I too have an Excell spread sheet inventory that includes a SUM of what I have spent each year and a total. Also keep a Trains Wish List that prioritizes what I want, and shows the List price plus 5 online dealer's prices. Both help me control my spending and get the most trains for my purchasing dollars. Helps eliminate accidental duplicates also.
The TOTAL $ figure is ***ERING!!!! I have spent over $40,000.00 over the past 50 years. More than I paid for my first HOUSE! But less than what some folks pay for a car every 4 years. Like others have said, compared to other people's discresionary spending, hobbies, vices, etc. and my earnings over the years, maybe 40K isn't that much. I can justify it as being "balanced" rather than "over the top". Yet when I look at that total $ amount, and the physical amount of the "stuff" I sometimes think I will show up on the "HOARDERS" program.
Since I am single and my daughter and son are independant adults now I remind myself that this is MY life, and MY money and I should enjoy what I own, and the time I have left. My younger brother died at 44 years old. At 66 I feel lucky. I will avoid the guilt trip and enjoy myself. And perhaps refocus my spending in other areas to keep my ballance. It is all a matter of personal values and choice.
That's my take on it and I'm sticking to it. Paul Goodness
