How is this economy affecting your involvement in the hobby?

[Len]

Here's my first attempt at posting a poll:

 

[danmhippo]

With all the time I have in the office swapping flies and evict crickets and spiders, I actually makes more trips staring at the tank then hashing out excel spreadsheets.

Thanks to the slump economy, I now have triple {squat} too!

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is very easy to say how the economy affects my tank habits. I have the highest paying job I've ever had, but that's because I just finished my degree, and am not trying to work around a college schedule anymore. So I have more money to spend on my tanks. I am spending more on my tanks than ever!

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think the slowing economy has effected my spending habits. Of course, if corporate restructuring eliminated my position my tank would be on ebay within 24 hours of getting the pink slip!

Ouch, that would suck!

Louey

 

[fishfarmer]

Considering I'm getting at pay raise in the next paycheck.....but the State has a hiring freeze in effect and some of our facilities may be downsized with regard to personnel....hmm.....I'm making my reef list as I type, salt, buffer, test kit refills, temp controller, detritivore kit, APS, generator.....this list could get long :roll: .

 

[reefland]

Since money is getting tight in this economy my purchases have been around saving operational costs. Lower amperage pumps, better lighting, etc.

 

[Roadrunner]

Economy hasn't really changed my spending habits at all. Most of my new items I obtain through trading out frags with my LFS. It's great to be able to grow xenia locally as most of the shipments never live so I can always get rid of it. Unfortunately a recent move on my part (wife kept the house) led to some major losses in my acropora ranks......time to start buying up those frags again and building them up to those big colonies that crashed.

 

[Henry1]

I just fall victim to corporate restructuring in April.

How has it affected my spending? . . . . .
I spent more than ever . . . I BOUGHT THE ENTIRE FISH SHOP! 8O

Yes, its time I start minding my own business than that off others . . got bossed around and making them rich :evil:

Its time I get out of the comfort zone of a job and start using my survival instinct! :twisted:

My hobby is also my business

 

[Anonymous]

I may just be easily influenced, but my spending has plummeted from 1999. I'm just to uncertain of the future.

Maybe a poll for the aquatic business owners would shed even more light on the effect the economy has on the hobby. just an idea.

Pod

 

[Carpentersreef]

Ive got enough building contracts signed from fat cats that have received the golden handshake to keep me busy for the next 2 years.
Economy, schmeconomy.



Mitch :wink:
(great attitude, huh?)

 

[JeremyR]

I've seen people setting tanks up in the SUMMER, which never happens.. and I've talked to other people that have seen the same thing. Theory one being that people aren't traveling as much, therefore spending more money on home hobbies.. theory 2 being that they are afraid to invest their money, so they figure they might as well spend it rather than lose it in the market. Regardless, it's a better summer than one would expect.

 

[Anonymous]

My salary is not effected by the market or the economy. But I have been working two years without a contract. So hopefully our raises come through and I'll have some cash burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Anonymous]

Since the drop in the economy, we decided to buy a new house , so I get a new tank. What has changed this time is I am looking for all the deals possible and buying more energy efficient equipment.

RR

 

[Anonymous]

My 55 is packed so full, I can't put anything else in there.
So for months now I haven't spent anything. Well, wait; I buy salt and calcium. That's about it. Pretty cheap now that I've an established tank.

 

[Marcosreef]

Ive got enough building contracts signed from fat cats that have received the golden handshake to keep me busy for the next 2 years.
Economy, schmeconomy.
Mitch :wink:
(great attitude, huh?)

I know what you mean, I'll be busy wiring their buildings...

Marco

 

[reefsRcool]

i am more broke then i have been in a really long time because i lost my job, was unemployed for a while then took a $4 pay cut to get back to work. BUT my tank is my sanity. when i feel bad cuz life stinks right now(crap job,slum appartment, the chic left me ect...) i pour my energy into my tank. i shouldn't spend any money on non food/rent things but a new anything for my tank makes me feel better if only for a little while. unfortunatly next on the list is better lighting and that is really really going to hurt. if anyone whats to donate to the i'm a poor bastard who needs better lighting fund....

 

[reefsRcool]

while i'm in a begging mood anyone want to hire a machinist in southern NH?

 

[Len]

All you building and electrical contractors, give me an email
My company sells cabling products (wire nutes, cable ties, terminals, etc.) and certainly wouldn't mind supplying your busy schedule

I think those most affected by the slow down are people who are directly affected by the bottom line (e.g. owners, those paid on commission, contract jobs, etc.). Of course there are notable exceptions - realitors and construction come to mind.

 

[Anemone]

Well, my "business" doesn't seem to respond as negatively to an economic slowdown, so that hasn't really effected my spending much.

My wife continually mentioning that our children will be in college in a few years, OTOH, seems to be striking a nerve :roll: ...

Kevin

 

[DKKA]

Things we've purchased since the economy started to waver:

Sunroom
Furniture for sunroom
Hot tub
New car
Carribbean Cruise
Camper (used)
And of course....new reef tank.

I don't know about the rest of you, but my household is doing it's part to Keep America running, Dammit!. :lol:
(Although we may be living off mac and cheese, and Raman noodles for a while )
Dan