I have another "hobby" that can consume much more financial resources than photography.
I collect "experiences".
Like the day sail on the Adventuress, an old 2 masted schooner built in 1913. $55 per person for a participatory day adventure, or take a longer experience, a 3 day adults only sail is $495 for non members, and they offer youth, family and other programs.
All proceeds go towards keeping her afloat.
Read more about her here:
Sound Experience
I have a thing for airplanes, and although I have never obtained a pilot's license, I have many hours operating light planes. A few years ago the Collings Foundation had 3 of their WWII bombers at an airport near my home, selling rides to raise money for their flying museum. I went to get a ride, in the Mitchell B25, but they were sold out for the day.
The guy told me I could buy a "flight lesson", essentially an hour of right seat time, where I would have full control of the aircraft, save for takeoff and landing.
Cost?
$2,000.
I nearly choked.
But then I said, "You throw in a couple t-shirts and its a deal".
They said OK, and up we went.
As soon as the wheels left the runway the guy gave me the controls, and said, "Take it up to 3,000 feet, turn left, level off and trim it."
I did, and the he asked me where I wanted to go. I said, "Well, I live about 26 miles that way", and pointed.
He said, "You're driving!"
I flew out over my house, did a bank and turn taking 2 turns over the house, dropped down below a couple ridges and raced through a canyon in the Cascade mountains nearby (he said that was how those planes were meant to fly, sneak in low, below the radar) at about 320 knots, and then flew back, giving the controls back over just a few hundred feet from the runway.
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat!
Read more about the Collings Foundation here:
http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm