Since we were discussing staying within your budget at reptile shows, I figured I would start a thread on the topic and see what kind of answers are given.

The questions are:
- How many times have you gone over budget on a purchase? (shows, online, stores, etc.)
-What is the most that you went over budget?
-Was it ultimately worth it?

I have gone over budget only once, at a show. It was one of those snakes on my "Wish List" that I figured I would never have a chance at due to their rarity. So when the opportunity presented itself, I made a rare decision to throw caution to the wind and go for it.

So,

Snake + thermostat + 2 hides + 2 water bowls + 1 late fee + exhorbitant non-network ATM fees = $577 over budget.

I think it was definitely worth it, and I don't regret it, but I doubt that I will do it again anytime soon, just because I hate making impulsive decisions like that. I prefer to keep everything planned and organized...