Multiclassing: Family and Geek ~ The Importance of Being Frugal

Let’s face it…hobbies are expensive. New card sets, the latest sourcebook for all seventeen of your favorite RPGs, not to mention all the phenomenal video games that rain from the sky every Tuesday at $60 a pop. It’s so sad…the only way to afford ALL of the nerd-gasmic goodies we want is to work so much that we don’t have time to play.

Let’s face it…families are expensive. New clothes, medical bills, childcare, and they INSIST on eating every day.

But what does one do when the eternal responsibilities of family and geek join forces to beat down and break the will of the average man? When the powers-that-be see fit to take away the financing for your solo passion, and apply it to the institute of love and marriage? We all know family is paramount, but what about daddy? How can these two seemingly opposing candidates for your dollar work for you? Let’s take a look.

1.) Beg: Father’s Day, Christmas, Wedding anniversaries, birthdays. For the average family man…that’s four times a year you get to cash in (and add one more if you celebrate Valentine’s Day.) It’s perfectly acceptable and I daresay even noble to tell your family members that you don’t need anything and they should spend their money on more important things. However, we all know that they’re going to get you something ANYWAY…might as well make it something you want. Point out to your spouse the game you’ve got your eye on, or be a little sneakier and leave hints, but if your family asks you want you want, be honest and tell them “Aww…i don’t need a present, your love is enough…but IF you’re going to buy something anyway, here’s something awesome”

2.) Steal: Not steal, as much as look for the steals. Wait for sales, take advantage of online coupons and promotions, the Amazon Deal of the Day is usually truly awesome. As much as I hate to say it…buying used is also a great way to save money. Sometimes this means not being the coveted Early Adopter, but better late than never.

3.) Borrow: This involves overcoming two traits. A.) the nerd obsession to OWN and B.) the tendency to forget about one’s pre-fam friends. If you can come to terms with these conditions, remember that you have all those geek friends who’re unhindered by the weight of both a ball AND a chain, and they’re probably willing to let you borrow their stuff. Borrow the new game and beat it, borrow the sourcebook long enough to plan out the necessary encounters, read the comic book and give it back. Sometimes it’s absolutely imperative that you buy something new (For instance…I’m ALWAYS going to buy GTA, Final Fantasy, or Tony Hawk) but for the type of media you’re honestly only going to experience once, just borrow it from a friend and make sure you get their money’s worth. Remember to always return your goods in the same condition you received it.

It’s the rare man who manages to slay the dragon and snag a life-long RL questing partner, and rarer still the man who maintains both…keep your resolve and you truly can have it all.