
Forgive me for I have sinned
Ok, that is probably a tad bit overdramatic. Though it is correct.
I didn’t follow my advice and bought something I wanted, not something I needed.
What did I exactly get? I got myself a new (Bataleon) snowboard and Burton binding and went snowboarding in the Austrian Alpes.
The trip was a welcome break and everyone needs the occasional relaxation. It wasn’t something I had to do since I could have had fun closer to home. Though going into the mountains and being able to go down the slopes at 60, 70 or even 90 kph is a wonderful feeling you can’t experience anywhere else but in the mountains.
I left on Friday evening (01/03/2019) and arrived back home on the morning of March 10. I already planned and subscribed at my local tour agency last year and knew this would have a large impact on my savings rate for the month of February. What wasn’t as planned was the new snowboard. While I wanted a new board for quite a while I never really got around to it, but with my trip coming up I figured it would be the perfect time to get it.
The snowboard (and binding)
The biggest “transgression” is probably the purchase of a new board and binding. It took me months before I decided to buy it. I wanted a snowboard that would fit me for at least 10 years like my first one (that I received as a graduation gift). In the end, I purchased it on 18 February.
As with all my bigger expenses, I really took the time before purchasing by doing thorough research about the topic at hand, in this case, the snowboard + binding. I wanted to be sure I would make the correct purchase.
To get the best fit I got my advice from various online sources (good old Google search to the rescue). Based on the info I found through my searches I had two boards in mind. But I wanted some additional opinions so I gave my asked the opinion of the lovely folks on the subreddit /r/snowboarding. They were invaluable in deciding what fit me best.
In the end, after months of pondering I decided to get the Bataleon Goliath 161W. It’s a board that fits my weight and is more suited for my changed riding style (all mountain). After having actually used it, I noticed a clear difference and I’m happy with my choice.
As for bindings, I decided to trust the reviews and go with a safer choice: Burton Cartel size L.
Since we were reaching the end of the season I was able to get my gear for a relatively decent price.
Unfortunately, I paid a bit more for the bindings but I was sure I would get them together and on time.
- Bataleon Goliath: € 439,96
- Burton Cartel L: € 290,00
- Tool to fasten screws on the go: € 21,99
For a total (incl. insured shipping) of € 764,45.
The trip
This snowboard trip is the first holiday I share since I started this blog. It’s my first big expense I write about. to be clear, I’ve been on (snowboard) trips before but it’s the first time I have marked what it costs up-front, and how it impacts my Savings Rate. It’s clear from my updated SR status I was only about to save a fraction of my normal level: 8.76% vs. +70%.
While there are other and cheaper ways to enjoy a snowboard trip and I definitely didn’t have to buy a new board, but it’s a sport I savor, and together with electronics(/gadgets) and cinema, is not something I like to penny-pinch on. It’s a week where I do what I love:
- The mountains
- Snowboarding
- Company of friends
- Luxury (sauna, swimming pool, etc.)
- Good food
When all is said and done, my SR is still positive. On top of that, after this trip, I have no major trips planned that will rip out a big part of my SR.
my fight towards FIRE is a fight because I have to strike a balance between my wants and needs in such a way I can reach my target FIRE-age of 40 – 45 with a certain (above average) degree of luxury. Of course, I could cut all luxury from my life but I don’t want to miss out on certain things in life if those things are in danger of disappearing because of global warming (snow and glaciers).
So, I go snowboarding, knowing it’ll eat away my SR for the month.
With your overall savings rate you’ll be fine. Your sins could be forgiven now 🙂
Haha, thx. I’m glad you forgive me 🙂 But yeah, I know it’s exaggerated 😛