I save, also on a very average salary. Pretty much the exact figure as per the ABS. And living in Sydney isn’t exactly cheap as you know. I made the decision that prior to preordering anything, I must already have the funds more or less available in full. Whether that’s in the discretionary account or in the offset account attached to the home loan. So in situations where I don’t have the money I just don’t order it. But prior to first collecting I had enough to cover a few years worth of collecting, but even with continuous top ups, the last 5 years of collecting has reduced that to a far, far smaller sum. Which is sort of perfect timing as after my remaining preorders I’ll be out of space anyway. These busts would just be the final icing on the cake.
In that time and not including preorders I’ve probably got around 80 pieces across 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 scale statues, busts, and various replicas. And that’s not including Hot Toys or any 1/10 scale statues, which would be a few dozen more.
But outside of necessities and Collectables, I don’t spend my funds on much else. I don’t go on holidays, I don’t eat out much, and I don’t drink either. Some of my friends spend just as much as I do on family Holidays and the like. It’s just a question of priorities.