She caught me.

[KerrKid]

Wife looking at bank statement: What are all these charges to San Jose, CA?

Me with head down looking at the floor: eBay.

Wife: There are a lot of charges!

Me continuing to look at the floor: I know. I won't do it anymore.

So, my GAS is GAS-X now. No more 35mm goodies for awhile . I'll just have to live vicariously through the rest of you.

 

[Paul Howell]

We should start a GASAA or GAS Addiction Anonymous group. Hi my name is Paul, I'm a GAS addict. Please just one more, something small, just a Argus C3, please it will be my last.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

At least you're not hanging out at casinos and throwing away money... I don't gamble, smoke, drink, own a yacht, or a golf membership, so what else can I spend my hard earned money on?

 

[unwantedfocus]

Guilty as well when I see deals I can't refuse.

 

[AgX]

Here in Germany at local sales payment in cash is still possible and partially even the only accepted method.

 

[unwantedfocus]

Here in Germany at local sales payment in cash is still possible and partially even the only accepted method.

yes I agree the best deals are always pickups only, sometimes whole labs, just straight hard cash....

 

[Donald Qualls]

I have my own separate account that my pay goes into on direct deposit. My PayPal and debit card draw from that account. As long as the bills get paid, nobody cares but me, and that hasn't been a problem in many years. It's not an addiction if it's not damaging your life, right?

 

[film_man]

"but they are investments for the future, this stuff appreciates like crazy"

 

[Sirius Glass]

My girl friend advises:

1. Better to buy cameras and lenses than chase other women.
2. You work hard for support others and you deserve to spend money so that you are not left wanting. You deserve to have that camera or lens or two or three or four or ...

 

[KerrKid]

We should start a GASAA or GAS Addiction Anonymous group. Hi my name is Paul, I'm a GAS addict. Please just one more, something small, just a Argus C3, please it will be my last.

You're joking, but this forum should probably come with a warning against the dangers of GAS. I have four N75's and I haven't even run a full roll through one of them, yet. That's a cry for help.

 

[KerrKid]

I have my own separate account that my pay goes into on direct deposit. My PayPal and debit card draw from that account. As long as the bills get paid, nobody cares but me, and that hasn't been a problem in many years. It's not an addiction if it's not damaging your life, right?

I have a separate business account and could also pay in cash, but I just live transparently and take my licks. I see what she buys, too. The problem is that I'm retired and not bringing in the bucks like I did. She is still working so I feel a bit guilty about spending money. It's only an addiction if you can't walk through your house without tripping on your camera gear.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Well, I don't keep secrets. My partner sees virtually everything I bring into the house, just never asks what it cost. We each spend our own money on our own choices. I buy cameras, accessories, film, and chemicals, partner buys dogs and pet food and pet medicines and so forth. Neither of us is supporting the other -- so no guilt here. Now, if you're stopping your GAS cold turkey because of guilt, that's a lot different from stopping because you got caught (though getting caught might well be the trigger for the guilt).

 

[KerrKid]

Well, I don't keep secrets. My partner sees virtually everything I bring into the house, just never asks what it cost. We each spend our own money on our own choices. I buy cameras, accessories, film, and chemicals, partner buys dogs and pet food and pet medicines and so forth. Neither of us is supporting the other -- so no guilt here. Now, if you're stopping your GAS cold turkey because of guilt, that's a lot different from stopping because you got caught (though getting caught might well be the trigger for the guilt).

Well, I felt like I was getting a problem and was feeling guilty prior to her finding the charges, but that just brought it into focus. (I love puns.) She's not that upset with me and my purchases are not hurting us. On the other hand, they're not helping, either. They aren't making money or memories and my plan was to start a blog and try to acquire advertising to cover the costs. She would like to see that plan followed through on and I can't blame her for that. I'm still going to buy a couple of light seal kits, but buying camera gear has to stop.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I never complain about her spending and she does not complain about mine. In fact she encourages me spending money on myself and for my interests.

 

[pbromaghin]

I have a separate business account and could also pay in cash, but I just live transparently and take my licks. I see what she buys, too. The problem is that I'm retired and not bringing in the bucks like I did. She is still working so I feel a bit guilty about spending money. It's only an addiction if you can't walk through your house without tripping on your camera gear.

Do you have a budget, or are you just winging life as it goes? If you do budgeting, there is no reason you can't add a photography line item and allocate a bit of money to it every month. Then it's out in the open, under control, and you get to buy those things you want - within reason.

 

[KerrKid]

Do you have a budget, or are you just winging life as it goes? If you do budgeting, there is no reason you can't add a photography line item and allocate a bit of money to it every month. Then it's out in the open, under control, and you get to buy those things you want - within reason.

I have had budgets in the past but haven't budgeted recently. My wife and I were just talking about it. She is not a budget person and I tend to be very conscious of where the money goes since I pay the bills. Everything you've said is spot on. Thank you!

 

[MattKing]

Don't have a "photography" line item.
Have a "hobbies" line item - spontaneity leads to contentment.

 

[Paul Howell]

In general as long as your, or my, spending is not exceeding what you can spend on a hobby it is not an issue, other than your wife may not approve of your hobby. Which is a separate issue from what you spend. sepeape

 

[jay moussy]

I think many spouses would be happy to see moderate, transparent photo spending, than the more wasteful or damaging kinds, exposing family to pain or danger.

 

[KerrKid]

Don't have a "photography" line item.
Have a "hobbies" line item - spontaneity leads to contentment.

Good point. I have the motorcycle expenses, too.

 

[KerrKid]

In general as long as your, or my, spending is not exceeding what you can spend on a hobby it is not an issue, other than your wife may not approve of your hobby. Which is a separate issue from what you spend. sepeape

Luckily, my wife and I are crazy about each other and like seeing the other happy. I don't get on to her about her spending and she rarely gets on to me about mine. I'm not saying I'm in the doghouse, just that I don't want to see her shopping for one.

 

[KerrKid]

I never complain about her spending and she does not complain about mine. In fact she encourages me spending money on myself and for my interests.

That's a keeper!

 

[Sirius Glass]

That's a keeper!

We have been together for 21 years, but we still do not know if it will work because we have never had a fight. And the young'uns think that super natural has to do with vampires & werewolves.

 

[btaylor]

My wife’s response to any photo purchases was a resounding “No.”
Using my business account and off-site storage I amassed enough gear to launch an motion picture camera rental company. When I brought it all to the garage to start renting it (and using it myself), boy howdy, was she pissed!
She calmed down after a decade or so. Now when I bring something new home I just say, “oh this old thing? I’ve had it for years.” She doesn’t have enough fight left in her to go further.

 

[gone]

yes I agree the best deals are always pickups only, sometimes whole labs, just straight hard cash....

So that's what I've been doing wrong! My idea was to use straight cash for my pickups, but that sometimes meant a trip to the labs.