Where my money goes and why
I have never stopped growing and will continue to work on myself for as long as I live. I’m willing to dump as much money into myself since I know I will benefit from it since I have benefited from it. Knowledge is power. The mind can be strong if you make it strong. Believe in yourself, work on yourself, don’t be afraid.
This year has been somewhat expensive and it will continue to be costly at this rate. I continue to train for triathlons. I continue to train for ultras. I still explore the world. I am still studying for the LSAT to become a lawyer. I still work for a better future. I work on myself to win. That’s how I see all of this. It’s sacrificing my time and my money for my future. To create a legacy, inspiration, and to be able to financially support my parents, siblings, and myself. Life is hard so I have to go harder. Let’s see where I’ve spent my hard earned money this year.
1. SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA DUST ($320.00)
Ultra marathons has been something I find super fascinating. As I’ve continued to look into races, watch documentaries, read up on them, I get deeper into that ultra rabbit hole territory. In short, the sport is about enduring pain in a nutshell.
I bought this shoe as a summer shoe to run the trails. This thing is light and sleek. It has great cushion. It has such a cool design. Unfortunately I have rolled my ankle several times while training with them. I still use it but it has deterred me from fully utilizing it.
I am not sure if I would buy this again. Mainly due to cost and saving my ankles. It was a lot of money so I’ll still use it until it’s worn out. $320 was spent. There is a bit of buyer’s remorse to be honest.
2. Solo Cycling Trip to Tenerife Spain ($4000.00)
I made a YouTube video on this trip. I was supposed to create a video everyday during the vacation. That did not happen. This trip was to see my first volcano. It was also a trip to become a stronger cyclist by climbing tortuous mountains. It was fantastic. It’s also where pros and amateurs like myself train.
This place tested my limits. It allowed me to accomplish a solo self supported ride up the lonely mountains. It was just me and I loved it. I endured intense heat, elevation training, and continuous climbing that felt eternal.
It also destroyed me mentally and physically which led me to lay by the beach for the rest of the vacation. Next time, I will be more strategic and build up the acclimatization. Mallorca 312 has been recommended as my next challenge.
The flight and the all inclusive resort was $3500. I spent money on the bike rental, an excursion, cabs, and gifts to bring back home. I also spent too much money on one hotel on the way back to Canada. It was a last minute splurge and I needed to get sleep (it was pretty cool though). This trip was expensive but the experience and training I endured was worth it.
This trip also allowed me work on my photography and I’m really happy with the results. Here’s some photos. Also, I used bike point Tenerife to rent the bike.
This was Los Gigantes in Tenerife. I went here to watch the whales and hike. Unfortunately the trail was closed. This is what happens when you book a trip out of nowhere and just go for it.
Would you like to see more photos of my Nikon d3100 over my iPhone photos? Have my photography skills improved? I think so.
3. LSAT Demon monthly $280.00 a month (1680.00 to date)
Working towards becoming a lawyer is expensive. Getting my degree has cost me well over $30,000. Fortunately working full time has allowed me not to endure debt (while living at home). Studying for the LSAT to get a good mark for a law school is another driving cost and it’s making me spend less. Additionally I go out a lot less. Keep in mind, I also have to save for law school to not drown in debt. I also have bills to pay as a homeowner. Adulthood is hard. I’m extremely lucky to have strong family support
I can see why most lawyers I meet come from wealthy families. It is hard to break into the industry as a second generation immigrant (born in Canada from immigrant parents). I’m going to do it though. I’m breaking barriers already. I will be proud once I achieve this life time goal. I’ve been studying everyday and as I continue to study, I improve my score. LSAT Demon is very upfront and tells it how it is. That’s what I like about using them. They are upfront about what being a lawyer will entail.
To be as painfully and as brutally honest, here is where I stand. The test score is 120-180. 120 is the lowest. I believe I scored 126 on my first practice attempt over a year ago. This is stupid low. In short, it means I don’t know how to read. My last practice test 3ish months ago was 144. This is still seen as a joke but I’ve improved significantly. Yesterday, I scored my highest scored timed session which made me extremely happy (145). This test can be conquered through rigorous studying. Practice. Practice. Practice. I am improving. I’m happy where I’m at especially with everything else I’m taking on. I will score over 160. I will go to law school. I will be a lawyer. No one wants to do hard things, I will.
4. IRONMAN SAN SALVADOR 70.3 ($800)
This will be a special race. I will be going with my mother and father. Their homeland. I have never been there in my life. They haven’t been there in a decade. It will also be my only Ironman for 2026 since I need to save aggressively for law school. This one is still in the making. I am looking for deals on flights and hotels and to also make sure my parents will actually relax in their country. I’ll blog about this next year.
5. Topeak Pakgo EX Cycling Travel Case ($1100.00)
In addition to my 2026 San Salvador Ironman trip/race. I have purchased this travel case since I will be bringing my bike for the race. This is exciting yet also scary since it could get damaged on the flight. My local bike shop and fantastic mechanics will be showing me how to disassemble and reassemble the bike. This was a huge cost but i am hoping I can use this case for the rest of my life.
5. TRAINER ROAD 1 Year SUBSCRIPTION ($294.00) + GYM 1 year Membership ($880)
Purchased every year no matter what
Last but not least is something I spend money on every year. A must. It’s what keeps me sane and in shape. A gym membership. I’ve also added trainer road AI to the mix as the winter approaches and in preparation for my next Ironman that will be early in 2026. I know I will crush that race with the training I will do this winter.
Conclusion
I’m sick and wanted to make this article and some others while I have the time. I have a lot on my mind and I’m excited on what’s to come. Money comes and go but as I get older my priorities change on what I really want. I still have tons of drive and I know that will never go away. It’s who I am. I think I have one more big race this year but I’ll keep that a secret. Let me know what you’ve splurged on this year or if you have questions on any of this. I still don’t make money on this website, I still don’t make money on my YouTube channel but I love making content and looking back on what I’ve done makes this all worth it. I hope this motivates you or helps you in your journey. Go register to a class, go out and do that you wanted to do. Just go out and do it!