters here, you seem literate and capable of keyboarding. I hunt and peck, but for about three years my photos and my opinions, and my writings were published. And it wasn't a bad way to go.

[Naturyl]

4. #2 and I'm perfectly willing to own that vote and be called "self-righteous" for it.

Comes with the territory.

But yeah, #2. Hobbies are great but $25k is a hell of a lot of money. Money that could do a hell of a lot of good.

If you just wanted to call out for a pizza, that would be different. But you asked for this feedback and I'm happy to offer it. :)

[A HERETIC I AM]

14. Not a problem. I appreciate the input. You could have voted and not responded.

I appreciate your response, truly.

Perhaps it is fair that I make it clear that I am very charitably inclined, but I by no means give all I could.

But I also realize it is not within my abilities to solve the problems of the world, even if I tried to solve even a small portion. I feel that if it is possible for me to become a better person because of a non-essential pursuit, I may indeed be more service to humanity.

I did not specify what this avocation is, but what if the result brings joy to others? What if the product of my efforts and money allows someone "disadvantaged" to somehow experience something valuable they would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience?

What if the product of my hobby inspires others to do good?

[Naturyl]

21. After those clarifications, it sounds a lot more appealing.

Still... I don't know. If you are already "very charitably inclined," then it may be acceptable.

I don't believe in rigid asceticism. We have one life to live and there's nothing wrong with reasonable efforts to make it worth living. That said, it's up to each of us to determine when and where we need to yield to our conscience.

Best of luck with your decision and your hobby, should you decide to pursue it.

[DemoTex]

5. Ham radio comes to mind ..

Although I'm now looking seriously at a J/24 racing sailboat. I used to race Hobie Cats (raced against Ted Turner and won!) and Sunfish.

[cobalt1999]

12. Is there an active fleet near you?

With one of those, you'll want some competition.

[DemoTex]

24. Inland lakes that are 15-25 feet low.

No. I would keep it at Destin where my brother has a beach house (Grayton Beach) and use it on the bay. Big fleet there.

[cobalt1999]

31. Then you'll be going up against me!

That's my fleet.

[Cronus Protagonist]

7. The real question is how is smoking crack a hobby?

Ok, it's just conjecture, but I do wonder why you don't say what the hobby is :P

[A HERETIC I AM]

23. OK, fine. I want to build one of these....

A 1.5" scale, 7 1/2" gauge Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 Challenger Live Steam Locomotive.


A better shot to give you an idea of the scale;


Basically it is like building an automobile from scratch, fabricated and milled from sheet metal and bar stock. Completely functional and operational in every detail from the real thing.

"Live Steamers" are a LARGE community, worldwide in scope.

Here's a video of a Live Steam Model Locomotive in action; (Not the one I want to build, but very close in size and complexity)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yeoVqoIyUc&feature=related


On edit to say that the machine in the above photographs was built in large part from castings available in more or less "kit" form, although a locomotive of that size is truly a custom machine. This is by no means a slap together model kit we all know from our youth. It is a fully functional machine with literally hundreds and hundreds of individual parts, many of which must be milled from castings or made from scratch.

This is a multi-year project before it would be ready to run.

[NeedleCast]

35. That is Silly Cool

Man, not only do I hope you'll do it, I hope you'll make a thread somewhere and keep DU updated on your progress.

[A HERETIC I AM]

36. Isn't it cool? I had the privilege of meeting a fellow the other day that has built 2 locomotives.

He has several others in various stages and is fabricating a Tender for a buddy of his.

The tender is easily 3 1/2' long, 18" high and 12" wide. When completed it will have a 25 gallon water tank and carry an LP gas bottle as a fuel source. It will probably weigh 350 pounds wet, on the rails. The trucks alone weigh about 30 Lbs each.

[sandnsea]

9. My husband fishes

With salmon at $20 lb, I guess it pays for itself. But there are years when I'm not so sure. Anyways, the only people I know who don't have hobbies are sitting in the bar or casino all the time.

[DemoTex]

17. I fish too. Fly fish. Tarpooooooon!

Big Poles .. $800-1200
Big Reels .. $100-800
Tarpon Hooks w/feathers .. $10/ea
Tarpon guide in June in Homossasas .. $1000/day
Deborah Jeane Palfrey (company) .... whoops, wrong thread!

[sandnsea]

29. lol

Oh there are the days when you wonder how the heck fishing could be sooo expensive...

[SmileyRose]

10. Your money, your choice.

It's my humble opinion that when one begins to spend the "bill money" on the hobby then that's a problem.

My hobby is taking seriously crap furniture and turning it into something useful and beautiful. It can be expensive and not exactly environmentally friendly - lots of tools, noise pollution with the saws - furniture stripper - paint - a workshop to do it all it. Piles of old wood and beat up metal pieces that used to be part of something else all over the place.

I have a "Norm Abram" workshop - a real discussion starter when folks find out it's all mine and not my husbands.

[A HERETIC I AM]

34. That is VERY cool.

Sounds very interesting. I would love to have a large shop. I love wood working too. My big brother has a well fitted woodworking shop - lathe, table saw, miter saw, belt sander, band saw, planer etc.

I own about 60 pounds of Lignumvitae, the hardest wood known to man and very difficult to find in large quantities. One piece is a plank, about 2" thick by 12" X 48". I was offered cash for it sight unseen by an exotic wood dealer in the area.

[catchnrelease]

48. Oh wow, I'm jealous!!!

That must be heaven. I'm not into woodworking specifically, but I like to do any kind of "home construction" projects myself. I often see the neighbors shaking their heads as I'm out working on some "manly" project.

One good thing about this is that my SO says one of the main things that attracted him to me was my love of tools. He just said..."Wow, a woman that like tools!!!" ;-)

Re the train hobby....years ago, where I used to live, there was a local man that had this type of train set up on his property, which consisted of several acres. He would open his place and let kids come in and see and have rides. So the OP's idea that others could benefit from his efforts is very valid.

Edit to add: I just spent right at $1000. at a quilt show in July buying supplies/fabric for my cloth-doll making hobby. (Yes, my interests very widely, lol!)

[asdjrocky]

11. I'm a hobby guy.

Always have been. There's always be something beyond what I might be doing day to day that I'm crazy about. Right now it's gardening, and as usual I take it to the extreme. Started out as a couple of boxes and now I've got 600 sq feet and it's growing. In the past it's been reading, boxing, diving, motorcycles, coin collecting... the list goes on.

I say go and explore your passions, you never know where it may lead.

[XemaSab]

13. Is it birding?

'Cause that will SUCK YOUR WALLET DRY! :o

[MicaelS]

19. Go for it...

As long as you're not hurting anyone else, if you're financially able to indulge yourself, then by gawd enjoy your life. Don't let anyone guilt tip you into making you feel you should instead give it all away to charity. The only caveat I would make is that make sure you have proper insurance if it's dangerous. Make sure and join any and all organizations that are associated with your hobby so you enjoy any related benefits, such as reduced rates on some things or necessary needed political action.

[Paladin]

20. There's A Fine Line Between A Hobby And Mental Illness

Thank you, Dave Berry, for one of the more valid statements I've ever come across....

[A HERETIC I AM]

32. LOL....I loves me some Dave Barry.

I have many of his books, including "Babies and other hazards of sex".

The title alone is funny!

[wtmusic]

22. Absolutely, unless it's on cycling. nt

[WillyT]

26. If Your Hobby Is DU... Yeah, LOL !!!

:evilgrin:

[Ikonoklast]

27. I used to road-race motorcycles

And flat-track. And T/T.

It got rather expensive. I had eight racing motorcycles at one time, and I raced them all.

Spent a ton of dough.

Wouldn't give up the fun, experiences and camaraderie for all the money in the world.

Do what you want, it's your money. As long as you can still buy shoes for the kids, who cares?

[NeedleCast]

28. Maybe it's me, but I don't see 25K spread out over 5+ years

to be that excessive.

By no means does it make you a bad person, especially if you are able to continue to do things to help other, and that help does not always have to come in the form of money. Volunteering is a great (and usually very inexpensive) way to help others, no matter what form it comes in...working in a soup kitchen, reading for the blind, coaching a youth baseball team.

It's what you give back, not how much money you give back.

Enjoy your free time dude, for most of us, there's a real lack of "me" time in our lives, so value what you can get.

[tammywammy]

30. Can you still pay all your bills and eat?

Then spend as much as you want on your hobby.

[A HERETIC I AM]

33. Yes, yes and thanks! n/t

[tammywammy]

42. Then do as you wish!

A hobby is great! My hobbies include cross-stitch and crochet pretty cheap, but they offer me the brainless time I need. (I "think" so much at work, I need the not thinking but still doing something time at home)

[Historic NY]

37. I collect cars and do Revolutionary War reenacting.

[A HERETIC I AM]

38. No Shit? Do you have a character?

My older brother is into period reenacting. He attends "Rendezvous" gatherings. Some are attended by as many as 3000 participants, all of them living as if it was the 1830's.

The cars interest me too. I worked in the automobile industry, mostly promotions, marketing and transport for 17 years. I would love to have a collection and I have a few, very specific models I would love to own.

This, for instance is one of my dream cars;

1976 vintage Eldo drop-top, red with white interior.

I really love this website. So many people, so many interests.

Cheers.:toast: totally.

[Coyote_Bandit]

39. I feel absolutely

no guilt about indulging in my not so cheap hobby. I dream of the day I can earn my livlihood doing the hobby work I love. I consider every penny spent an investment in career training. While I certainly believe in helping the less fortunate that desire is secondary to my investment in acquiring new skills.

Spend what you want as long as you can meet your obligations and have a bit of a cushion set back for a rainy day. Your priorities are your choice.

[A HERETIC I AM]

40. Care to share what that hobby is?

If not publicly, I'd love to know via PM.

Either way, thanks for the post.

[ColbertWatcher]

43. Other: I think the IRS may have a say ...

...especially if you one day want to make money from it.

Of course, I could be wrong, but maybe a DU IRS/tax expert might be able to clarify if one can turn a hobby into a profession?

(It is my understanding that the IRS makes a clear distinction between the two)

Anyone?

[A HERETIC I AM]

44. It would only be a problem if I decided to sell what I make...

and only if I sold at a profit.

I get where you are coming from but I would be a long way from ever needing to incorporate. Even if I simply sold something I built to another enthusiast, unless it is a large transaction ($10,000.00 plus) it would not be a big deal.

[Coyote_Bandit]

45. Hobby

means one thing in generic usage. It has a very different meaning according to the tax code.

If someone is able to take their hobby and earn their livlihood from it then according to the IRS it is no longer a hobby. It is a business. As with any other business an activity is presumed carried on for profit if it produced a profit in at least 3 of the last 5 tax years.

Creative folks turn their hobbies into carers all the time. Musicians. Artists. Writers.

[ColbertWatcher]

46. Answer to #44 & #45: thank you. n/t

[Codeine]

47. Having dropped about $500 bucks this month on

game-related purchases (Dungeons and Dragons, board games, conflict simulations, and miniature wargaming) I couldn't criticize if I wanted to! :evilgrin: Tear it up and enjoy yourself; money unspent isn't really money.