- Thread starter
- #881
promiseacres
Herd Master
Just had a grown up moment.... no horses equal the ability to pay my college loans.....
and no need for a barn....
and no need for a barn....
Promise Acre: Our Journey
- Thread starter promiseacres
- Start date
CntryBoy777
Herd Master
It is better to take care of the respinsibilities and then start afresh with a clean slate....ya are still young and it could allow ya to be much more comfortable when looking for a place too...then ya could add animals as the place will allow and even get the barn built before it has occupants and the cost of the land could/would be cheaper too. I know it would be difficult for ya to be in that situation, but it would only be for a short period of time....and be much less stressful on the finances. The rabbits and dogs will keep ya busy and the kids something to participate in....a Win-Win.....
Bunnylady
Herd Master
I have long suspected that horses qualify as an addictive drug.
My name is Bunny, and I am a horseaholic . . . .
My name is Bunny, and I am a horseaholic . . . .
greybeard
Herd Master
Well, you aren't the 1st person to come to the realization that one of their hobbies, entertainment or leisure endeavors was having an adverse effect on their household expenses.
This, is one of the (and primary) reasons a few of us have always strongly advocated that even hobby farmers should run their efforts with the same detailed attention that a 'for profit' farm/ranch does.
The $$ that farm endeavors require doesn't grow on trees. In a hobby environment, it means that $$ has to come from finite disposable income and far too often, it means something else isn't getting the attention it should.
I have seen people spend $$ on livestock, pets, and other types of hobbies while their families suffered some because of it, either in clothing, better housing, nutrition, as well as health care and education.
Wife and I for years, once had a car hobby..had 5 of a specific model at one time and even beyond initial acquisition costs, were spending thousands of $$/year in maintenance, modifications, annual registration, upgrades and traveling to various shows and events across the state and southwest. It, like any hobby, was a dead expense--no return and no break even. It began to adversely affect our finances but the final straw was when I got too old and decrepit to easily get in and out of one. Got out of it altogether, with the last one gone in 2016 and of course, we lost our shirts on the deal, but it freed up lots of $$ (and time) every month. Bottom line is, the intangibles such as pleasure and enjoyment of hobbies don't pay the bills and you get no tax break from them and the odds of breaking even without a financial loss are slim to none.
Even within the hobbies, I have seen (here and in real life) people spend $$ on livestock when their place isn't near ready or finished and that work and expenditure has to be postponed.
Hobbies, need to pencil out just as a business does. They aren't free.
When a point is reached that 'something has to give' it's way past time to start keeping good records and see exactly what that 'something' is.
My cattle currently pay for themselves, lower and pay the property taxes and put a few $$ in my pocket each year, and I enjoy them immensely, but if/when the day comes that they too become the proverbial dead expense, they will all go on a trailer and down the road, as will this place, and all the equipment and rolling stock.
This, is one of the (and primary) reasons a few of us have always strongly advocated that even hobby farmers should run their efforts with the same detailed attention that a 'for profit' farm/ranch does.
The $$ that farm endeavors require doesn't grow on trees. In a hobby environment, it means that $$ has to come from finite disposable income and far too often, it means something else isn't getting the attention it should.
I have seen people spend $$ on livestock, pets, and other types of hobbies while their families suffered some because of it, either in clothing, better housing, nutrition, as well as health care and education.
Wife and I for years, once had a car hobby..had 5 of a specific model at one time and even beyond initial acquisition costs, were spending thousands of $$/year in maintenance, modifications, annual registration, upgrades and traveling to various shows and events across the state and southwest. It, like any hobby, was a dead expense--no return and no break even. It began to adversely affect our finances but the final straw was when I got too old and decrepit to easily get in and out of one. Got out of it altogether, with the last one gone in 2016 and of course, we lost our shirts on the deal, but it freed up lots of $$ (and time) every month. Bottom line is, the intangibles such as pleasure and enjoyment of hobbies don't pay the bills and you get no tax break from them and the odds of breaking even without a financial loss are slim to none.
Even within the hobbies, I have seen (here and in real life) people spend $$ on livestock when their place isn't near ready or finished and that work and expenditure has to be postponed.
Hobbies, need to pencil out just as a business does. They aren't free.
When a point is reached that 'something has to give' it's way past time to start keeping good records and see exactly what that 'something' is.
My cattle currently pay for themselves, lower and pay the property taxes and put a few $$ in my pocket each year, and I enjoy them immensely, but if/when the day comes that they too become the proverbial dead expense, they will all go on a trailer and down the road, as will this place, and all the equipment and rolling stock.
Wehner Homestead
Herd Master
Depending on your route, you'd be travelling right through my area. Might as well stop in for a visit.
One of these days! We also go to State Fair every year so we may be able to work something out around that too.
Pastor Dave
Herd Master
There's a good State park over this way your family may enjoy too. McCormick's has quite a bit of hiking and canoeing options I believe. We don't go there as a family for the same reason we haven't been to the Fair since Jill and I were dating. It is just too much terrain for her ability and comfort to transverse. We have folks for dinner here sometimes. And, like to go out back and shoot some guns.
- Thread starter
- #887
promiseacres
Herd Master
Dave will let you know if we make to McCormicks creek this year (it's on our list) you'll have to come over for a meal with us.
- Thread starter
- #888
promiseacres
Herd Master
BTW Even though I had an "epiphany" the horses are staying...
DH and my Mom say so.
DH and my Mom say so.
Mike CHS
Herd Master
I was pretty sure they would still be around.
Wehner Homestead
Herd Master
I hope things work out so that you don’t feel stressed by keeping the horses!
