I think I'm not cut out for this punting hobby...
The short answer is, it's just sex. Don't compare yourself to other punters, don't compete in turns of performance or financials.
If cash is an issue, then reward yourself with a punt from other aspects of your life. Decide what works for you and what pleasures you want to experience.
I've reached a stage where turning up to a strange place, meeting an unfamiliar woman and sticking my cock in a couple of holes while she attempts to extract spunk in the most efficient manner, is a waste of time and money. That being said, I want to punt? I want to spend time in the company of a sexy young woman but I also want lasting memories and greater experiences.
A few years ago, I was spending about £5000 a year punting which was a lot for me! The disappointments last longer in the memory, the mediocre were instantly forgettable and the good still make me smile. Of the £5000, probably £4000 was a waste of money and that stings.
I did SA for a while, with the ups and downs that offers, the ratio of positive experiences from arrangements was a lot higher, along with the cost of each experience. Now, I travel. I enjoy both punting and non punting trips.
It's your life, your leisure and pleasures which are important. Do what you want to do, how you want to do it and where you want to do it, you earned it.