Bar Tabs Sure Can Add Up

[BristolCavendish]

Came across a few shoeboxes filled with some of my old VISA statements/stamped paid and before running them through the paper shredder, I took a brief run through the various expenditures.

Wow. There was a timeframe (pre-matrimony) where I was apparently out 4-5 nights a week for a period of 8+ years drinking and shooting pool in one of the local dive bars. A typical receipt ran about $15.00-$20.00 and if one multiplied those figures by 4-5 evenings times 50+ weeks over 8-9 years, it came to well over $35K for the duration of these recreational excursions.

With inflation and cost of living indexes perpetually on the rise, $35K doesn't go very far these days but in retrospect I wouldn't mind having that amount lying around in loose cash or as a supplement to my current bank balance. Funny how when you're young, money can fly through your pockets faster than a speeding bullet.

On the other hand, it was fun (at the time) being able to step out whenever you pleased with no fiscal responsibilities and/or obligations other than to oneself and any immediate expenses. Marriage and family life changes all of that.