Is time really money?

Of late, I have been struggling over how I use my time and the costs inherent in my choices. We are talking the fine edge of the wedge sort of stuff here. My employer get much of my prime time. My son claims another three days of the week.

And there are my friends, whom I really like and enjoy. We are generally an outgoing bunch quick to make the most of an evening. But I find being outgoing means going out a lot and my pocketbook is taking a hard hit.

But it is more than the $40 for an evening out. There is the element of time. I have set a few goals related to fitness and learning to play that extremely cool bass sitting in the corner of my living room.
The social life takes time away from the very things I have decided are important to me.

Consider my bass guitar. I saved for six months to buy it. I’m paying $80 a month for lessons and, due to my choices, I’m not setting aside the practice time needed to make real progress.

And then there are the hard costs of a great social life. Dinner, drinks, gas and parking. And I wonder why I’m not making progress on my savings goals.

Before this sounds too much like a whine, I’m going to state what must seem head-slapping obvious to most folks. I’m going to set aside an evening or two each week to exercise, play my bass and not spend money. And I’m going to have a great time the other night.