You should definitely pursue that. That’s how making 40% or 50% more can happen overnight - by simply changing jobs. Of course you’ve got to factor in the extraneous things like commute and child care, but that’s the general rule of thumb. Change jobs every 3 years, make more. It’s statistically proven.
I opened a high yield savings account and got into the stock market. Your desire to spend drastically decreases when you can see everyday increases that you don’t want to interrupt.
Another one I’ve always liked - Write down what you want to buy and sit on it for a month. If you still want said item in a month, buy it. If you don’t, don’t buy it.
I’m the exact opposite of you in almost every way. Setlist - that shits all new to me. Cool it exists, but I like to be surprised.
Earplugs - definitely. I’m old and a drummer so have always protected my ears.
I almost exclusively buy tickets online, because I don’t like standing in line when I arrive, I want to go in and get settled in some dark corner or the pit depending on the opening acts. I mostly arrive late these days.
Agree on getting to the front along the sides. Merch - I always buy in person. It supports the bands, you interact with the bands many of the times (or girlfriends), and it adds to the experience. Plus you see the product first and know it’s real.