I keep track of everything I spend, whether it's on my hobbies or at the grocery store. I don't care that the money is gone. I just want to know where it went. Something I have done since forever, just in case I have to cut back. I want to know where the extraneous money is going. So while I have spent an enormous amount of money on this hobby, I also get an enormous amount of pleasure and satisfaction. Money is only good for the stuff you can exchange it for, i.e. food, shelter, clothing..... and hobbies ! That's my story and I am sticking to it !!