Lean Winter
Save more than 66% of my income this winter.
I want to save this winter so I can buy more freedom when spring/summer comes.
I have now tallied up my expenses and my savings rate this winter was only 48.73%. Far from the goal of 66%.
As I have already posted about, many of these expenses went towards new gear. But looking back I also see random expenses here and there on other things. After three years of saving I'm still not great at this :) Which also means a reality check like this one is good.
I did not hit my goal but I still saved a good chunk of money this winter. And that's good. I'll continue saving and maybe attempt another (more focused) experiment soon.
I kept on spending in February. Outdoor gear again - and this time climbing gear as well as I have started bouldering in the local gym.
As I wrote about in my last update, I'm a bit torn. But I think I have moved a bit too far towards buying new gear. Problem is it never stops - I can always find new and better gear than what I have. I can always "improve" my setup.
Lately I have bought a lot of outdoor equipment.
I'm preparing for the season and I have big plans! To realize these plans I need more gear. At least that is what I keep telling myself as I add more items to the shopping cart.
I'm torn here. I absolutely love adventure in nature. And to do more activities I do need some gear. On the one hand I could do a lot with what I already have. But on the other hand I want to improve and take my skills further.
One example: I bought an axe so I can learn how to use one. I want to be better at creating a fire and other small things around camp. This purchase is all good in my mind. And not expensive at all either.
Another example is a new tent. The one I have is not good in high winds and I experienced this last summer in the mountains of Norway. I could do with my old tent but I may be able to push more harsh weather with a new one. A good tent is expensive but so is staying in hotels.
Overall I know this is a category I spend a lot on. But it is also what I live for. The reason I save money on other things is so I can go on adventures.
Still doing fine.
Christmas and News Years has cost a bit though. And that's fine. Wasn't super expensive and the money was well spent on/with friends and family.
Now January is here and I don't see any big expenses the next two months. That is if I can keep myself away from buy new gear or whatever urge I'll get :)
Week one down.
Not much to report except one interesting urge: I've been sick and so I have spent a lot of time indoors with little to do and not a lot of energy. I've been playing computer and I have been somewhat frustrated by my old and slow PC.
I've had the urge to buy a new one earlier this year and came very close - but then ultimately decided not to do it as it would be an expensive item that I really don't need. Would be nice. But I don't need it. My current PC works just fine for most things - I can even play some games just fine.
I have all sorts of arguments as to why "investing" in a new PC would be fine: I spend a lot of time in front of it so why not make that time more pleasant? I will have to buy a new one eventually, why not now? I play games with my friends so I can justify it with that, right? ... and on and on it goes.
But it boils down to this: do I need it?
No.
...
A few quotes to keep me on track:
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” -Socrates
"Success is having everything you need and doing everything you want. It is not doing everything you need to have everything you want."
Today the experiment starts! I have not really prepared anything - but I don't feel like I should either. The goal is just to live "efficiently" for the next couple of months.