Start by making a list of all the lavish things you dream about owning. A ski chalet, an air-cooled Porsche, maybe even a more expensive fly rod, like the “heirloom quality” bamboo models Orvis pieces together. Don’t buy any of them.
Behavioral economists call these things anchors. On one end of the spectrum, $800 is a $2,500 retirement nest egg, if invested modestly for 20 years. In the middle, it’s a new iPhone. And at the extreme other end of the spectrum, it’s a dirt cheap toy—at least relative to a condo in St. Moritz. This is where you want to drop your anchor.
Next, I recommend you borrow a Helios 2. Be sure to do it near great fishing water during stellar conditions, so you’ll be sure to catch some fish. Most top-flight fly shops keep a demo or two around that they will be glad to lend out, particularly to those who stock up on flies and tip their guides well.
Catch some fish with the rod. Take some pictures. Make one the home screen on your phone.
Finally, tell yourself that if you buy a Helios 2, you’ll go fishing more often. You won’t be wrong about this. After all, you’ll need to amortize the thing.