I don't budget for exploring new stuff.  If something came up I would weight the pro's and con's and make that financial decision.

Wheels and tires for my truck! Not much help, am I? Hahah! 

Most opportunities to learn do not require buying someone else's idea, most are free and ready to grab.

I learn new things all the time & do set a budget. FB Ads let's say -- in that endeavor I give myself 3 months to get it up & running. That's just a time that I picked.

For mailing farming that is a lot longer but better hear from someone at 4 months. That has been my sampling so far. Most of the time it's your message, not the mailing itself.

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 ROI always determines an investment or budget.

My next splurge will involve augmented reality and artificial intelligence in my business. I will combine this with more understanding of Block Chain. This will be the revolution in the business. 

I don't budget for "new stuff" or "exploration".  Like Richard Weeks said, if something of interest comes up, I do a cost benefit analysis.  This year I experimented with FB ads at a reasonable price point.

I don't budget for new stuff. If something interests me I'll just try it. And much can be tried these days for free for 30 or 60 days.

I buy books and CD's from time to time to keep up or explore alternatives!

I invest between 5%-10% of my annual earnings back into my annual education and exploration of this one wild, precious life.

My next program investment will be in better photography, possibly drones. I am not quite ready but will look at it hard next year.

Budget includes "discretionary" funds for unplanned for costs/expenses.  There really isn't anything I want to spend money on that have not already spent. 

Besides Real Estate related education, I absolutely like art, music, yoga and travels. I try to stay in harmony by making myself happy with attending events and lectures.

And..... you never know where you meet your client:) 

The important answers are within us awaiting seekers & askers..richfuscious

No. 

I do not specifically set money aside for exploring stuff.

I suppose the setting up of an aerial photography / videography complete with DJI drones and accessories counts?  SunlitDrones.com

Absolutely! Sometimes it's a big ticket item, sometimes not. Often doesn't cost me a dime. In my case, I wrap my real estate business into my personal life. That means I go to a lot of really great fundraisers and social activities. At least, that's on my marketing plan for next year, do a lot more of this type of networking. Going to the same business functions or advertising where all the other agents do is not enough.

I don't budget for exploring new things and when I do it is selective, on a case by case basis.

     I spend my money on road trips, hikes, and adventures for "personal development". 

Marketing dollars are always budgeted, assessed, reassessed and continued or nixed! It's a constant year after year!

Maybe sometimes, other times it is hard as not to know what to expect.

No.

I live by my budget, so yes event for a out of town convention I budget for it.

I have a slush fund for fun stuff I want to add to the mix.

I take each potential individually and weight the potential advantages vs. the costs.