All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.
So, the bills got to be paid. The church tithes and offerings. The electric, rent, etc. But, that gets boring in a hurry. How much to spend on fun? Does anyone have a formula? Percentage, or what?
Fun can be a bike ride (assuming you already have the bike, of course). Then when you're done, you're too tired to spend any more money.
Assuming you have food, of course.
Jon
Unless your church does actual real-world good works (funding mission trips doesn't count) with the tithe, I'd start with redirecting that.
-- aem, trusting organized religion even less than organized government or organized crime, sends...
After all of the above, and savings, whatever is left. ;-) Put another way, as long as the obligations are taken care of, it's your money.
All play and no retirement savings makes jack a frustrated old guy who's still working to keep ends met. Fun is not a percentage...it's a threshold that most people never meet. So they spend on fun anyway and hope for magic when they're old.
People who are financially secure for the long term with an uncertain future don't have to ask what percentage.
When the bills are paid, then what is left over can go to fun. Simple as that! (I have a monthly budget in Excel spreadsheet, so I know on the 1st of the month how much money I have for what....)
And when things are tight, I cut out optional stuff. Instead of eating out, eat at home, don't go to movies, etc. Fun might just be going for a short drive or something low cost.
Same with work.... Work first in the morning, then fun after that. And the fun is more fun knowing my work/chores are all done!
Anything that's left, but church and charities are excluded, i.e. fun first ;)
That reminds me of when I was in college. One year, I worked a summer job in a flat die forge shop. Discussing money during coffee break one day, one of the old black guys said that he split his check three ways; one for rent, one for groceries and one for Mr. Kessler. When I asked who Mr. Kessler was, he replied that it was his favorite brand of whiskey.
Paul
Your answer all depends on whether flashlights and batteries are fun. :)
That's a secular point of view. Now that I'm living the various covenants, I find that God keeps His end. When I pay an honest tithe, so many things work so much better. Reducing my tithe is false economy.
Of course, you're right. There is a balance in the middle some where. And, it's the balance I'm seeking. I'm not counting on Social Security to be there for me. Or, they will keep advancing the eligible age until it's about 125 years old to start collecting. I also expect the retirement and mutual funds to be raided for some "crisis" of the government's making. Still, I do need to keep saving as best possible.
Sounds like that fellow was taking care of himself, as best he knew how. I'm not a drinker, so my approach will be different. I respect others choices, even when they aren't the same as mine.
I've been outed. My real secrets are now made public on the message board.
Well, I did it. Treated myself to a toy. Bought a 4C mag light to go with my 4 cell LED bulb. Going to make a mixed up frankenstein light. Built from parts. Not that I need a four c LED mag, but it sure looks like it is going to be fun to make.
I was seeking absolution and forgiveness for buying yet another flashlight.
If you're paying a tithe, having fun must be against your religion. It's in the handbook.
Strange, I missed that lesson. I musta been out, having fun? I'm in trouble, now.
You people sure do a lot of stereotyping.
That's the way they are. ;-)
I have a lot of trouble just monotyping.
TDD
You monotypers live such boring lives.
What do Mormons do for fun? Whatever it is after you have a year's supply of food stashed away, then go do it with whatever you have left? I met a Mormon gal in a bar one time, well she had been a Mormon. A very nice lady. My favorite flashlights are the double AA size two batteries with a decent reflector and krypton bulb, and the million candles rechargeable
12 volt spot light. That thing lights up the night.HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.