Thanks for sharing your details, Bob… I know not everyone has a big gear fund… I’d say if finances are tight or you are saving for other priorities, still try to sock some away if you are GASsing for something but cannot just buy it on a whim. You will be surprised how fast it adds up.
When I was younger, I used to charge myself $20 every time I went to the ATM. I.e. I’d take out an extra $20 and put it somewhere else. It would add up quick and did not affect our budget. After a while I would want something kind of big or an emergency comes up and I’d have a bunch of dough. Nowadays I do it on a bigger scale with a savings account, etc.
It’s kind of the ‘401k’ principle or ‘pay yourself first’ principle… Secure the savings before you actually see it in your spendable money. My fun money fund is separate from other stuff like retirement or goal oriented savings like the saving you are doing for your wife’s place. So it is guilt free and does not cause as much friction as skipping a mortgage payment to buy an AxeFx or something.
Anyway best of luck, man. Hope your family’s business kills it.