So, I'm not trying to make this a pity post or anything of the sort. I'm just curious to see if anyone else struggles with this problem like I do. The problem is that I don't like to spend much money on my hobbies, especially the more expensive items. I've been getting into ice fishing this year and have really enjoyed it with my cheap gear and small shack. So I decided about a week ago to start looking for a bigger shack and better gear such as a heater and bait cooler. Well, I just couldn't justify to myself the price of any of the ice shacks that I saw anywhere, used or brand new. And it didn't matter the price, I just couldn't justify it to myself. And then my heater has struggled to stay lit and give off heat and it would have struggled to heat a bigger ice shack, but I just still couldn't justify a new one. Or the bait cooler, which was relatively cheap for what it is, I couldn't justify it to myself compared to my cheap white and yellow minnow bucket. I know it's not a money thing as I have quite a bit saved up for stuff like this but I still struggle. I mean that's why I work all year, so that way I can afford my hobbies. Does anyone else feel like this? And how do you deal with it? I did end up buying a new ice shack, heater, and bait cooler yesterday but I still don't feel good about it. Like I said, I didn't mean for this to be a pity post or anything, just wondering if anyone feels like this and how they deal with it? I just don't really have anyone to ask about this and you guy's always have great advice when it comes to stuff.

I've been that way my whole life. I don't ice fish but if I did I'd use my hub style blind for a shack and use my cordless drill and screw the corners down. Specialized screws of course
I'd use a Mr Heater to stay warm and I'd chop an extra hole for my bait bucket

It's good to be smart with your money

YEP.... you were with me until you said already bought it.

Can you return it for money back??

Your young buy new stuff now because once get out on your own and start raising a family and paying all the bills you just will not have any money for new stuff,or time to use it , for quite a few years.
But I think you already knew that and that's why you went out and bought it anyway

I'm that way too I'm 30 with a wife and two kids so I always feel like if anything I'm the one that should suffer and not get anything. But sometimes you have to splurge on yourself, it's okay to want things and get things as long as you're not spending until you're broke, and if I get something I wait until I can afford the one that I want instead of settling for something cheaper because when the cheaper option doesn't work the way that it should it makes it harder to justify buying a better one when you just bought the same thing, have some fun and enjoy yourself

Are you eating your catch? If so, justified.

Things have gotten way out of hand too, as far as the price of all the stuff we buy. Makes it hard.

Within reason of course, if you can afford it, buy it. No need to suffer from the cold because your heater is sub par. I can see getting by with a smaller shack as long as it's functional, but if a bigger one will better serve your needs then get it. This is the type of thing you work and save money for, so use some of it.

yes all my life, and its ok , to make do with what you have, you are young, put your money in the market, fine a finical adviser, you will thank me when you are older,

Invest a percentage, save a percentage (liquid) and then spend a percentage. Sounds like you worked hard for it, dont feel guilty to make occasional purchases like that.....hope you have a great year on the ice.

Bills first but then when I want and need something I buy it.

I’ve spent a pile of cash on hobbies. If I’m doing it for fun, I pay to get something I like. Guns can be a very costly hobby! Trapping isn’t a hobby for me, and I don’t ice fish. My ice fishing buddies have homemade shacks or an old camper for a shack. Their expensive gear is rods and the crazy sonars and cameras now a days! Some of their old “campers” may be ugly on the outside, but mighty impressive on the inside!

I have a similar problem. We didn't have much money as kids so I grew up frugal (cheap). I'm still that way. Now I can afford anything I want but I still think that "what I have is good enough, don't really need that, probably won't use it that much, don't want to go through the hassle, still works okay, " etc. The sad part is that we don't have kids and I know that our only worthwhile heirs won't have any qualms about spending the money. Just the way we are.

Pick a few hobbies and INVEST in equipment. Buy stuff that will last

Do not impulse buy
EVER!

Also plan ahead of time and buy on sale.
For example, a few years ago I decided that I was going to get some higher end hunting clothes. I watched and bought most of it on sale, piece here, piece there. Sold some of my other pieces and used that money to buy more of the stuff I wanted when it went on sale.

Buy used
When it warms up in the spring I imagine folks will be selling some of those ice shacks.
I have bought all kinds of stuff at garage/estate sales too. Know what you are looking for and the things to watch out for and save a bunch buying used

If anyone asks what you want for birthday/Christmas get gift cards to places that sell things you need to offset the cost to you

I am tight as they come, and if there is a way to save myself some money I try and find it

You bought ice fishing stuff in January. Id call it an impulse buy, because those are the purchases a guy usually ends up feeling bad about. That stuff is for sale used all year long in this state on craigslist or FB marketplace for considerable discount. Either return it and buy after season is over, or learn from it.

Most of my life I've been frugal. Most anything I need I've boughten used. I've always had a heard time justifying purchasing things that weren't bare necessities. Or would pay for themselves financially.

Like Hobbie said, if you're eating the fish. Your saving on groceries.

I say no to new trucks and gym memberships.

I don’t spend money on lunches while almost every day my co workers get a delivery. I rarely spend money on clothes, I wear my stuff OUT. Hobbies bring a lot of joy and I find that if I’m not foolish with my money on every day things that come and go, I don’t mind buying myself a nice gun once in a while or a good piece of fishing gear or a book on trapping.
You have to treat yourself
No one else will

Your a young man and we’ve all been in this position but from experience if you’re going to use it buy quality. In the long run it’s cheaper than buying low grade equipment but take care of it don’t neglect it or it will end up in the junk pile.

True.Buy cheap stuff then you end up buying it again.

Good Advice ^^^