Comments on: Top 10 Ways To Save Money – Number 9 – Give Up Hobbies

By: karla (threadbndr)

karla (threadbndr) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:35:39 +0000

Back in the ’spend, spend’ days, I bought a LOT of supplies for needlework and knitting. Since I got on the budget, I have only bought a few things (buttons, floss) to finish off completed projects and mostly ’shopped the stash’. I can still enjoy my hobbies, just without breaking the budget any more.

I’ve also sold supplies/patterns that I impulse bought in order to buy projects that I will actually complete. In any kind of crafting hobby, it’s easy to go overboard. A ‘craft diet’ will actually make you look at your old supplies in a fresh new way as you figure out new uses for them. Just look at the wonderful quilts and needlework that came out of the Great Depression!

By: Rhea

Rhea — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:11:17 +0000

Or start a hobby that is no- or low-cost to get into but could pay big dividends. Coin collecting can work that way.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:51:02 +0000

I agree with you NCN. It’s not like you completely gave up golf forever, just until you were out of debt. I think its awesome and shows dedication to paying off debt. Most people will not do that because they think they deserve to do what they want. Great job quitting golf for a year!

There are many hobbies that you can do cheaply, like going to the library for books and movies. Buying puzzles at yard sales and putting them together. Running is a great hobby and is mostly free if you run outside. The key is to find something else to do (cheaply) while getting out of debt. I consider golf a pretty expensive hobby.

By: Aya @ Thrive

Aya @ Thrive — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:10:53 +0000

It seems like the consensus is that giving up hobbies completely is not the most attractive decision people are willing to make – and I agree. Although it might seem like it is the easiest thing to do, since we don’t have much power over things like bills, but is it really “easy,” considering that hobbies are part of enjoying life or having something to get through the week. Even though moderation can be tough to stay on top of at first, if you set a reasonable and followable budget it shouldn’t be so hard to keep while still enjoying hobbies. Or, make trade-offs when budgeting hobbies – choose one hobby to stick with for a short period of time and lay off the others. It might be harder and bad for you psychologically to try to go cold turkey anyway.

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:40:31 +0000

I whole-heartedly agree with the other posters about not giving up hobbies — just finding cheaper or free ways to do them (like volunteering or teaching.

I love to read, so I frequent the library and opt for blogs and online publications instead of newspapers and magazines. (I love RSS!)

There are tons of places in the community to indulge a hobby. For instance, the yarn store where I shop has a program where they knit blankets for children in need — the store and customers donate yarn and people can take this yarn for free and return the finished blanket. The quilt store around the corner has a monthly get-together for quilters to come make blankets for charity. All the materials (and even the sewing machines) are provided.

Although, it’s funny that travel hasn’t been mentioned yet (is that coming in this series?) If you’re serious about getting out of debt, STAY HOME.

By: Mary@SimplyForties

Mary@SimplyForties — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:42:29 +0000

Hobbies are very important. If you no hobbies and then you retire, what do you do with your time? Instead of giving up hobbies, perhaps it would be better to find cheaper hobbies. Not all hobbies are expensive.

By: Amber Weinberg

Amber Weinberg — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:08:40 +0000

I agree you shouldn’t give up ALL of your hobbies, or you’ll go insane. I had to give up my love of fixing up cars for awhile, but when I’m out of debt and puttnig 15% towards retirement, I’m going to save up money to buy a 67 Mustang Fastback to fix up with my dad. Until then I’ll stick with home-made old scrapbooking ^_^

By: Homeowner

Homeowner — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:44:48 +0000

I think a moderately priced hobby is important to keep one’s mind engaged. Playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, knitting, reading, even golf, etc., are all positive contributions to keeping a brain healthy and stimulated.

Your point is well-taken, but I think off-the-mark: I do think moderation (maybe golf every other week instead of every week) is better than giving up one’s interests.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:35:45 +0000

Really though, what’s the point of living if you can’t do things you enjoy? There are better ways to cut down on expenses than getting rid of your passions. For me, I love to read, so instead of buying that new book I want, I go to the library a lot more often. On top of that, maybe start buying generic foods, and shopping at discount clothing stores. If getting kicked out of your home becomes a possibility, then cut out the golf.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:12:04 +0000

The thing is most people aren’t willing to give up their hobby. They moan and groan about how they need to enjoy life and have at least 1 splurge, etc. But the thing is that, that entitlement to splurges contributed to the problem to begin with and if you aren’t willing to give it up, then you must not want to fix your financial problems all that badly. Great post.