Horses Are Expensive II: December 2016

1/2/2017

Well that felt like a waste of money.

Most months, I am a little surprised at how much I spend, but it always feels worth it. Not this month. Sheesh. I spent 1,200 bucks and didn't do a single interesting thing. I take that back. The clinic with Chemaine was worthwhile, necessary even, but the rest of my costs, meh.

I didn't do a single rated show in 2016 so it was a bit irksome to renew my memberships for 2017. I hope that's not another $150 bucks down the drain. And of course we all know how the double ended up. Who knows how long those bits will bounce around unused in my bit box.

When I look at the amount spent and try to reconcile it with perceived value, it doesn't balance out. $1,200 is a boatload of money - a mortgage payment for a lot of people. Let's hope January finds me thinking I got a deal. Sort of like this ...

If only!

Leah link

1/2/2017 07:00:09 am

At least the lessons with Chemaine were worthwhile!

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/5/2017 06:17:08 am

That is true!

lytha

1/2/2017 08:41:09 am

Wow, I finally found something that I pay more for than you - board! *lol* I pay 300E per month. The euro is so weak right now I won't even bother to convert. Do you calculate gas to the barn? I drive 35 minutes each way, and I'm getting mighty tired of that drive. Today, in snow! I drive out there 6 days per week because otherwise that 300E is a complete waste.

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/5/2017 06:22:14 am

My board is cheaper than a lot of other places. For all of the years that I've lived in Bakersfield, I've tried to board at someone's house. This is third time I've done so which makes about 10 years. And when I did board at a public barn, I chose VERY no frills arrangements. One place I boarded at required owners to buy their own hay. I loved that.

No, I don't calculate gas because it's just a part of life here in California. We drive EVERYWHERE. I drive 30 minutes to work and then 30 to the barn. From the barn it takes me 20 minutes to get home. My work, barn, and home all form a very acute triangle with the short side being the one form home to the barn.

Sarah link

1/4/2017 12:30:27 pm

What software do you use to track your spending? I'd be interested in setting something up like you're using for expenses. :) I need to pay memberships too since I'll have to register the baby horse this spring.

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/5/2017 06:36:32 am

I've been a Quicken user for more than 20 years. Most people like Quicken for PCs, but the Mac version, which I use, has always been inferior. While some people hate it, the program works exactly how I think, so it does a great job for me. My current version is from around 2007. I've thought about updating, but it's slightly expensive and the newer versions were lacking in features I wanted.

I do love how I can run reports easily, and I no longer keep a hard copy of a check register. I think there are a variety of money tracking apps that might work similar to Quicken.

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage