Bitcoin Forum

Bitcoin => Bitcoin Discussion => Topic started by: Elwar on July 16, 2014, 05:35:47 AM



Title: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Elwar on July 16, 2014, 05:35:47 AM
I have started a new approach to my spending habits.

Every time I spend money, I buy the equivalent amount of bitcoins.

I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending. And if the price of bitcoin doubles I will have paid for all of my spending up to that point.

And if I spend bitcoins, it does not matter if the price is low when I spend it and goes up after the purchase. That just means I gained money.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Malok on July 16, 2014, 05:56:47 AM
Wow....saving 50% of your expenses would be very hard for me.

I certainly hope that it works out!!!  (Though I'd probably diversify a bit into other cryptos as well)


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: jonanon on July 16, 2014, 06:00:18 AM
That's and interesting philosophy, let's hope the price does indeed double lol


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Bit_Happy on July 16, 2014, 06:05:06 AM
Amazing plan for people who can afford it, congrats on your good fortune... and your future huge fortune.  :)


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Swordsoffreedom on July 16, 2014, 06:16:55 AM
Amazing plan for people who can afford it, congrats on your good fortune... and your future huge fortune.  :)

This it takes persistence and a nice bankroll to be able to do that
A small portion here for now but when I finish off here I might do the same for now I will have to make do with what I can get
Cheers


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: keithers on July 16, 2014, 06:18:44 AM
I have started a new approach to my spending habits.

Every time I spend money, I buy the equivalent amount of bitcoins.

I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending. And if the price of bitcoin doubles I will have paid for all of my spending up to that point.

And if I spend bitcoins, it does not matter if the price is low when I spend it and goes up after the purchase. That just means I gained money.

This is exactly what I have been suggesting that people do :). I do the same thing, but I dont usually use my BTC at all yet, i pretty much use it as a volatile savings account


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: teukon on July 16, 2014, 06:27:55 AM
I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

How did the price compare to https://btctrip.com/ (https://btctrip.com/)?

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Nice!

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending.

Are you including things like rent and bills in "spending"?


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Malin Keshar on July 16, 2014, 06:36:49 AM
Saving a big % of your gains is basic to personal finances. Also its common to the orientals save 50% or more.


Its good that bitcoin gives incentive to people do that, and ways to make people gain more, then save and invest more.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Ron~Popeil on July 16, 2014, 07:10:45 AM
I do the same thing. It allows you to support the bit coin economy and maintain/increase your stake. I don't have the funds to buy 50% more each time but I round up to the nearest .01


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: hollowframe on July 16, 2014, 05:01:52 PM
Most people do not have this much discretionary income to be able to do something like this.

Even if you were to save, say 5% or 10% of what you spend, putting all of your money in bitcoin can be dangerous in the event that the price were to crash (bitcoin is still very speculative)


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: nkocevar on July 16, 2014, 05:32:41 PM
This is extremely risky, but extremely profitable at the same time... Imagine had you invested like that 3 years ago... you would have tens of millions of dollars by now.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: johnathan32 on July 16, 2014, 06:18:04 PM


First of all very nice, great idea, but I can not understand how one can save half the expenses (I guess I have an apartment and vehicle) and you have to pay the bills, we find out the secret?


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Elwar on July 16, 2014, 06:53:39 PM
How did the price compare to https://btctrip.com/ (https://btctrip.com/)?

Still about $100 more expensive. I think it was because of the specific flight to a small airport. The other sites like travelocity and expedia also had higher rates. I did an extensive search. I will add btctrip.com to my list though. Thanks.

Quote
Are you including things like rent and bills in "spending"?

I currently have no rent and bills (living on a military base) but next month when I get out I will add that to my routine. It will encourage me to get a cheaper apartment instead of getting too greedy.

I will use bitcoins as much as possible, mainly because I enjoy how easy it is to spend compared to filling out a form with my credit card information.



As for how I can afford it. I'm single. I am just finishing 20 months in Afghanistan as a defense contractor making a lot of money working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I spent most of those 20 months putting all of my money into bitcoins (after I paid off all credit cards and other debts). Now I head to Germany where my company will give me money toward housing. I have downsized my life to be able to fit all of my belongings into a carry-on bag and a backpack. I don't plan on spending a lot on material items unless I absolutely need it or don't care about donating it when I'm done with it.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: DjPxH on July 16, 2014, 06:56:15 PM
That's an interesting strategy. Until now I've only heard of people who try to pay everything with bitcoin and instantly 'refill' their stash by buying the respective amount of bitcoin afterwards. Your idea definitely is more aggressive! Kudos!


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: oceans on July 16, 2014, 09:27:53 PM
I really like the idea of doing this, as long as you can afford it. It is risky, but the pay off could be big.
If you did it all the time it would add up really quick. Lets hope it doubles in price :)


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: counter on July 16, 2014, 09:32:16 PM
I'm hoping this turns out for the better.  Rather aggressive maneuver but I like it for that very reason.  I wish others that I knew would invest atleast something in BTC..  They still see it as to risky as I watch them waste money on things that have no chance of retaining their value.  SMH


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Baitty on July 16, 2014, 10:00:22 PM
I have started a new approach to my spending habits.

Every time I spend money, I buy the equivalent amount of bitcoins.

I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending. And if the price of bitcoin doubles I will have paid for all of my spending up to that point.

And if I spend bitcoins, it does not matter if the price is low when I spend it and goes up after the purchase. That just means I gained money.

That's a great way to do things. especially if Bitcoin rises by a lot in the future. but I don't know if everyone can afford to do this.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: kerafym on July 16, 2014, 10:36:42 PM
Housing was thought to be a good way to hedge inflation. Most people are dead wrong in this regard.

Will bitcoin turn out differently?


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Baitty on July 16, 2014, 10:39:46 PM
I might take up this Bitcoin spending method. I think I won't be able to match the payment 100% everytime so I might just do 50% every time. so if Bitcoin does double then I have paid for it just not made any profit.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Minecache on July 16, 2014, 10:41:38 PM
Only invest what you can afford to lose. I'm looking at buying 0.5 bit coins a month depending on what I can afford.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: leex1528 on July 16, 2014, 10:42:01 PM
This is a great idea.  

I would be interested to see how it turns out for you, at the very least(hopefully) bitcoin stays the same price and you make out with 50% savings.  If it goes way up, you just invested in a great thing!  Hope the best for you, might try something similar myself actually....very good idea


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: joshraban76 on July 16, 2014, 10:44:45 PM
That is amazing that you are able to do that. Unfortunately my bills far exceed the extra cash I have laying around to buy extra btc. Way to go though man you are well on your way to having a fat wallet. Best of luck


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: hellscabane on July 17, 2014, 02:05:21 AM
That's a pretty solid way to approach things.

I don't do a 50% plan (because that's well out of my reach), but whatever spending cash I have at the beginning of the month, 25% automatically gets converted. And I carry over the on-hand from the previous month in my calculation. So it's a pretty nifty way. At the minimum, I convert 25% of what I am able to spend. It does make saving up for larger purchases trickier, but it helps me get into the mindset that I need to be in.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: meowdea on July 17, 2014, 04:08:53 PM
I have started a new approach to my spending habits.

Every time I spend money, I buy the equivalent amount of bitcoins.

I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending. And if the price of bitcoin doubles I will have paid for all of my spending up to that point.

And if I spend bitcoins, it does not matter if the price is low when I spend it and goes up after the purchase. That just means I gained money.
Your thoughts are clear to me. Idea of saving 50% of all spending is good but I'm sure that in very short-term future this scheme will not work.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: DannyElfman on July 17, 2014, 05:58:37 PM
That is amazing that you are able to do that. Unfortunately my bills far exceed the extra cash I have laying around to buy extra btc. Way to go though man you are well on your way to having a fat wallet. Best of luck
I agree that most people don't have this much income that they can save 50% of their total income.

I think it is a great idea to automatically save x% of your income in bitcoin, I would just suggest not to put all of your savings in bitcoin.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: teukon on July 17, 2014, 07:33:52 PM
I currently have no rent and bills (living on a military base) but next month when I get out I will add that to my routine. It will encourage me to get a cheaper apartment instead of getting too greedy.

+1 for significant under-consumption.  I know from experience that this takes some self-discipline.  Interesting that most people here consider such frugality impossible.

As for how I can afford it. I'm single. I am just finishing 20 months in Afghanistan as a defense contractor making a lot of money working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I spent most of those 20 months putting all of my money into bitcoins (after I paid off all credit cards and other debts). Now I head to Germany where my company will give me money toward housing. I have downsized my life to be able to fit all of my belongings into a carry-on bag and a backpack. I don't plan on spending a lot on material items unless I absolutely need it or don't care about donating it when I'm done with it.

I've been there too.  I myself was down to a single suitcase (~25kg) for about 2 years a while back (same attitude of donating items of temporary utility).  For 1 carry-on bag + 1 backpack, I tip my hat to you.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: den.faulkner1990 on July 18, 2014, 06:22:42 AM
I have started a new approach to my spending habits.

Every time I spend money, I buy the equivalent amount of bitcoins.

I booked my flight for a vacation (used Lufthansa.com because the price was a lot lower than cheapair.com) which cost about $630. So after booking the flight I went to Coinbase and bought 1 bitcoin.

I paid for the hotel with bitcoins on Expedia for 3 bitcoins. So I turned around and bought 6 bitcoins on Coinbase after that.

Doing it this way, I will be forced to save 50% of all of my spending. And if the price of bitcoin doubles I will have paid for all of my spending up to that point.

And if I spend bitcoins, it does not matter if the price is low when I spend it and goes up after the purchase. That just means I gained money.

it sounds great, i'll try something like that but may b with other %, it's getting harder to experimenting with life-style when you have a wife  >:(


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: wordman267645 on August 23, 2014, 07:06:12 PM
That's really interesting but i want to save for future. Saving bitcoin is just like making bitcoin to me.


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Bitbirdhunt on August 25, 2014, 02:37:29 PM
If every people think and do like as you just said,many of us could us afford and save a lot for the future


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: Elwar on August 25, 2014, 08:27:50 PM
Unfortunately I am in a holding pattern on buying more bitcoins. I just moved from Afghanistan to Germany and when trying to change my cell phone number for verification on Coinbase it has taken them over a week of verifying my change. After having gone a few weeks without a phone. I have a lot of bitcoins to buy once I get set back up.

It has been great being able to pay for my hotel rooms on Expedia. I am now a gold member, they should have a level above that called bitcoin member ;)


Title: Re: Bitcoin and spending habits
Post by: bornil267645 on August 25, 2014, 09:15:48 PM
Thats the point, isn't it?...keep spending 8) 8)