Bowling Budget Tips

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 8/6/2013; Updated: 3/26/2023

Most Americans live on a monthly budget to run households and pay bills. Money to spend on recreational activities usually comes under the budget heading of “disposable income.”
It might be useful to establish a bowling budget forecasting how much money you will spend on bowling related activities each month, so you do not get caught short on paying bills.
Here are several bowling budget tips you can use as category headings to get you started:
1. allocate money for each month for league fees
2. allocate money for monthly practice games
3. allocate money for equipment purchases to include typical pro shop retail items
4. allocate money for possible tournament participation
5. allocate money for possible charity Fund Raisers which require an entry fee or donation
6. create a spreadsheet to document projected expenses
7. expect a 1099 Tax Form for earnings from tournaments for $600. or greater. Tournament officials report the payouts to the IRS accordingly.
8. document on your spreadsheet tournaments earnings
9. document entry fee expenses, practice game monies, travel expenses, food, lodging, equipment purchases, and pro shop services related to the given event or events you enter.
The purpose of establishing a monthly bowling budget is to make sure you plan for expenses other than merely weekly league fees or practice monies. Most bowlers never factor in the transportation costs for routine trips to the bowling centers.

It is important to know how much you spend monthly and annually on your bowling activities in relation to your forecast of discretionary income.
Bowling expenses can add up over the course of time.
If you are one who participates in leagues and tournaments as well as other family members, establishing a budget will help you identify precisely how and when your money is allocated for bowling.
It is not a difficult task to set up a bowling budget. The discipline it requires to maintain an effective bowling budget just might carry over and help you on the lanes.