I just wonder where some of you people get the money, wow!!

Just this month I actually stopped my tv payments. I'm just on the internet plan now.

30 bucks a month. You can watch almost everything you want online these days, even live news and sporting events. I'm not a big TV person (hardly ever watched it anyways) but it was a nice chunk of change saved.

mikekelley wrote in post #10488331
Just this month I actually stopped my tv payments. I'm just on the internet plan now.

30 bucks a month. You can watch almost everything you want online these days, even live news and sporting events. I'm not a big TV person (hardly ever watched it anyways) but it was a nice chunk of change saved.

Yep, and $30 a month could buy you a nice semi-pro lens every 12-36 months. I also see people who have a coffee from starbucks every morning, but say they can't afford any large purchases. $4*240 workdays is a $1000 a year. That's a nice lens you are drinking slowly each day.

ten year old MAzdas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well as much time as I spend thing about what I can add to my little bag of tricks, LadyWonder, I thank you helping me appreciate what I already have by reminding me how lucky I am to have what I have and to work even harder at developing my skills using what I have.

I would also like to say that my first real experience with my camera was 3 wks in beautiful FL starting in Bonita Spring, from there onto all the Disney theme parks and the grand finale, of course, was watching the space shuttle launch. I only regret not getting to see the Keys. You live in a beautiful state. Hope you get to take tons of pictures while enjoying the ones on this forum.

I'm fortunate enough to have maintained a job that I enjoy, which pays well, and I try to keep my "other" activities to things that don't cost an arm and a leg.

And a girlfriend/SO that doesn't wig out when I spend my own money helps keep the buyer's remorse at bay We bought a house last year and the rebate plus tax returns for that have paid for some high priced toys on their own. I don't pay the cable man for anything more than the bottom rung, basic channels and I don't drink hardly at all, anymore. Those last two easily paid for the 100-400

I love all of your responses. It is inspirational to read how all of you have been able to fulfill your passions.This thread is turning out to be quite motivational.
All of these little toys do help to focus up close, far out, in between, and technically make images bettter and more clear but an image only becomes a photo if there is someone that knows how to capture it behind the camera.
From what I have read though I guess my plans are off for tonight. I was going to take my credit card, go have a beer, buy a few packs of cigarettes, buy some coffee, come back home, and watch full cable haha! I am just kidding.
I don't drink alcohol, smoke, use credit cards, have full cable, or drink coffee so I am off to a good start.

I don't have much gear but the way I saved is to cut back on things that I don't necessarily need. Like others have said inviting friends over for drinks is cheaper than going out. I also started packing my own lunch for work 3-4 times a week, I never realized how much I spend on breakfast and lunch when I order out at work.

And anything I make photography wise goes right into my equipment fund.

I just didn't bother getting into this hobby until the kids were all done with school. After paying tuition for 11 years with a couple of those years all four of us in school suddenly it feels like there is some money to play with.

My signature line pretty much tells the tale--2 income empty nesters.

Join a local POTN or FLICKR group--make friends and network.

I'm going to work and sweat my A double S off tomorrow--but my gear will be shooting the game at Wrigley Field in the hands of a talented young aspiring pro I met here--and she lives just around the corner.

Photography is my main hobby, which I spend most of my "spending money" on.

Me and my wife each take $200/mth from our main account for out own personal spending.

Over a year that is $2400 (not all of it goes into photography, but could)

I buy most of my gear used, save $$$. 3 years ago I thought the 40D was "the cat's meow", but it was $1400+tax new, I bought mine used earlier this year for $550. Also when you want to upgrade a lens, you can sell it and not really lose much money.

Shooting portraits or weddings etc. on the side is a great way to help fund the hobby.

I went to war, and the money built up. That. and Iraq ate my Xti ha. I needed to upgrade =]

merp wrote in post #10489567
I went to war, and the money built up. That. and Iraq ate my Xti ha. I needed to upgrade =]

Makes sense. You deserved to upgrade for serving in Iraq not to mention you needed to anyway because Iraq ate your camera

Spent 14 years in school, worked hard and went without for a long time. But I now have a decent income, a recession-proof job that I enjoy, and can afford what I want....that is, until the tax hikes go into effect in January.... I'm supposedly one of those who doesn't pay their fair share.

I got my 300D as a birthday gift, the 50D and 28-105mm as a christmas gift, and I traded the 50D for the 1D Though any future upgrades I'll have to pay for.

Slow gradual accumulation of pieces, watching for the 20% off and clearance sales on over stocked items and older stock. And E-Bay Ocasionally being able to splurge on something once a year, when the moon phase is just right. And going without that cup of coffee in the morning, and squirling the $1.50 away into a jar and saving up.

--Evan