Where did all the money go?

I was sitting here thinking about the things we spend money on. When you are trying to change your money habits you start to wonder, “where does it all go?” My thoughts went to where do we spend a lot of money. A lot of things came to mind but the one that really stuck out is gaming. I have given the gaming bug to every one in my family. I really started to  think about how much I am into gaming after reading a post over at The Simple Dollar last week. I have a lot of games and a lot of consoles. A few years ago I went on the “old school” search. I was obsessed with finding a working Nintendo and games. Ebay and rummage sales became my best friend. I managed to suck my husband into too. It was almost like an adventure. Trying to get the best prices on the consoles and games. In the end we actually came out pretty good. We ended up with 3 nintendos (2 i was supposed to sell, but have not got around to) and every game I have ever wanted plus a game genie and it was cheaper than any other console we have bought. We also have an original playstation (DH loves it) and I have to keep it because I accidentally sold his Sega and all accessories on Ebay.

But we are not just an “old school” video gaming family. We love all games equally. We have the original Xbox with at least 70 games. Some we bought at regular price $50 and less  then we have 2 gamecubes. One for the kids (they break a lot of stuff) and one for me. We have at least 30 games between us. Then last summer my dad got the kids a Wii (he was definitely voted grand dad of the year for that one!) and then everyone became addicted to it. We had no idea how much fun it would be. I even cut my hand playing a game where I had to jump over hurdles, lol. Now those games are expensive so I think we are doing a good job of  saving money because we have a $20 game pass at Hollywood video so we try before we buy. Nothing makes me madder than buying a game you do not like very much. Then you’re screwed. I got a psp for mother’s day so that became my new favorite. It combines 2 things I love to do, watch movies and play video games. That is also when I discovered Gamefly and GottaPlay. I have had good luck and bad luck with both, but I am giving Gamefly another chance since I had a credit on my account. So far so good, I got a Cooking Mama 2 for DS and CSI for Wii. Oh yeah for Christmas the kids got 2 DS and a PSP.

When I sit and look at it, I think wow, that’s a lot of stuff. But it is just our “thing”. You know, some people love jewelry or clothes and some people love cars. Everyone has a “thing or hobby” and I would not trade it for anything in the world. We have had some great times with our games, and have some fun memories too.

Now this post does not mean I believe in overspending or accumulating a lot of material possessions. I lot of the things I have were bought when our finances were much better like when I was working and when we did not have much credit card debt. I am just being honest and acknowledging  one of my weaknesses. I have come a long way from buying $50 games and I am well on way to making better decisions.

I am starting to wonder what are some “things” others have and how they incorporate it into being frugal.

Related posts:

1. Money Decisions
2. My dad got a Wii!