“What is your most expensive habit, and do you have any plans to kick it?”

Mmmm. Most expensive habit? What’s the definition of “most expensive”? The one that has cost you the most money? Or the guilty pleasure that derives no economic benefit.

Kids? We’ve only collected two, DebtBoy and DebtGirl. Creche fees, nappies, DVDs, clothes, toys, child-raising paraphernalia … The boy is nearly four and hasn’t even played his first professional golf tournament yet, so there’s no economic return in sight.

Grandma? Her reckless abuse of her credit cards and home equity is a constant source of grief and stress. And she hasn’t baked me an Anzac cookie in more than 15 years.

And you are supposed to be able to “kick” habits. I reckon I’d be in more trouble with the authorities than Brendan Fevola if I tried to kick those three.

Wine? Mrs DebtMan and I have spent a lot of money and time on wine. Scary lots. And while our cellar doesn’t contain a single drop of Grange, or any other particularly valuable wine, we have spent a fortune learning and enjoying crushed grapes. (Strangely, often only to have forgotten much of it by the next day.)

But I’d have to say my most “expensive” habit is a conundrum.

It’s the painful “work versus family” balancing act. I work hard to create a better future for my family. But that comes at the expense of spending more time with my kids now. Work has been winning in recent years. But that’s a habit I definitely intend to kick and I’m working on it.

Bruce Brammall is the author of Debt Man Walking (www.debtman.com.au) and a licensed financial adviser.