Ways to save money in Fencing - or cutting back?

[roxiered]

With the economy continuing to tank what are fellow fencers cutting back on?

I've heard parents say they are attending less tournaments if it means spending money for airfare. (Or sending one parent to attend rather then two to save airfare. )

When attending the NAC's does anyone find a drop in attendance for events? Do you skip strip coaching to save money? Be interested to hear how fencers are cutting back(no pun intended).

[Lance K]

Personally, I busted up my hand in a motorcycle accident in October and won't be fencing for at least another month. That has reduced my fencing expenses considerably this season. But it's not a method I would recommend.

[wbowman]

I agree... effective but not recommended. I hurt my knee a few months ago, and my fencing expensed definitely went down for a while (doctors' and physical therapy expenses went up, but that's another story).

[Alexander Kai]

The irony is that I'm actually going to ask my coach to come out to the NAC I plan to go to for me. Though in retrospect I've been saving up money for the NAC, and that funding included coaching and expenses as well.

[RkfdFencer]

I will cut back on other things to support my fencing. In fact, I will even increase the amount I spend on fencing.

[Craig]

With the economy continuing to tank...

Really? I've been seeing signs of turnaround here. (More people in retail stores, more cars in the parking lots, etc.)

For saving money - look at the unnecessary expenses not just in fencing but all over. My big money "saver" - I buy good coffee and brew at home vs. paying $3+ for SBux.

There are lots of ways to save money that you can then use on your fencing habit. (Heck, listen to Clark Howard as he's always doing tips.)

Craig

[Morale Officer]

I haven't worked since before my neck surgery last August, unfortunately that has killed my bank account and I haven't been able to afford Thursday night lessons in...well...a very long time...I think I had one lesson in September, but that was it since last May. I would love to go to a few more tournaments, but even with tournaments, I have to be a little more selective based on distance and entry fee.
I did get some "toys" for Christmas, so I'm good in the fencing equipment department for a while.
As far as "airfair" goes...it'll take a good bit of "Vitamin-A" or "Vitamin-V" to get me on an airplane. lol. If I can't drive to it, I ain't goin' (at least for now). lol

[kapunga]

I've actually found that I do MORE fencing. I mean, I could go out and have a social life and see movies etc. but I've already paid the club fee soo....

[Greybeard]

I had another stroke. We could hold a bake sale.

Seriously though if I don't have miles to use I don't go.

[Wetmelon]

With the economy continuing to tank what are fellow fencers cutting back on?

If you want it to stop tanking, stop *not* spending money. This is the core fault in the American mindset: Poor Economy = save your money. FAIL.

[XanderHal]

Poor Economy = save your money. FAIL.

Somewhat of a deceiving comment I think. If you have money to spend, then spend it, but if you have lots of debt then don't continue going into debt to fund your fencing. Household debt is out of control in North America...just buy what you can afford.

[Mac A. Bee]

I've heard parents say they are attending less tournaments...Do you skip strip coaching to save money?

Equipment: insure your fencer maintains it, especially lames. Don't accept "Someone stole it" readily. I bring a lot of equipment to Lost & Found after tournaments. Learn how to do your own armouring then teach your fencer (I make my own wires).

Attendance: If the fencer isn't medaling in local tournaments, why are you flying cross-country?

Coaching: I never had my coach's help at tournaments. If the fencer isn't on national-team track, it's time to re-evaluate.

[RebelFencer]

Attendance: If the fencer isn't medaling in local tournaments, why are you flying cross-country?

I'm going to disagree with this one, national tournaments offer a lot of good experience for fencers even if they aren't at a high level yet.

[Inquartata]

If you want it to stop tanking, stop *not* spending money. This is the core fault in the American mindset: Poor Economy = save your money. FAIL.

Meh, remember that the simple circular flow model for an economy is C+I+G, not just C. Investment ( savings ) goes into the economy, too...unless you hide it under the mattress. Once it does a dollar of investment has the same multiplier effects as a dollar of spending.

Anyway---no, I have not changed my fencing-spending behavior noticeably.

I will say that several people who in the past have gone to the DITD have told me that they did not this year because of the steep entry fees. But those were the same last year, so it must be the contextual perception that they are steeper at work there, which would imply that these folks are indeed cutting back in some instances.

[seltzerwater]

If you want it to stop tanking, stop *not* spending money. This is the core fault in the American mindset: Poor Economy = save your money. FAIL.

-And what happens if you have NO money to spend? What if both parents have been laid off and there is no money to be had?

Seriously, most families are struggling just to get by and keep their heads above water.

I think your logic "poor economy=save your money" is one of the reasons the economy is in the shape it's in.

IE.,"Have no money & can't afford one= go buy a house".

[MyrddinsPrecint]

So, I figure that many people have realized it's time to learn how to *fix* their own gear rather than make someone else do it or buy new stuff, but the next step is making their older gear last longer.

How to store stuff better, how to clean things better, how to maintain things better, actually remembering to tighten tipscrews before you lose them, stuff like that.

[downunder]

Meh, remember that the simple circular flow model for an economy is C+I+G, not just C. Investment ( savings ) goes into the economy, too...unless you hide it under the mattress. Once it does a dollar of investment has the same multiplier effects as a dollar of spending.

We also ignore Keynesian economics after first year . You also shouldn't consider I as consumer investment/savings - more business investment and restocking. Net savings is on the other side of the keynesian output equation with taxation and net exports

[Inquartata]

What happens to a dollar someone saves? It is loaned out and then spent, and thus becomes income for someone else.

Always assuming banks are still lending, of course.