The Other Things I Spent Money on in 2017
Last week I told you about some of the best things that I spent money on in 2017. Of course, there are a few things that I shouldn't have spent so much money on, but I don't want you to judge me, so I'll only share the big ones.
Eating out
I'll be honest with you, having 4 kids is hard work, especially when 2 need to be here at 5 and 1 needs to be there at 6 and the little one just gets shuttled around. On days like that, or days that I work late, or the chicken isn't thawed yet or because neither of us really feel like cooking, we order in. Pizza, subs, Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, pizza, Chinese food, pizza. It doesn't seem like much at the time, $30-40, but sometimes, it ended up being twice a week in the winter. I can't tell you how much we spent (because I don't want to) but it certainly could have that money for other, more productive things.
This year, we decided to try HelloFresh and Chef's Plate; home delivered, mostly prepared meals that give you step-by-step instructions on how to make it. We have made our first 2 weeks worth and OH MAN are they good. This should stop us from having the "what do you want for dinner" conversation that usually ends in eating out.
Board Games
Since I was a young pup, I have loved board games. It started with Monopoly and Life and the usual suspects but then spiraled into Risk and D&D. I loved these strategy games, that was until Sony came out with the Playstation. Then I was hooked on video games.
Now that I have kids and they won't let me play with all my old consoles (9 in total), Danielle and I have rediscovered board games in a major way. Now, we're playing high strategy games like Pandemic Legacy (where you have to add stickers to the board and tear up cards!), Mission Red Planet and Dixit. She also got into backing new games on Kickstarter. Let's just say that there are at least 15 games on our shelf that haven't been played yet.
Beer
If you are reading this, you know me. And if you know me, you know I like beer. Not just a Bud with friends on a weekend, but what everyone calls Craft Beer. I've had this obsession with strange, new beers since my first year in University back in the 90's. This year, I crossed a milestone with 2,500 different, unique beers (I use an app to keep track). But, this hobby of mine costs money; sometimes a few dollars, others a lot of dollars, but as far as I'm concerned, it's worth it. I have made some great friends in the beer drinking (and making) world and there is always something to talk about.
So there you have it. Some of the things I spent money on in 2017. Who knows what 2018's list will look like, but I have a few renovations to do this year so there won't be much left over for fun.
Kenneth Coombs CFP CHS RRC
Ken has 13 years experience in the financial services industry, is a Registered Retirement Consultant and a Certified Financial Planner. Ken has written financial planning columns and has been a guest on financial radio and podcast programs.
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