8-1-10

 Costs


Some people inquire about the costs of my collection and how I was able to pay for it all. Well, if you really must know....

A foundation for my present day collection was technically started in August 1999 when I began to acquire some new caging, however, I began acquiring the animals in August 2000 at the Daytona Show. I have kept track of all my expenses using the software program Quicken. Quicken tells me that in the 4+ year period from 8/99 to 9/03, I spent $$ More than I want to admit to $$!!!.

Am I crazy? Yes
Am I having fun and learning a lot? Yes

This is the breakdown:

  • caging = $5,043
  • caging equipment = $2,530
  • rats = $2,766
  • boas = $$ More than I want to admit to $$!!!
  • miscellaneous (vet bills, bank charges, shipping charges, PayPal charges, freezer, computer costs, trips to Daytona, Kingsnake account, cell phone, supplies, etc., etc.) = $8,135
How did I pay for all of it?
A fair question....that lacks a simple answer.

First, I have not kept every boa I ever acquired. I have sold a fair number of animals and this money has certainly been part of the total spent above. 

Mostly, I trade sleep and free time for boas. In other words, I work extra jobs. Each summer, I direct a Summer technology program for teachers that serves about 125 teachers and school staff. I have used this stipend for my collection. I also formed a web services company with a former student of mine. This moonlighting job has also earned money for the cause. I also won a teaching contest that included a $5,000 cash prize. This money went for the cause. I sold a childhood baseball card collection. My most controversial move (just ask my wife) was to cash out an old retirement account that I had with Met Life. I finally lost patience when after 7 years with Met Life, I had less money than when I started. Seven years and I lost money. The remaining money went for the cause.

It has not been easy and I don't recommend it for everybody. To find exceptional animals, you must invest a lot of time & money to find them, arrange the deals, and pay for them. I hope that from this foundation of exceptional boas that I am able to produce some desirable offspring and share them with other hobbyists.