My first P4P cost five bucks, budgeting didn't seem applicable at the time, nor does it today. Of course 36 years later, I spend considerably more than five bucks, but I can also much better afford it.

how much cash did you feel comfortable having to start hobbying, knowing it can be addicting and will have an impact on your finances.  If you don't feeling like answering, just pass - no need to bash.

I always put my $ away from what I'd spend on dinners, nights out, other "luxuries".  if i don't have enough saved up in  my play-time fund I wait.

This IS a luxury and necessities have always come first.  Those who use necessity $ for this are the same as problem gamblers.

Seeing two providers a month at $250 each would cost $6,000 a year! That's way too rich for my blood! The serious hobbyists must put out a lot of coin!

I'm good for one every month or two. I also go to a strip club, and $300 doesn't last long, and you only get a tease. Hobbying is far better if you can find a good provider.

so around 6-800 bucks takes care of me.  I save money in a play money savings acct.  I do not use money I need to cover my monthly expenses to live.

Swim

I raise cash, then hobby.  Repeat, raise cash then hobby. Repeat!

Actually, this I find to be a good question.  The guy is new to the hobby, already knows that it can be expensive and addicting and is looking for management advise before running into difficulty.

Here is what works for me.  If I were married to a woman who satisfied me, none of this would be necessary, but I am not, so it is.  The cost and complication of leaving her is something that is huge and incalculable, so I am resigned to spend a certain amount per year on hobbying.  I really would rather get it at home, but it is what it is.  I look at a hobbying budget as just as necessary an expenditure as food and utilities, since my home and cars are paid for.  My budget is $1000 per month.

I have to stick with this budget the same way I do with any services or merchadise category, but to call it discretionary is to belittle my needs for a sexual and sensual outlet and the providers who address those needs.  

My advice is to budget hobby expense and stick with your budget!

around $40. Of course, that was on Broadway in San Diego in the mid-70's.

I never use money that is required for rent, food, payments.  Maybe I hobby less but it's always pay as you go.
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I suppose you leave some for the 401K too?

This is a good question. I am new to all this. How much does one tip at these sessions? What is a good rule of thumb?

You can't possibly put pussy in the same category as food and utilties. Pussy is much more important than a stupid gas bill. lmao

but seriously, putting "paid pussy" on a par with providing for your family is a crock of shit, and being chickenshit about divorce is an equal crock. Whatever you tell yourself to get through the day is fine, but I have been there too, and I aint buying it.

and yes I am belittling your "needs for a sexual and sensual outlet".

I too was married to a woman that no longer satified me, rather than choose between living a lie, or living out a miserable, sexless exitstence. I chose door number three, and changed my life. I have been happily divorced for over fifteen years, and after a few years of poverty from the divorce, I no longer have to "budget" my hobbying. If I want to see a different lady every single day, and sometimes I do have that urge, there is nothing at all to stop me. So don't tell me it can't be done.

I tip 20 - 40 if I really enjoyed the session.