<prompt> Human: I am technically currently self-employed. I was a bartender at a restaurant for 2 years and just got tired of that life. I finally decided to leave once I got another job, but the other job didnt end up working out. I spent a few weeks trying to figure out what to do since my only skills were in the restaurant industry and I didnt want to find some entry level 9-5 job at 9 an hour. My boyfriend came up with the idea to start home cleaning services under his business name. His business would kind of go hand in hand with home cleaning and he is already insured and licensed. He already pays for advertising with Angies List and I already had company shirts. We also had most of the cleaning supplies necessary to start. Basically, startup costs were essentially nothing. I have been doing that for about a month or so, but we havent got to switch the category to housecleaning on Angies List yet because they only allow for 2 changes in a 1 year period. I have had several cleans, but it hasnt really taken off enough yet to be able to fully support myself.Until my portion of the business takes off I was interested in purchasing a DSLR camera to pursue my interest in photography. I am currently not making a whole lot of money, but I do have about 500 to work with as of right now with all my bills being paid until the beginning of next month essentially. I know my boyfriend would also pitch in if I was 100 ready and if anything, my step-dad is very generous and believes in pursuing your dreams and he would be willing to loan me money also if I needed it.There are a few used cameras that seem to be in very good condition havent seen them in person yet for sale locally on Craigslist that I could purchase with my own money to start or I could get the loans from my boyfriend andor stepdad to just buy new. I dont have much experience with photography especially professional photography weddings, maternity, engagement, etc, but I was thinking that I could get some volunteers to start with and build a portfolio before finding paying clients. This could take a while to kick off if it even does, so there is no telling how long it would take to earn enough money from that alone to help pay back the loans if I get them or to catch myself up from making the purchase with my own money.Thanks to my boyfriend who pays the mortgage utilities, the only bills I have amount to about 550 not including food and gas money. In addition to the small amount of home cleanings I do, I also can make money through Uber and occasionally when I get booked to be an extra on TV shows, movies, or commercials. My question is would making this purchase right now be a stupid idea? Tl;dr I dont make a lot of money and want to invest in a somewhat expensive DSLR camera in order to potentially help me make more money while pursuing my passion in photography. I want to know if it is a bad idea financially to make the purchase.  <response>: If you have the cash to do it, do it. Dont borrow money for a hobby, though.Photography is a very tough business to differentiate yourself in. 