This is a good question.

 

I don't think he's joking.

I have a small layout with O-36 Fastrack and a couple O-31 Realtrax curves ( as they fit inside Fastrack O-36 curves) on my layout. Because of the limited size I run conventional and pretty much starter set price type engines and rolling stock. I've been trying to make it multiple layers since I can't go any bigger due to limited space.  I have had a rash of injuries the last couple years so haven't been able to work much on it. Torn rotator cuff surgery and rehab,  torn meniscus in both knees and stress fracture in right knee. Got to get myself healthy has to be my priority right now. My wife knows everything I do have and what's been spent on it. I have a very tight budget for it but making it work.  Need to get back to work hopefully in a couple months to catch up on bills, then I'll be able to raise the budget a little. We've been married almost 22 years and we have no secrets between us. Makes for a trusting marriage!

Since I have not learned how to walk in someone else' shoes all I can do is comment on how it works in our house.  

 

We've been married for 47 years.  We each have our hobbies, both of which can get expensive if not kept in check.  She has always been very supportive of my trains, as I support her quilting hobby.  We don't have hobby budgets per say.  We just try and act sensibly.  We don't have a need or desire to seek permission for a purchase.  That said, we always talk about it if there is something expensive that comes along.  

 

Occassionally we do use the "it's your Christmas present" method of justification.  Just checked and my Christmas presents are already accounted for thru 2035.  Just gives me more reasons to keep myself on the green side of the grass.

 

Its worked well for us and it has been 47 years.  

 

Ed

I agree it is not wise to hide or misrepresent your activities. Not quite like cheating on your wife, but...

If you cheat or scam on that, then what about everything else in your life.

The DISPOSABLE AFFORDABLE income should be rationed equitably between you and the wife.  Plan on what you buy being worth zero the next day.  They are definitely not good monetary investments.

Kind of a downer to talk about it but, you should definitely educate your spouse or family on what they are REALLY worth and how to liquidate them.  I have a spreadsheet with notes. 

Wow, what an invigorating train discussion.

Never snuck a train into the house once   Wife was always supportive  Only thing she ever said was " Don'tyou get it I hate trains"

 

 

 

My wife is completely supportive.    The only time I get any flak is when she can't get through the foyer due to all the new arrivals.    Since I have almost every item Lionel has ever made (I wish!) that's not so much of a problem anymore.  

 

That being said she employs "willful ignorance" and doesn't want to know how much I spend. She trusts that I'm leaving enough for us to live on.

No one has yet posted on this thread, but on some previous threads, a few folks posted that since they made the money, they could spend it how they see fit.  For me, it doesn't matter to me who the "bread winner" is, it is still "our" money. 

 

My wife and I both get an allowance (budget) to fund our habits hobbies.  Mine money often goes to train stuff, her money usually go towards her crafting.  Both allowances have been cut in the past year as our discretionary income has temporarily dropped with our daughter in college. 

 

Ironically, some of my single biggest purchases have been in last couple years.  I have, however, never been afraid to sell train stuff I wasn't using, so these purchases, in part, were funded by sales.

 

My wife supports my hobbies and I support hers. 

 

Jim

     Just got engaged last October, but my fiance and I are open about our finances. She is by no means a fan of my interest and spending on O-scale trains or memorabilia from actual railroads, but complaints are kept to a minimum.The only time I've taken any real flak, and I'll admit to the mistake, is botching the budget, having numerous pre-ordered items show up all at once, and not having the extra money that was promised that month for projects around the house.

 

     Now I keep a spreadsheet of what is outstanding and when it is roughly due to be delivered. I also have some cash put aside in a "Train Fund" on the off chance several big items show up all at once. I also have sheets for all the memorabilia and model trains I've bought, with what I paid and retail value, if available, so she'll have some idea of what stuff is worth.

I'm not married yet, but when I was living at home I was always upfront of with my parents about my spending.  After the first few times I showed them what I was buying, how I was planning to pay for it, and what I was thinking of selling to offset the cost, they generally trusted me.  They were always supportive, but especially more when I showed I could make my own purchases responsibly.  I like to by old lots of ebay and the like, fix everything up, keep some items I want and sell the rest.  When they saw my profit margins, they actually encouraged me to buy more

Are we STILL beating this dead horse?

Only for the entertainment value and to see if we can make it move faster....

I guess there are still some folks who have something to add. What's the problem?

We could touch on some historical, cultural, and regional changes in phrasing .

 

When looked down, I discovered the hose I was riding was dead.

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Then I found my leg caught under it.