What Would You Do?

[sk66]

There's a very decent chance my wife will become unemployed in the next couple of months.

We just bought a house and have MANY things to do to it, to include an addition.
We have set aside a chunk of money for the remodels, but not enough. We both have savings to add to it, but still probably not enough to do all of the remodels (none are "essential" structurally/functionally).
If she does loose her job, we can pay all of our bills on just my income.

So, what would you do, scrimp and save to try and "get by" and do the remodels, or buy stuff now you probably wouldn't later if she does loose her job?

Me, I'm buying camera gear!
We (note the "We") figure photography is something I really enjoy and once you have the gear it's pretty inexpensive. She really enjoys going with me and likes birdwatching (birds/wildlife is one of my favorite photography subjects). That's something we will be able to do and enjoy regardless of our future situation.

I've upgraded body (new-to-me), upgraded a lens, and I'm looking to buy two more for the D3. One is the Sigma 12-24 EX, the only reasonably affordable really wide angle for FX (considering the limited use). The other is a Sigma EX 300-800mm f/5.6 (this is where I was feeling a bit guilty).

I will be selling off some of the other gear (D300 and DX lenses)....maybe even a couple of lenses that are worth a chunk and will be somewhat "duplicate"...(Sigma 50-500mm, Sigma 500mm f4.5)...that money will go back into the coffers.

BTW, the wife got a MacBook Air and some specialized cooking software as her "upgrade". She's thrilled with it, so it's not entirely a one sided deal (but pretty lopsided).

So, would you scrimp and save for a rainy day, or would you "invest" in something you enjoy?
When/if the rainy day comes, I'll be heading to the nature park to take some pictures in the rain.

[DogHeadGod]

I'd batten down the hatches and not spend anything except for food, bills and other essentials. If you blow the money now and something major and unforeseen happens you'll be in trouble.

I'd wait until she gets another job, even a part time one before dipping into any savings.

[My Life is Pink]

Yes, I'd be very careful. You can't eat a camera.

[AndCity]

I agree with DogHead (spoken like a true Scotsman incidentially!) Only buy stuff you can afford without dipping into your savings, you don't know what the future holds, ie your job?

But don't take advice from me as I have diddly squit saved up!

[fletch]

Originally Posted by My Life is Pink

You can't eat a camera.

You could*. You can eat anything if you can chop it up into small enough pieces.

*Digestion is the main issue. Eating your camera won't keep you alive.

[Saralonde]

I'm a saver myself. You never know when some bad luck (or a car) will hit you. If I don't have enough money saved, I would be too stressed to enjoy my hobby. But that's just me .

Yeaaa... Buying camera equipment with a pending loss of a job isn't all that smart of an idea.

My favorite argument for spending is the old accountants trick of saying, "well, it's not part of that fund or account".

It's all from the same ACCOUNT!! YOURS!

~Eric

[kirbinster]

Man, this is the US - spend spend spend. It does not matter if you can't afford it, it does not matter if you have no income. The great Obama (savior of all idiots) will bail you out. Buy now before your money is worthless. If you have money in the bank you will be screwed, if you have lots of stuff and no money our crazy government will give you hand outs.

*** This is only partly said tongue in cheek - this admin is totally screwed up.

[AndCity]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Man, this is the US - spend spend spend. It does not matter if you can't afford it, it does not matter if you have no income. The great Obama (savior of all idiots) will bail you out. Buy now before your money is worthless. If you have money in the bank you will be screwed, if you have lots of stuff and no money our crazy government will give you hand outs.

*** This is only partly said tongue in cheek - this admin is totally screwed up.

You sure you're talking about USA and not the UK?

[BEGM83]

Nah the UK way is if you have nothing the government will fling money at you, if you work hard and save hard they'll take it off you to give to the people who dont want to work....

Ach blow the money! (I would say that it's not mine )