Comments on Profile Post by Stuff Jones

I'd argue even setting an "upper limit" sounds kinda like an alcoholic saying just 2 pints. You know if you can afford something and if your SO will approve or not. If you have to justify it something's amiss.

If you're concerned you're spending too much, you probably are. If other people are concerned you're spending too much, screw em.

May sound like I'm joking but I'm not.

I only spend discretionary income after paying bills, contributing to savings, rainy day fund, and spousal approval. I have used some of an unexpected bonus to buy higher ticket items.

I don't tell my other half anything. She thinks my Aras are $10 earbuds and she knows she can't touch them.

Sample the price space, find diminishing returns point, stop at the metaphorical "knee" of this relationship. Spend more than intended, only very occasionally, on rare/high MSRP items offered at "low" prices relative to value.

There are three kinds: "How much can I get away with?", "What's the most expensive thing you have?", and "How low can I set my expectations to be able to have necessities?". I'm in the first camp kinda. Have to be a bit more sensible.

It really boils down to how much I'm willing to save up. I try to maximize price/performance ratio for my preferences, but saving up for the good stuff can be worth it IMO. My S/O is pretty understanding overall though.

My current approach is to fix an arbitrary % of my net worth to be held in audio gear, and then adjust that % and rationalize when the purchasing itch becomes especially strong.

For a while I had a "purchase must not exceed mortgage payment" rule.

Get unobtanium stuff while you can, things to get later can be bought later. I try to not buy gear I won't use immediately, 250£ monthly fun allowance to be used as I see fit, doesn't always work out.

Remember to take into account: The cost of your other hobbies and hobbies your wife has that you pay for. And spend a lot more on music—especially concerts, if possible—than on equipment.

If audio spending is deleterious to enjoyment of life in other hobbies/basic necessities, you're spending too much. I'm more of with @Jinxy245; depends if I'm willing to save up (another note though; I absolutely refuse to deal with $$$$$ tubes). Nothing wrong with saving up if you know what you're getting into.