How do you fund your Astro budget?

[h0ughy (David)]

I used to build computers and networks for people after hours from my normal job, that was good money a few years back. now its only a drop in the bucket. I have way blown out my "budget" for this year, which was supposed to be whatever I make from the PC sideline which this year has been zero. so I have hit the savings very very hard. Too much so, I am worried now that i have over extended myself - then convince myself that you only live once, so why not. But then I am easily led, I like a bargain or three. Now I just have to get some pleasure from my purchases.........

I will add though a responsible savings program would be best.......

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Its called payday!

Cheers Petra

[Richard F]

GO the "secret scope"account!
700 dollars saved since Novermber & only need another 7000 or so needed to buy a SolarMax60,with all the ad-ons i want,to make it fullly stereo!(bino-viewing,in infa-red!)hopefully have it in time for the next solar maximum (2010-11ish)&definatley before the Cairns solar eclipse in November 2012,with any luck.
just don't tell the wife!

[Moonman (Michael)]

And when you do get the money to buy and the inevitable question gets asked you can say that you won the telescope from a competition run on ICE in Space. But you may have to get the Iceman to cover for you!

Good Scope saving and buying

Mike

[Shawn]

Easy, just sell stuff you never use, Lke the Clothes dryer, the dishwasher, Lawnmower, second car, the list goes on...

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Shawn

Easy, just sell stuff you never use, Lke the Clothes dryer, the dishwasher, Lawnmower, second car, the list goes on...

Well that's what I did, I swapped a second car for a telescope, I've never looked back since then

[rogerg (Roger)]

I didn't used to have a problem funding my astronomy, living at home with my parents I didn't have great expenses. In that time I accumulated most of my current equipment including the LX200, observatory, SBIG, Losmandy, etc.

However that changed almost 2 years ago with the purchase of a house and I have to admit that in just the last 2 months I've been struggling with the reality that most of my money is going to the mortgage. I could spend more of it on astro toys, but I'd sort of rather get rid of the mortgage in half the time instead. Right now I'm struggling to find the right compromise, as is my partner with her hobbies (we share the mortgage and expensive hobbies like photography).

So the best I have at the moment is $20/month being syphoned off in to my astro fund... but I recently blew most of it on a media player

Time shall tell how I find the money for astronomy in this new phase of my life, I do still intend on upgrading in a couple of years, some how..

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by rogerg

I didn't used to have a problem funding my astronomy, living at home with my parents I didn't have great expenses. In that time I accumulated most of my current equipment including the LX200, observatory, SBIG, Losmandy, etc.

However that changed almost 2 years ago with the purchase of a house and I have to admit that in just the last 2 months I've been struggling with the reality that most of my money is going to the mortgage. I could spend more of it on astro toys, but I'd sort of rather get rid of the mortgage in half the time instead. Right now I'm struggling to find the right compromise, as is my partner with her hobbies (we share the mortgage and expensive hobbies like photography).

So the best I have at the moment is $20/month being syphoned off in to my astro fund... but I recently blew most of it on a media player

Time shall tell how I find the money for astronomy in this new phase of my life, I do still intend on upgrading in a couple of years, some how..

Waiting with baited breath for the interest rate hike, That is going to effect many Astro Funds...mine included...

[John Saunders]

"Its tuff and selfish but I dont drink and smoke, dont buy clothes,"

Alex - the naked astronomer...hmmmmm, must get pretty cold some nights.

[Outbackmanyep]

I see some of you out there have telescopes AND are married at the same time....HOW DOES THAT WORK??

Unmarried.......................... ..so far.

[iceman (Mike)]

With great difficulty!

[cahullian]

I turned one hobby into a cash cow (went from playing football to refereeing it) that gives me a couple of grand at least each year.

Gazz

[ving (David)]

Originally Posted by cahullian

I turned one hobby into a cash cow (went from playing football to refereeing it) that gives me a couple of grand at least each year.

Gazz

mooo!!!


rob banks

[cahullian]

I thought you would like that post Dave.

Gazz