Muster 2017 Budget Advice - Attend or Not Attend

[prodigalson84]

In the past month, I've taken heavily to the Jocko Podcast, and listening religiously.  
I heard about the Muster in May.  I know it is well worth the money to attend, so I'm not questioning the price.

My question lies in whether given my financial state, should I attend.

I work full time as a Civil Engineer, and recently got a new job with more pay to help me achieve some financial goals I have.  I have a credit card I'm trying to pay off, as well as paying off my truck, and save for a down payment on a house.  Among these, I am trying to start-up a small CCH (concealed carry handgun) instruction business.

I view the Muster as an investment in myself, as a jump start to get me where I want as a leader.  I view it as something that will help me now and in the long term.  My struggle is, should I save money over time, and go next yr instead, or push my budget to go this yr?  Am I looking at things completely wrong?

I appreciate any help from you guys!

[mrtk]

Hi prodigalson84,

I'm in no position to give you advice, but I will give you my opinion.

Stay disciplined financially, you have goals that you're working toward, keep grinding. There's a lot of Jocko knowledge on the podcast, youtube, book, etc. to absorb, learn from, and use. #GetAfterIt

[mynewunit]

ProdigalSon84,
I am in a similar position. I am a mechanical engineer. My wife is starting a new business.

Here is how I see it. You can ask your employer to send you if you would like to be in a leadership role. Bring it to them. They may say yes or yes to next year. If you don't have something you can switch out, like a vacation or a large toy purchase, it is hard to justify spending a paycheck going to a conference. Would you be willing to part with a pair of Kimber 1911's to go this year?

The back story is that Muster 001 prices started off around $1500. Hotels are cheaper in San Diego, at least 2 of the team don't have to travel or stay in a hotel, and it is right next to Victory MMA (Jocko's Gym). I am saving up for that one. There is at least a chance I can talk my wife into coming along.
One last thing. I live in New York State, and I did get a personal invite to crash the Morning PT. Free of charge. That offer is probably open to all troopers willing to get up and get after it.

[prodigalson84]

mynewunit

Thank you for the opinion! I'm still struggling with this decision. I have a rifle and a few other small items I'm planning to sell that will help with the cost. I could probably raise around $2000 with those sales, possibly. I'd still need to get about $1,500 more to cover the round trip from NC and hotel cost. I've emailed [e-mail] to see if they allow paying by installment. I could cashflow it a lot better than trying to pay it all at once. Haven't heard back from them yet.

[prodigalson84]

MRTK,

Thank you as well! There is a ton of info, and I'm in it daily with the podcast and youtube things. There is still something about being there that would be simply awesome.

[mynewunit]

There is a call for names for a Muster Scholarship.  Contact Brady Lanter. Easily found on twitter.

Brady Muster Tweet