Quote:
Originally Posted by Brutus2600
I...don't want to total it up. So needless to say, I don't know  |
(Note: None of this is bragging, I know many of you spend way more than I have, and in fact, I'm a little embarrassed I've spent this much, but I thought it interesting, and there is a lesson at the end, so this is purely informational.)
Well, I got bored yesterday at work.
And I did it. I added up every cigar purchase I've made and can find a record of in the past eight months.
Since I really started getting into this hobby (coincidentally when I joined CA...) I've spent approx. $2,200 on cigars and cigar related items.
This isn't counting random singles I've purchased at B&M's, but it is every online purchase I've made, every WTS forum purchase, and the larger B&M purchases.
Approximately $450 of that is cigar accessories (wine fridge, chasden drawers, cutters, lighters, ashtrays).
I've sold ~$400 worth of cigars to recoup by doing partial splits on box purchases.
That leaves me at around $1,350 in cigars that I have in my possession at the moment.
Estimating between what I have that I've purchased and been gifted, I think I have close to 400 cigars between my vinodor, desktop humidor, and a couple of tupperdors.
Here is what I've learned and figured out after adding all these things up.
- I have WAY more cigars than I will smoke in a year. Some are specifically put away for aging, so that's ok.
- I've spent almost two times what I thought I had on cigars this year. Guesstimating DOES NOT give you a good idea of what you have spent. If you actually do want to keep a budget, start a spreadsheet and enter all your purchases in it. When you've hit that limit that you've given yourself, you'll know it instead of just guessing when you've hit it.
- If you have a problem buying cigars and you haven't added your purchases up, do it! I know I'll be taking my buying MUCH slower in the coming months after having seen the numbers.
- And above all, DON'T SHARE YOUR RECORDS WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER! But seriously. I'm not going to. She'd kill me!
(Note: If you share finances with your significant other, then this might not be an issue, although I know it is for some of us!)
So, I hope you found this post interesting and informative. My last comment is that I don't regret spending this money at all. It's a hobby that has brought me enjoyment and relaxation. Not only that, but it has introduced me to an amazing community of BOTL's and SOTL's, and while I know this might sound cheesy, that is seriously priceless.