Let me start by answering my own questions:
I do not keep a certain budget. Luckily, I'm in a position were I can buy what I want. However, I am extremely picky and as a result I don't buy that much at all. I also avoid using deputy services. The idea of a certain amount each month wouldn't work, because I tend to order multiple items at a time. So one months you'll spend a lot, but the next three you will spend nothing.
I do keep a spend-o-meter and I learned a couple of things from it.
- The biggest expenses are DVDs and CDs. The two priciest items I bought are DVDs. As a result, I decided not to buy DVDs anymore. I hardly watch them anyway, because it's easier to just watch the rip on the computer. Secondly, I don't buy new CDs anymore, meaning, from a store. I like to browse eBay and buy the singles from there. Sometimes, these will include the first press bonus pic and the whole thing will cost just a fraction of the original price.
- PBs seem to have the best value for money imo.
- It's really easy to spend a LOT on photos and trading cards, which is why I am avoiding buying any pics. It's hugely addictive and a massive money slurper. I keep careful track of how much I spend on which trading cards, so that if I ever decide to sell them I will know what a fair price is. My priciest card so far has been the Kasai Tomomi costume card, but I just had to have it, so I don't mind spending a bit more on it than usual.
Another note about my spend-o-meter, I also include the shipping price and any fees, so that the amount listed is the actual amount I paid for something.
I have a question: How much do you guys normally spend on akb a month?
Based on the total spend divided by months of fandom, that comes down to exactly (!) 10 euro a month. Please note, I bought my first akb item a year or so into my fandom, so technically it's probably a bit more. Secondly, like I said, I don't keep a monthly budget.. so one month if may be 0, the next month it may be 40 euro spend on akb.