So with my trip to Vermont on the horizon and the finances mostly worked out, I’ve come up with my next big money saving goal/project/thingy. I call it, “Project Ainu” after the Ainur of Tolkien mythology. It’s going to be a portable computer that’s basically an all in one server for lan parties. The goal is to get it so that I can take it with me, plug power in, and turn it on. Via wireless networking it’ll be good to go. It’s going to cost me a bit over $500 including shipping for all of the parts - but what a cool toy it will be!
If you want to see the specs as of now (quite likely to change once I have the money for it) check out this page
I’m saving up for some more equipment for making my homebrew. Specifically, I want to get a chest freezer, and several containers of C02. Then we need the kegerator connections, handles, and so on. Hope to have it all within the next year.
appends to the first post
So what are you saving up for?
A new watch, a haircut, a new jacket, some more jeans and tops, a nice pair of heels, a new pair of headphones, a portable mp3 player, a cell phone, and a new laptop bag.
Yeah.
Every paycheck I have money coming out for a trip around the world. I have 25-30 years depending on how my retirement savings are at the time so I figure I will have with just the money I put away ~$50k. I know a nice trip today, if you do it right, can cost as little at ~$20k, so I figure I should have enough no problem.
Oh yes Iris and I plan to do it via motorcycle, the only way to go.
I’m not really saving up for anything. But I sold one of my DV cameras and a tripod Sunday. I’m going to sell the Triumph Herald, and probably the boat. Not to mention several of motion picture cameras and assorted other stuff I’ve collected over the years.
I’d like eventually to earn a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate. Maybe I’ll spend the proceeds on training. Or maybe just to rent a helicopter a couple of times a month. But I’m also checking prices every now and then on '68-'71 Cessna 172s.
For my and my SO’s backpacking trip through Europe. It will happen in Oct even if it kills me! And he will like the trip even if it kills him!
Then after that, for our wedding. 
Big “S” = Retirement
Little “s” = Taxes (at the moment)
Other “s” = A mini vacation (though Mr. K is a tough one convince)
New flooring in the dining room, living room, kitchen and laundry room. I live it up big.
Moving to NY. I’m outta my present digs in June, and I’d like to have some cash on hand in case my living expenses are higher than I’d anticipate. Especially since I don’t know if I’ll have a job by the time June comes around.
A car. I have never owned one and generally get around by bus or on my own two feet. But I’m a med student and in a couple of years I’l start clinical rotations with on call schedules that don’t necessarily work well with bus schedules.
Every Saturday when I do my grocery shopping, I get $25 cash back to go toward my beach vacation in July. I will have several hundred dollars by then. After that I do the same thing for kids birthdays and Christmas. It’s the only way I can make myself save.
What is this “sa-ving” of which you speak?
uuummmmm… I would be saving for a new car, a new camera lens, and a trip to Europe.
Dunno. Saving is just a habit.
Getting divorced and setting up a new household has made quite a dent in my savings, but I still have enough left to… dunno, maybe I’m just scared I’ll need the money some day.
Hmm. Big things: Two, albeit small, weddings.
You see, my aunts have agreed to pay for a wedding in India. This generosity on their part still moves me to tears when I think about it, as my fondest dream has always been a traditional Indian wedding with all the trimmings.
Still, we would have to pay for his immediate family - his parents, brother, and SIL - to fly to India to take part, as we wouldn’t want to do it without the groom’s family.
Then we are going to have a much much smaller traditional Chinese wedding here in the States, for the rest of his family. This we have to pay for ourselves.
Small things: I’d like a portable mp3 player, sure. Moving into a better apartment, or preferably, a townhouse.
Moving 1/2 way across the country in a couple months.
Wedding - 9 months from Thursday!
Travel.
Retirement.
Retirement.
But the retirement fund will have to yield for a replacement furnace and airconditioner, and a new roof, and replacement windows over the next 3 or 4 years.
Still, the main goal is retirement.