Homebrewing Stats

[DaYooper]

Well all that survey managed to do for me is confirm the fact that I'm too old, too poor and too dumb to be making beer. But I never listened well, anyway, so I'll just keep doing it.

That's our Joe!

But yeah, the truth is to live within one's means. When I got out of school I continued to live that way for quite awhile complete with ramen noodles and the understanding that Hamburger Help don't need no help and is fine on its own. Over the years Ive moved upward somewhat from that lifestyle but try to make it a point to live below my means for that time when something comes along that makes it worthwhile. In the meantime, I will enjoy my somewhat frugal hobby of brewing since although it does cost a bit, I am making beer I would be drinking anyway.

[Brewbirds]

SPITTTT THIITTTTTTT RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWL

I guess you guys don't realize that making those statistics available is NOT to our advantage.

It isn't just another blip on the radar for home brewers it is providing data, in all innocence I presume (?), to the folks that will be competing for your supplies.

See Da Yoopers post about the sale of another micro to a BMC, watch hop shortage news etc. we will be the ones as home brewers who lose access to ingredients first.

I don't think AHA did us any favors by releasing their stats in fact they may have done all a disservice by collecting the data in the first place.

[RickBeer]

Weird noises for a bird to make... BMC have all that data and more.

Living within your means is a simple concept that most of America does not understand. In 1994 I got a new job with a healthy increase. My standard of living 20 years later is the same, the rest goes into savings.

[Gymrat]

Right with you there. When I retired a few years ago, plenty of guys said: "You're lucky." And I replied: "If you lived like I do, no new cars, small house, no credit card debt, you could retire too."
It does help that the kids are grown...

I did that for a long time too. I did finally break down and buy a new car. At this point in my life I am driving about 5000 miles a year. At that rate it will take me 20 years to hit 100,000 miles. These days cars are going 200,000 and more so I figure this car will last me the rest of my life. Which means depreciation is irrelevant.

[DaYooper]

Used cars are a great way to save money, but you also run the risk of getting Someone Else's Problem. Had a friend that it constantly happened to and they ended up being money pits until he made them Someone Else's Problem. He recently bought a Fusion Hybrid used even though he has never had success with a preowned car. As of now he says it is the best car he has owned, so sometimes it is a toss of the dice. Working for an auto company if I am patient I can wait for the deals where there isnt a huge difference between new and a two year old model especially if I can find an old end of year clearance on the lot.