Zinger 0 #26 July 24, 2002 Tom got you on the right direction, What you need to do is talk to your instructer and ask him or her about packing, not just learning for yourself but as a job, almost all D.Z's are in need of packers so learn to pack for cash, As your packing keep your eye's and ears open, you will learn alot faster. ------Have a good one!-------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #27 July 24, 2002 >I'm moving to a new apartment soon, under a special in which they are giving us one month with free rent Thats the last thing I have left to cut away other then the car.... my crib. I just paid the car off so its not going anywhere. The lease on the crib is up this fall, if I give it up... buy a trailer or mobile home I'd save over 800 a month with all the bills.... I was just talking at the DZ last night about quiting my job once I get ratings... but I'm too responcible to do that, plus I'd never make enough money to fly to TX and visit Jessica like I want to again.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymut 0 #28 July 24, 2002 QuoteSteve, I'd actually advise against doing what some people have mentioned and taking out loans and maxing credit cards. Bad moves. It sets you up with a bad habit. And with this sport, the expenses NEVER STOP, so you might as well get used to dealing with them in a responsible way from the beginning. Do it the hard way. Slowly, surely, and paid with cash. If you can't afford to jump more than a few times a month, then don't. The sky will be there. VERY SOLID ADVICE ABOVE!!! I'm one of those people who learned it the hard way...pay for your skydiving, and every other expense for that matter, with cold hard cash. If you are itching at the credit card for something you just gotta have, or do - FORCE yourself to wait at least a week (two is better). Try to get through your student stuff as quickly as you can afford. When you get to solo status, there is less pressure, and less expense. Sit down and catagorize all your expenditures (rent, groceries, utilities, etc) and see where ALL your money goes every month. First time I did that, I was almost sick at how much money I felt I literally threw away. Then, prioritize the things that are 'optional'. I find, for budgeting sake, that when I get paid (which is only once a month), I go ahead and pull out my jump money (cash) - and TRY to pace myself through the month. I also do contract work on the side for several small companies, as their needs arise - and of course, any money made off of that is used for either more JTs or gear. Welcome to skydiving, keep us up to date on your AFF progression Matt A well-informed person is somebody who has the same views and opinions as yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #29 July 24, 2002 Quotewhen i first started i did the same thing, went every 3 weeks. that went out the window by my level 3 IAF jump. Same with me...had it all planned out for one jump every couple weeks over the summer so I could get my A license by the end. Ended up with 60 by the end of the summer. QuoteWell - if you have a 401K you can take a loan out against it - and pay yourself back monthly with interest........atleast that is how mine works...... That's exactly what I did. BTW, the interest you pay back is going into your own account (but there's usually a small fee for the paperwork to issue the loan). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #30 July 24, 2002 I too have to agree with the advice not to go crazy with credit cards- I went static line 'cuz it gave me more canopy time, and I got more jumps per buck- All of my training was paid in cash- And once you put your mind to it you'll be surprised how much dough you can free up without going into debt. I tried jumping every 3-4 weeks, but my performance hurt, the more often you jump in the beginning the better. The only thing I took out a loan for was my rig, I got used for 2500.00 - and I'm saving more than enough to cover the payments and interest. (figure rental is 20 a jump?) Be prudent, and the sport doesn't really have to cost alot- I did quickly find out that I can sell scrap stainless steel for .20 a pound, and it accumulates in my shop at work pretty quickly, especially since I started jumping-- mmmmmm--- Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowbird 0 #31 July 25, 2002 Steve, I found a second part-time job. Lousy work, but it's my skydiving fund so I go gladly and slave away. I know that being in school makes that a hard option, but keep your ears peeled and you never know what small work might come your way. I also planned on doing a couple jumps a month, going slowly, and had no intention of getting gear right away. After two weekends, I realised that I was in for the whole ride and looked for more work, and began changing and prioritising my spending patterns. I realised that my learning curve will be so much steeper if I jump as much as possible. Now I'd like to do ten jumps a month, at least. As for gear, rental gear is so expensive that I'm loath to go that route. I'm almost ready to do the wrong thing and use credit; I've found used gear and can't wait to buy it! Fortunately my hubby and I are selling our house (for other reasons) and the bonus benefit is that I will then have the cash to buy the gear. Good luck getting into the sky! And not to pirate the thread, but Chris how's your shoulder healing? Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #32 July 25, 2002 plus I'd never make enough money to fly to TX and visit Jessica like I want to again silly boy...that's the reason you get her to come see you....... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captainquim 0 #33 July 25, 2002 how much do you want it? give up everything that you don't NEED! and i mean - new anything, expensive car, food, girlfriend. Give up EVERYTHING, then you might be able to do an extra couple of jumps a week. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
INSANEDADDY 0 #34 July 25, 2002 Oh well I will just have to sell more stuff. I dont believe in charging up credit cards for jumps. It will cost you alot more $ in the long run. Not to mention all the hassle of creditors calling your house. You dont't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when.......You can only decide how you're going to live........NOW. -BASE 1605 Night BASE 227 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #35 July 25, 2002 QuoteTom got you on the right direction, What you need to do is talk to your instructer and ask him or her about packing, not just learning for yourself but as a job, almost all D.Z's are in need of packers so learn to pack for cash, As your packing keep your eye's and ears open, you will learn alot faster. Thanks for all the advice, everybody, it's been really helpful. Zinger and Tom got me thinking, though. Once school begins in the fall, I have no classes on Friday. I could go down to the jumpzone on Friday, work a bit, stay till Saturday, jump a bit (or the other way around, I suppose) and come back Saturday afternoon! Hmmm...A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #36 July 25, 2002 Just a note... Once fall and winter hit the midwest... jumping is pretty much done. Only the truely dedicated/stupid are out jumping in the snow.... Students almost never jump in the winter either so making money packing is hard to do.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverchick 0 #37 July 25, 2002 What I did to get myself through student status was get a second job and cut back on everything I did. Then once the new financial aid year started I took out extra student loans and got school to increase my budget for student loans. Yea I have to pay them back but not till I'm out of school. Now I get $3000 a quarter to jump on. It's all going to learning right? I also have a friend that pawned everything he didn't absolutly need. His apartment was empty but he was jumping. You'll find that there are two types of skydivers very very poor and very very rich. Most of us fall into the poor category. Or at least thats what I've seen. Material things mean nothing all that matters is that you are happy do what it takes o get you there without completely screwing yourself in the end. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #38 July 25, 2002 Oh this is such a big thing for me right now!! When Merrick and I first started, we did the conservative thing, jumping just a little each month too. It severely screwed up my progression being basically uncurrent each time I came back 3 weeks later to do one jump. Bad move. Then after he sold his motorcycle to help buy gear, we though "YEAH! Now we'll be set." (also used cards of course to pay for it). But small DZ, small plane, a lot of waiting, so not a lot of jumps, but good on the budget. NOW we are having to be careful because of having spent a lot of our savings to get out here to NC and Merrick being out of work for a while. I have to say, 2 1/2 years, a friggin low number of jumps for all that time has me very frustrated at this point. I just keep telling myself that now we're in a prime jumping area and we will be better financially soon! For now, I'm very bummed about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,159 #39 July 25, 2002 QuoteOnly the truly dedicated/stupid are out jumping in the snow.... Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #40 July 25, 2002 QuoteOnly the truly dedicated/stupid are out jumping in the snow.... I love snow landings! You can slid along on your tennis shoes, leaving huge parallel tracks in the snow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrumpySmurf 0 #41 July 25, 2002 Quote You'll find that there are two types of skydivers very very poor and very very rich. More accurately might be "the very, very poor and the soon-to-be very, very poor." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #42 July 25, 2002 QuoteJust a note... Once fall and winter hit the midweat... jumping is pretty much done. Only the truely dedicated/stupid are out jumping in the snow.... Students almost never jump in the winter either so making money packing is hard to do. ROFL! See, I like jumping in cold better then in 100 degree weather! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmsmith 1 #43 July 25, 2002 QuoteAs you are all aware, skydiving is an extremely expensive lifestyle, and so is graduate school. You should know when to take time off from the sport, and graduate school is one of those reasons to do it. It's easy to be a loser, but success requires planning and sacrifice. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #44 July 25, 2002 Yep.. I've racked up 4 or 5 snow jumps. The ones I like a lot better are the hot days just after some rain (like Tuesday) and then you can just slide forever on the wet grass. That felt so good just sliding and sliding then falling. Winter sucks since I have to toss so many layers on to jump it makes it harder to get all bendy to freefly. Plus the freezing hands issues...Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #45 July 25, 2002 QuoteQuoteYou should know when to take time off from the sport, and graduate school is one of those reasons to do it. It's easy to be a loser, but success requires planning and sacrifice. Good luck! Hey Skybitch? Sangiro? Is there a specific protocol for dealing with people who suggest taking time off from skydiving? A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #46 July 25, 2002 QuoteYou should know when to take time off from the sport, and graduate school is one of those reasons to do it. It's easy to be a loser, but success requires planning and sacrifice. Yeah, I quit law school but I already had my MA. I make good money as a bureaucrat/retiree I just can't stand my job, but deal with it because it supports my skydiving habit. While the other midlifers are getting timeshares and mistresses, I'm leaving off the camera step of an Otter. It's WAY cooler than having either a mistress or a timeshare. Since I got into the sport late, I already had my middle-class pile of stuff. With only a few very minor different turns in my life, I'd be living in a 5th wheel on the DZ. Monday - Friday I really wish I were. Try to remember you'll be a skydiver until your 70. What is that for you? Like 50 years? Get some decent used gear and budget for 2 jumps a week. 104 a year until you get whatever job you end up with. When you get weathered out, or other relative work interferes, bank-em. 4 jumps every other week is pretty active. When you get a windfall, get better gear. Definitely get some coaching when you get off of AFF, that's the best money you can spend. If you're gonna borrow, do it on 5% student loans NOT credit cards. Credit cards = EVIL. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,159 #47 July 25, 2002 Quote am interested in how you all dealt/deal with the financial issue, Finish graduate school, get a good job that pays enough to buy a house, good car, airplane, and as many jumps as you can make, with some left over for putting the kids through college and the 401k Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CanuckInUSA 0 #48 July 25, 2002 1) I have the house (in Calgary, not here in Colorado though) 2) I have the cars ('89 Supra, '99 Wrangler) 3) Don't have the airplane yet (maybe I'll get lucky with my company) 4) Have some left over for jumps (4 jumps per month should keep me happy) 5) Don't have kids (am I missing something in my life) 6) Save for the 401k (I have some savings, though I could do better) I think I'm doing ok. I probably won't have $$$ to live a luxious life into my 70s and 80s, but will I live that long? Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #49 July 25, 2002 >4 jumps per month should keep me happy I do 4 before 2pm on a Saturday and I'm not happy at that point of the day. It takes about 7-10 a day to keep me happy.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydiverchick 0 #50 July 25, 2002 Phree your blowing smoke you make on average 6 jumps a day but thats only if you show up to the dz instead of lying in bed thinking about Jess Mother Hen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
Deuce 1 #46 July 25, 2002 QuoteYou should know when to take time off from the sport, and graduate school is one of those reasons to do it. It's easy to be a loser, but success requires planning and sacrifice. Yeah, I quit law school but I already had my MA. I make good money as a bureaucrat/retiree I just can't stand my job, but deal with it because it supports my skydiving habit. While the other midlifers are getting timeshares and mistresses, I'm leaving off the camera step of an Otter. It's WAY cooler than having either a mistress or a timeshare. Since I got into the sport late, I already had my middle-class pile of stuff. With only a few very minor different turns in my life, I'd be living in a 5th wheel on the DZ. Monday - Friday I really wish I were. Try to remember you'll be a skydiver until your 70. What is that for you? Like 50 years? Get some decent used gear and budget for 2 jumps a week. 104 a year until you get whatever job you end up with. When you get weathered out, or other relative work interferes, bank-em. 4 jumps every other week is pretty active. When you get a windfall, get better gear. Definitely get some coaching when you get off of AFF, that's the best money you can spend. If you're gonna borrow, do it on 5% student loans NOT credit cards. Credit cards = EVIL. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,159 #47 July 25, 2002 Quote am interested in how you all dealt/deal with the financial issue, Finish graduate school, get a good job that pays enough to buy a house, good car, airplane, and as many jumps as you can make, with some left over for putting the kids through college and the 401k Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #48 July 25, 2002 1) I have the house (in Calgary, not here in Colorado though) 2) I have the cars ('89 Supra, '99 Wrangler) 3) Don't have the airplane yet (maybe I'll get lucky with my company) 4) Have some left over for jumps (4 jumps per month should keep me happy) 5) Don't have kids (am I missing something in my life) 6) Save for the 401k (I have some savings, though I could do better) I think I'm doing ok. I probably won't have $$$ to live a luxious life into my 70s and 80s, but will I live that long? Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #49 July 25, 2002 >4 jumps per month should keep me happy I do 4 before 2pm on a Saturday and I'm not happy at that point of the day. It takes about 7-10 a day to keep me happy.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverchick 0 #50 July 25, 2002 Phree your blowing smoke you make on average 6 jumps a day but thats only if you show up to the dz instead of lying in bed thinking about Jess Mother Hen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
