Just wondering how everyone manages their finances to partake in the P4P world. I'm just a W-2 person without a side hustle.  

You can look at it no differently then owning a big boat or snowmobile , going on expensive hunting trips, or golfing two and three times a week.
That being said if the hobby or any other expenses keep you from supporting your wife and children you had better feel more then guilty.

-- Modified on 1/7/2025 8:33:07 AM

Words of wisdom!  

… that I’m retired. I used to make really good money. Now, I have a monthly allowance for all “personal” expenses, which include therapeutic massage and sporting events, and P4P.  I don’t feel guilty spending that money because everything else, including charitable contributions, are taken care of, and the Monte Carlo simulations for retirement planning have 100% probability… which isn’t realistic, but it’s good enough for me.

This may be one of the most serious, soul searching topics put forth on the Board.
Depending on frequency, menu options sought and the price level of providers, it certainly is a hobby/habit/activity which certainly can have a major impact on one’s personal financial wellbeing and long term outlook. Its an important  
Self discussion we should all have with ourselves.
I tend to think of it as a vice. Our life by no means are dependent on it, and we can live without indulging.
It’s also is accompanied by a fair amount of risk.
That said, I believe we each have a window in our lives, both financially and physically, in which this hobby provides a unique, exciting, memorable reward unlike any other. Accepting the fact I can now comfortably afford to indulge in a more frequent, higher standard of service,but can’t perform physically perhaps like I once could in my youth, I’ll choose to stay active, sensing that that big clock on the wall will eventually tell me my time is up participating, and the way I see it, I’ll have all those private memories to remember.

But I wouldn't be undermining my retirement by spending money you will need for it for P4P.

However , nobody ever got arrested, divorced, lost their job for paying to fuck their boat.

But do know a  few that got suitcased for spending the dollars on Hunting trips, boats, snow mobile, weekend golf trips  and others toys .