I buy a gun with the intention of keeping it, but some have grown out of favor over time, and get sold to fund a different one, or in the case of my recent sales, to put a down payment on a house. Most, I hang on to. There are some that in hind sight I regret selling and some I really am glad are gone.
That being said, I will tell you what I tell other people who I talk to who "can't afford" things, but wonder how I have such a large collection, when I make less than they do. I live lean, and below my means. There are a number of expenditures that most Americans indulge in at least one of if not most that I either don't at all or rarely do. If you want something you either have to cut back on other things sucking your money up, have extra money already, or sell something you already have.
Here are a few things that most could do with out, if they want something bad enough;
cigarettes/cigars/chew. You ought to any way if you do, its bad for you, and expensive.
Morning coffee stops and coffee breaks at Starbucks or similar. You know you can live without it, and you would be amazed how much you have saved after a months time of going without.
Eating out. I do this rarely, but when I do it is usually $10+ for two at a fast food joint, $30+ for a sit down restaurant, and that's conservative.
Going out to lunch on your lunch breaks. Same thing as above, pack a lunch and you will save a lot.
Alcohol. I don't drink, but most do to some degree. Having recently funded a buddies bachelor party, I know how expensive this can be.
Credit cards. People with large balances pour a lot of money into interest each month. Pay cash for your things and you will pay less. Sometimes retailers/service guys will even give you discounts for cash if you ask. I know I do.
Set your AC or Heater so they don't have to work as hard, and turn on a fan or wear a sweater.
Cut down on your driving. Don't make frivolous trips to places such as stores. Plan ahead, and make the most of your trips away from the house and plan your routes for efficiency, ride a bike or walk if you can.
Impulse buys. Shop around if you need something, buy things on sale, or don't buy it if you don't need it.
Clothing. I am not saying run around naked or in rags, but shopping at outlet stores, or even places like good will or savers, can save you a lot of money. I know some people who wont be caught dead in such a place, but their loss. I have found some REALLY NICE things there that are things I could or would never buy for full price new, but found at a goodwill and hence I could afford it, and no one knows the difference.
Ammo. Shoot less (heaven forbid
) and/or reload. Spend more time on each shot and this can save you in ammo costs, and turn you into a better marksman.
Movies. Wait till movies are at Redbox or Netflix to watch them instead of the theaters. Or don't watch them at all!
Cable. Cancel your cable or direct tv or what ever it is you might have, or cut your package back. This is coming from a person who can't stand watching tv any way.
Cell phones. Every one needs one now days right? Not really. We got along with out for a very long time. And if you can't live with out it (in my case my business relies on it, since I am a one man show), what about going for just the basics and not paying for internet and all the upgrades?
Car/home (or Other?) insurance. Every time I have shopped for a different insurance company, it has saved me money each month. EVERY TIME. Also, Figure out what you really need. I don't need glass coverage, I have never used it and the amount extra it was each month added up over a few ears to being way more than a new windshield would be. So I cut it out. Just an example of how to think.
I don't know ANYONE who does all that. And all of those things if cut out for a month or two might make your life a little more boring or uncomfortable, but hey, you'll have earned your prize. There are others I am sure, be creative and you will be rewarded.
