Waton,
Welcome.
JW's actually spend lots of money belonging to the cult, even before any donations. My family (3, I'm out o the deal) has to travel about 440 miles a year for conventions (2x 140 + 3x60). That's almost $300.00 of vehicle expenses according to IRS estimates. Then the additional expense for eating out. Another $300.00. That's $600.00 without lodging, which can add a substantial amount to the total. Lucky for me, they don't do that. Then 104 times a year they go to the kingdom hall. Even though the hall is nearby that's still about 1,000 miles/year or about another $600.00. The cost for an average family can easily climb to, and exceed $2,000/year once you consider the extra suits for men and dresses for women.
Governing body:
Please bring the cult to my living room. I can save those 2,000 dollar and use them for better things.