We didn't have a whole lot of money when I was growing up either. I would always ask for magic books or magic tricks for my birthday or for Christmas and the rest of the year I either had to mow lawns or find part time jobs to help supplement the cost of doing magic.
I'll never forget my 24th birthday when my tooth got punched out. And for a second I was like it would be really hilarious if I sold it on eBay. But I can't that's just too creepy. I don't think I can go there.