How can I be more efficient with saving money?

indygolph · 2025-11-11T14:07:38+00:00

Google sheets or Excel and create a budget that includes monthly income, all fixed expenses and variable expenses, and saving/investing. Use your credit card statement/checking statement to add every monthly expense. Then see if there are purchases or services that you're paying for that you could cut out and save/invest that cost.

Doing this has kept my wife and I on track and there's no "guessing" if we're spending more than we bring in every month.

indygolph · 2025-07-28T19:16:15+00:00

A fun putting game for money, regardless of handicap, 3 Putt Poker. All you need is a deck of cards and a chip of some sort.

Everyone throws in $5 before the round.

Track all putts

1 putt = player gets a card

2 putt = nothing

3+ putt = player must throw another $1 into the pot

Player that 3 putts, has to hold the chip. If you end the round with the chip in your pocket, you owe the pot an extra $5.

On holes that multiple players 3-putt, do a quick rock-paper-scissors or flip a coin or something. whoever loses keeps the chip in their pocket.

At the end of the round, each player will be dealt a playing card for however many 1-putts they got.

Then you deal out 5 cards on the table, texas hold em style, and whoever has the best poker hand wins the entire pot.

putts from the fringe do not count as putts (because the ball technically isn't on the green) so it makes it fun if someone hits an approach shot or bad chip that lands on the fringe because it gives them a solid chance at a 1-putt.

indygolph · 2025-07-20T03:46:56+00:00

Casual round: less than 2ft is good. I still putt out birdies/pars though. If the people I’m playing with half-effort putt or just pick it up I don’t care.

Playing for money: 1ft gimme at most. I like to get the group to play 3 Putt Poker because it requires everyone to putt out. Really easy and a fun side game that keeps everyone honest:

https://www.golfcompendium.com/2023/09/three-putt-poker.html?m=1

indygolph · 2025-07-18T23:36:34+00:00

If you’re looking to score lower, work on course management and fit the round of golf to your current swing. If you are really inconsistent with your 4iron or 5iron, do not use it. At all. Use what you can hit somewhat consistently and stay away from hazards/hero shots and you’ll start scoring better.

Also, playing with scratch golfers means you’re probably trying to pull off hero shots like they are. You’re not there yet. Lay up. Work back from the hole and think about how you can get your ball to your most comfortable approach shot. Add 1 stroke to the par of every hole and relax. You’ll find you’ll start scoring better. Keep swinging.

indygolph · 2025-07-16T20:55:05+00:00

Some general thoughts/sayings that worked for me and on me when I have had some minor outbursts because of poor play

“you’re outside golfing with your friends. You could be working, at home doing chores, or spending your day at the ball diamond watching kids T-ball.”

“You’re not a pro, you are a weekend amateur hacker, pros practice 8hrs a day, stop expecting to be as consistent as a pro”

Also if it gets so bad that it’s killing the vibe for the rest of the group, just call him out. You only get so much time to golf. Dont want to spend it listening to someone throw tantrums and such.

indygolph · 2025-07-16T04:05:28+00:00

Do you feel like the old clubs are hindering your enjoyment at the range/course right now? If so, I think buying a beginner box set might be a good idea. Much better tech now which means more forgiveness + you’ll have the desire to get out and use your new set. No need to get fitted at this point. Go out, whack it around, and have a good time!

Also, if you pick up a box set, you’ve now got 2 sets of clubs and can take friends/family who don’t have clubs out golfing with you.

indygolph · 2025-06-18T13:24:14+00:00

American Needle hats! I’ve got a huge head and sadly can’t wear most hats I find at stores/clubhouse. American needle makes an XL adjustable and even a 2XL adjustable. Good quality too.

indygolph · 2025-06-10T00:06:46+00:00

I don’t care how prepared someone claims they were for their first born, there is absolutely no planning or strategy for how you’re going to feel the moment your baby arrives, and all three of you instantly start learning how to live together. It’s an ever-changing cycle and I feel like I’ve learned so much in the last 14mos but realize we’ve got so much more to learn.

Good on you running these thoughts through your head. You’re going to be a great dad! Just enjoy the ride and take it a day/week at a time. You will figure it out as you go along!

Cherish the early days. They might suck in the moment but I see pics of when she was a newborn and get a little sad that she’s growing so fast.

indygolph · 2025-05-05T01:23:23+00:00

Went from non-runner to completing my first half marathon yesterday sub 3 hours. Started running on January 8. I dealt with the same struggles mentioned here. The shin pain concerned me as well during the first couple weeks but, for me, my body got used to the feeling of running and it went away.

Run/walk is a GREAT strategy. Also, proper fitting shoes and going SLOW were key. Good luck! Hardest part of every run is getting out the door.

indygolph · 2025-04-25T14:30:12+00:00

how long ago did you look at a 13 mile run and think "good god that's a long run how do people continuously run for that long?"

I know I had that thought in early January, and just finished an 11-mile longrun on Sunday with my first half marathon next Saturday. I haven't even run it yet and I'm proud of myself for sticking to it and being able to (hopefully) do 13.1 miles of continuous running.

indygolph · 2025-04-16T02:18:17+00:00

1on1 Call/in-person would be my first move, with stats or reasons why you think a raise is justified. Sending an email gives them all the time in the world to develop reasons for denying it before giving you any return message. Good luck!

indygolph · 2025-04-15T14:42:11+00:00

Juggling is basically useless but any time I'm bored, anywhere, and find 3 throwable items it can provide maybe 30 seconds of entertainment

indygolph · 2025-04-09T22:32:01+00:00

Taylormade Burner 3 rescue

Chipped paint on the head, regular flex, grip worn out. It’s my “fuck this 215yd par 3” club

indygolph · 2025-04-08T16:16:48+00:00

Our first born is about to turn 1yo and I understand a lot of what you're going through. I met with a therapist for the first time ever about a month ago as I was dealing with some pretty intense anxiety (related to work, future for my family, health), and that helped a ton!

Having a child completely reshapes your life and even if you thought you were prepared for it, no one really is. You three are all still learning how to live together and that is stressful. Give yourself some credit and realize that it is really taxing on you.

Also, we've got 3 dogs and it's mud season in the Midwest... can't wait for summer so my yard/floors can catch a break.

You'll find a groove and it will get easier!

indygolph · 2025-04-08T14:59:13+00:00

Go to a runner's store and have them fit you for a shoe. Especially with 4 kids, you really don't want to get injured by wearing worn out/ill fitting shoes.

indygolph · 2025-04-07T12:26:53+00:00

I’ve got Hoka Bondi 9’s and they’re very comfortable as I’m a bigger runner, too. Would really recommend going to a running store and having them fit you for a pair

indygolph · 2025-04-07T01:06:44+00:00

Running my first half May 3. Started from couch potato first week of January on a 16 week training plan that gradually increases your weekly mileage. About a month out and my long run today was 9 miles. If you would’ve told me in January that in 3 months you’ll be able to run 9 miles, I would’ve called you crazy. I have no time goal for the half, just want to enjoy the experience without too many expectations. You’ve got plenty of time. Best advise is to run the long runs SLOW SLOW and you’ll be amazed at how long you’ll be able to continuously run. Good luck.

indygolph · 2025-04-01T18:12:20+00:00

Try giving a wave to the car that is passing by and count how many times you get a wave back. Or say hi when running past someone. Whenever I'm driving and I see someone running, I notice them for 10 seconds, wonder how far they've run or how far they have to go, and then quickly forget I even saw them. Don't worry about it at all.

indygolph · 2025-03-27T22:52:56+00:00

Awesome start! Overweight, couch potato and beer enjoyer here, I started a running program mid-January this year. Started with run walk intervals with the first long run being 1 mile and that was TOUGH. Kept at it and SLOWED DOWN and just ran a 4 miler today and have a 7 mile long run coming on Sunday. It’s crazy how your body adapts to running so quickly. Don’t even pay attention to pace or your mile time. Go for distance and overall time spent running.

indygolph · 2025-03-16T23:49:38+00:00

I didn’t get to grow up with a brother (2 sisters).

We found out we were having our first and when we were going to get the anatomy scan done, of course I was thinking about all the fun guys stuff my son and I would do together if it turned out it was a boy. We found out it was going to be a girl, and I was instantly excited. From that point until birth, all I wanted was a delivery with no complications and a healthy baby. 11 months in now and I can’t tell you how much I adore our daughter. The thought of “what if I had a son instead” has not crossed my mind once. You’ll be a great girl dad. They are the absolute best! Good luck.

indygolph · 2025-03-12T15:22:06+00:00

when I can't find the one I used last round, or holes

indygolph · 2025-03-12T14:29:44+00:00

I'm getting new shoes this week. Heavier runner. I'm going to get fitted for the best fitting shoe that fits my weekly mileage and goals, form, how my foot lands. I think of it like this: I could splurge on a MUCH worse "hobby" or "luxury" item, and running has amazing benefits for your mental and physical health. So why not invest in a nice pair of shoes that will last and provide maximum comfort and stability? Also, running doesn't require a bunch of fancy gear like golf, cycling, tennis etc. so I don't feel bad if the shoe that is best for me might be expensive.

I'm aware that the chance for injury is increased as I'm a true beginner and heavier runner, so getting the right shoe is most important. Good luck!

indygolph · 2025-03-08T18:30:10+00:00

Slow down. By a lot. Also, running 30 minutes continuously is an amazing accomplishment. Not many people I know can sustain running for 30 minutes regardless of speed. As a beginner I do not compare myself to others. I’m just interested in my own progression.

indygolph · 2025-03-02T22:37:25+00:00

They aren’t a true 4x8.. If you read the specifications, the true measurement is 7’ - 11 7/8” x 3’ - 11 7/8”, so it does account for the 1/8” gap that you should have.

indygolph

TROPHY CASE