I was thinking the same thing this morning, very little activity on this site in terms of actual punting.
Since New Years I have reduced my punting greatly but I still hear from several shops how slow business is with the only exception being Parra Blossom which was dead prior to Christmas but the ladies there tell me it is quite busy now and last time I was in there I saw 4 guys waiting for as I left.
In terms of funding my punting I only earn around 130K a year nowadays with a further 20-30K on the side and usually about twice that side money in gambling wins. Up about 12K this year already.
A far cry from my days of working for myself designing Computer Networks and advising many of the top Aus companies on computing issues but a good quality stress free life.
Whilst I can certainly still afford 3 or 4 punts a week I have decided that with Overseas travel now back up and running I will spend 15-20K on a decent holiday instead.
So I am punting 1-2 a week and not for $350 a pop.
Once a week at an RnT like CBD Style $180 p/h or Parra Blossom (or similar) $170 with BJ.
Once a week with my Gold Star reg - significantly less than $300 p/h
Occasional splurge on a PSE in an RnT or a newbie at N5M 42G or Ginza. $250 - $300.
Only spending around $400 a week which is pretty much chump change.
Rest of the spare cash banked for a holiday.
Pretty damn tame compared to my punting last year.