Well...it finally hit the fan.
Guru
Posts: 3,127
I don't want to be a downer since the National is going on and there are a lot of great things happening around that, but the crap hit the fan tonight as we sat down and looked at our family budget. My hobby line item was deleted because we cannot afford to have it in budget anymore. I had a feeling it was coming down the pipe at some point, which is why I've eased back on buying only things I know I can flip for profit.
My chosen profession is definitely not one of affluence, so I've never spent whopping amounts of money on it, but I did enjoy making small purchases here and there from time to time. Not leaving the hobby per se, but the well has dried up. Time to find some new focus for a bit and live vicariously through you guys. Just needed to vent.
My chosen profession is definitely not one of affluence, so I've never spent whopping amounts of money on it, but I did enjoy making small purchases here and there from time to time. Not leaving the hobby per se, but the well has dried up. Time to find some new focus for a bit and live vicariously through you guys. Just needed to vent.
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Comments
Consider if you collect cards from mid-60s/ 70s, you can pick up a few commons/minor stars per month for well under $50.
I've also realized that I can't afford certain cards from the pre-war era or higher grade major stars of the 50's era, so I have to find such cards in "under-graded" mid-grade condition (with eye appeal.) For example, I recently bought a '67 Mantle PSA 5 for around $125 that looks very close to a PSA 8 which would've cost me x3, x4 etc.
Consider that if you get well-priced cards now that you can sell down the road (minus the 15% resale fee) you could argue your purchase as an investment or at the very least "break even" price, you are not just throwing $ away.
You can still be involved in the hobby just pick a set like the 75 that is affordable, and marvel at other's more significant purchases until you can afford to be a bigger fish in the pond
Jmaciu's Collection
I really have a lot of fun talking to everyone on these boards about their collection and it's real fun to see some of the nice cards our fellow members have collected.
Stay active on the boards. You will still have fun!!!!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
<< <i>Stay active on the boards. You will still have fun!!!! >>
+1
Jmaciu's Collection
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>Stay active on the boards. You will still have fun!!!! >>
+1 >>
+2. You're a real asset to these boards and you better stick around. Enjoy that 75 set of yours!
<< <i>Nothing wrong with being in "holding" mode, Chris. It seems you have a good grasp on your finances and are very responsible. Living within your means will reap you benefits in the long run. >>
+1
No one ever went to their grave wishing they had bought more cards.
If you have a shirt on your back, a roof over your head, food on your table, love among your family, and relatively good health... you are doing very well compared to countless others.
Besides, many collectors (myself all too included) spend so much time hunting for the next item to add to our collection, we rarely stop to enjoy what we've already collected.
Use this break to enjoy your collection, maybe (re-)organize it, and perhaps sell off the items you don't still really enjoy to pick up some more things you do.
Besides talking cards here, you could put together a web site showcasing your collection, get involved with TTM, or continue to enjoy the hobby in a myriad of other ways that are still budget friendly.
Snorto~
I walked out into the garage and starred at a dozen monster boxes full of crap I need to purge. I'm hoping there might be some nuggets in there I can cash in to save up. The other thing that I got to thinking about was someone mentioned their focus. I've kinda been all over the place with this hobby, so maybe now is the best to actually get "focused" on what is important and let go of the other stuff.
I've already paid upfront to set up at a show in September, so it might work out well. But even if I don't really sell anything at that show, I still need to get focused.
<< <i>
<< <i>Nothing wrong with being in "holding" mode, Chris. It seems you have a good grasp on your finances and are very responsible. Living within your means will reap you benefits in the long run. >>
+1
No one ever went to their grave wishing they had bought more cards.
If you have a shirt on your back, a roof over your head, food on your table, love among your family, and relatively good health... you are doing very well compared to countless others.
Besides, many collectors (myself all too included) spend so much time hunting for the next item to add to our collection, we rarely stop to enjoy what we've already collected.
Use this break to enjoy your collection, maybe (re-)organize it, and perhaps sell off the items you don't still really enjoy to pick up some more things you do.
Besides talking cards here, you could put together a web site showcasing your collection, get involved with TTM, or continue to enjoy the hobby in a myriad of other ways that are still budget friendly.
Snorto~ >>
+1 Yeah, I know...first world issues. It's all perspective.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
On a side note I am financial advisor ...other than health issues...money is a big conflict in most houses. So not worth the stress. You will be fine at some point again.
Enjoy what you have
Sorry to hear about your budget. Like many, I've been there.
I agree with Scott - one can enjoy what they already have.
To be honest, I've got stuff in boxes that I haven't seen in years!
I wrote to someone this week that "Focus" and "Budget" are the hallmarks of a happy hobby experience. Yet, like ones "whale" hard to attain.
I've seen people come and go over the past 10 years. I sure hope you stay active.
There was an article online about the addiction of Facebook and how people obsess over how many positive hits they get...
Unfortunately, a place like this can work the same way.
Ideally, a good experience here shouldn't be predicated on how many high dollar items one can post about. IMO, passion "values" the collection.
Stay tuned in.
So, this has been a good thread in my opinion. I'm walking away encouraged and I appreciate what everyone has said. Thanks guys!
<< <i>
So, this has been a good thread in my opinion. I'm walking away encouraged and I appreciate what everyone has said. Thanks guys!
Can I post the teddy bear now?
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
<< <i>
<< <i>
So, this has been a good thread in my opinion. I'm walking away encouraged and I appreciate what everyone has said. Thanks guys!
Can I post the teddy bear now?
Sure!
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>OLD GUYS like Matt fall asleep early ... so here u go! HAHAHAHAHA >>
Hey lol
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>That's a different bear! LOL!! >>
Yep lol. Supposed to be the sad bear Douglas
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
<< <i>Thanks for the encouraging and kind words gentlemen. I really appreciate it. We too are doing the Dave Ramsey thing and have for some time now. We don't follow it to a "T", but are working our way through some things and I know we'll be better on the other side of things. I did remind my wife that we did not spend money on MLB tix that I "got for a gift for Christmas". So it was decided that we'd use that gift money on cards or a card. She's really good at being cool about my hobby and was trying to figure out a way to avoid this, but it just wasn't doable. So at least I know she gets it...which seemingly for a lot of people is half the battle (along with "Knowing"...little GI Joe joke there).
I walked out into the garage and starred at a dozen monster boxes full of crap I need to purge. I'm hoping there might be some nuggets in there I can cash in to save up. The other thing that I got to thinking about was someone mentioned their focus. I've kinda been all over the place with this hobby, so maybe now is the best to actually get "focused" on what is important and let go of the other stuff.
I've already paid upfront to set up at a show in September, so it might work out well. But even if I don't really sell anything at that show, I still need to get focused. >>
What I can tell you from experience with the Dave Ramsey plan, the stricter you stick to the plan the quicker you will get back into the hobby.
In talking with Chris - and the idea of enjoying what one already has? Here's a few scans of what I doing in terms of organization.
There's also stuff in closets that I can't get to - so if I didn't buy another item, I could spend some time reorganizing - here's what about 30 years looks like.
Junk on the desk:
And more and more stuff.
There's 2 closets to the right - more junk.
And this past year I picked up a safe and I'm trying to get as much into as possible
I'm lucky I have a wife who puts up this/me!
What years are vending cases?
Very nice assortment!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>Mike, I thought I was the only one who piled things up with absolutely no rhyme or reason, LOL!! >>
Funny you said that Tim. When I looked at Mike's pics, I thought to myself, "we are all the same" haha
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
I've got quite a mess!LOL
The vending run from 1979 to 1987. Missing 1983.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>Hi Tim
I've got quite a mess!LOL
The vending run from 1979 to 1987. Missing 1983. >>
Boy, that is sweet! Who needs an IRA when you have cardboard gold like that, Mike! LOL!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>Hi Tim
I've got quite a mess!LOL
The vending run from 1979 to 1987. Missing 1983. >>
Boy, that is sweet! Who needs an IRA when you have cardboard gold like that, Mike! LOL! >>
Thanx Tim.
I was very lucky - it sure wasn't skill.
That stuff was so much cheaper back around 1990. Back then I could buy vending cases for in the hundreds - except for 79 and 80.
The main reason I bought the 79T was to eventually put together a nice set and then sell off the rest in lots. Now, I know if the "run" is bad? I might not even find 1 centered Ozzie!
<< <i>ALL u guys r sick! SICK I say! >>
But, I'm not crazy. My mother had me tested.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>Geez...do I have to do everything around here. Be the sap and post the bear?
Doug just wanted to cheer ya up Chris. LOL
<< <i>I wonder who would win in a cage death match between sad bear and happy bear? >>
Sad bear after 3rd Round KO..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Thinking about this, I decided to make a goal of having a "revenue neutral" collection this year - no new cash in - it all comes from sales. This year I have sold or earmarked for sale about 1/4 of my collection value-wise and haven't had a single regret. There is a liberating sense of realizing "I really don't need that" and letting it go. And, of course, there is the excitement that comes from "now I have xxx dollars to spend."
I hope you continue having fun. New cash is not a requirement.
<< <i>While I have been collecting, my thinking has been "I love everything I have. I would not sell a thing." However, when something has come along outside my budget, I have taken a harder line and reassess what I have. I realize I don't love everything. I can do without x, x and z. And I have always made the newest "must have" be attainable through sales.
Thinking about this, I decided to make a goal of having a "revenue neutral" collection this year - no new cash in - it all comes from sales. This year I have sold or earmarked for sale about 1/4 of my collection value-wise and haven't had a single regret. There is a liberating sense of realizing "I really don't need that" and letting it go. And, of course, there is the excitement that comes from "now I have xxx dollars to spend."
I hope you continue having fun. New cash is not a requirement. >>
The problem with this hobby is that there are so many directions you can go in collecting and it's hard to focus. I've just gotten back into the hobby the last six months and it's hard to figure out exactly what I want to do now that my allowance is bigger than it was the last time around.
<< <i>While I have been collecting, my thinking has been "I love everything I have. I would not sell a thing." However, when something has come along outside my budget, I have taken a harder line and reassess what I have. I realize I don't love everything. I can do without x, x and z. And I have always made the newest "must have" be attainable through sales.
Thinking about this, I decided to make a goal of having a "revenue neutral" collection this year - no new cash in - it all comes from sales. This year I have sold or earmarked for sale about 1/4 of my collection value-wise and haven't had a single regret. There is a liberating sense of realizing "I really don't need that" and letting it go. And, of course, there is the excitement that comes from "now I have xxx dollars to spend."
I hope you continue having fun. New cash is not a requirement. >>
Totally agree with this...good luck GURU, I love reading your posts so please stick around.
<< <i>I walked out into the garage and starred at a dozen monster boxes full of crap I need to purge. I'm hoping there might be some nuggets in there I can cash in to save up. The other thing that I got to thinking about was someone mentioned their focus. I've kinda been all over the place with this hobby, so maybe now is the best to actually get "focused" on what is important and let go of the other stuff. >>
This. THIS. THIS!
I've had three distinct eras in this hobby. I consider the first era to be from when I first started collecting up until my sophomore year of high school. The second era started after college and ran up until a few years ago. The third era is now.
I've pretty much kept everything that I collected from that first era and will hold on to all of that. Quite honestly, there is not a lot there that would bring in any decent money and I have a lot of memories attached to it. Most of those cards I pulled myself or purchased them at card shows with my dad.
The second era was simply madness. It coincided with getting my first "real" job, getting married, etc., so there was a lot of disposable income. I spent a lot of time chasing cards I couldn't afford when I was a kid or just picking up things that scratched itches. I ended up with 100s of PSA 10s of cards that I could purchase ungraded for a few bucks as well as some other nice high-end 90s stuff. I thought I was reliving my first era of collecting, but I know now that I was just wandering through the hobby. A lot of the PSA 10s I purchased were of cards I already owned and had pulled when I was a kid... and I still had them in my collection.
Which brings me the the third, and current, era. We started a family and I realized I had a lot of collectibles (from that second era) that didn't mean anything to me. For example, I pulled a 1989 Hoops David Robinson SP way back in 1989 when I was a kid. I still have it. I also have a PSA 10 that I bought during the second era. Why do I need the PSA 10? All of the joy and memories are tied to the card that I pulled and still own!
It became clear that selling off whole portions of my collection made the most sense if I wanted to keep going in the hobby. The first sale was kind of tough, but once I got past that it became really fun to get rid of stuff that no longer appealed to me. The cherry on top of it all is I've been able to sell almost everything I purchased for a profit. So, I've been able to put money into the family budget and also buy things that really add value and meaning to my collection.
It took me a while to realize that I had spent a lot of money on a lot of cards that were really disposable and could be picked up at almost any time. I'd much rather get rid of those and reinvest that money on cards that are truly difficult to obtain and other items that really fit my long-term collecting interests.
Anyways... sorry for the long story, but I just wanted to give you some insight on my journey through the hobby and let you know that trimming your collection is a fantastic way to finance and stay part of the hobby.
I am a collector
And things, well things
They tend to accumulate
There's a thin line between a hobby and insanity.
You're always only one PSA 10 away from obsession.
Are you holding onto your collectibles? Or are "they" holding onto you?
Have you ever woke up in the morning and the first thing you think of is that "something or other" you just paid WAY over budget for and still you're trying to justify it?
Buying collectibles "may" be addictive like any other drug.
CU forum may be like Facebook. Validation of a collection is only as good as the acceptance one gets thru positive reinforcement. Why do you think the Registry got so darn popular?
IMO, collecting with a "focus" on ROI is work. And I already have a job.
Now I know this all sounds very cynical but I've lived thru ALL of this.
I realized I can't corner the market - I'm neither rich enough nor have the energy.
I invested very little money in purchasing a few items that belonged to deceased ML BB player Robert Gilchrist Smith but I spent many hours investigating his career and life and the lives of a few people he was connected to. I'm sure you get my drift.
My reality check: I can buy a 20K card. Show it off. Get 20 accolades. Then what? Did I buy it for myself? Or the accolades?
I learned my hobby is FIRST personal and only secondarily public as much as I choose to share it.
That's my contribution.
I apologize for the length.
Take home message? FOCUS and BUDGET
All good points! Thanx for sharing.
<< <i>edit: I sure hope this doesn't come off as pontificating - cause that's not my intention. I'm here to learn and help when I can.
There's a thin line between a hobby and insanity.
You're only one PSA 10 away from obsession.
Are you holding onto your collectibles? Or are "they" holding onto you?
Have you ever woke up in the morning and the first thing you think of is that "something or other" you just paid WAY over budget for and still you're trying to justify it?
Buying collectibles "may" be addictive like any other drug.
CU forum may be like Facebook. Validation of a collection is only as good as the acceptance one gets thru positive reinforcement. Why do you think the Registry got so darn popular?
IMO, collecting with a "focus" on ROI is work. And I already have a job.
Now I know this all sounds very cynical but I've lived thru ALL of this.
I realized I can't corner the market - I'm neither rich enough nor have the energy.
I invested very little money in purchasing a few items that belonged to deceased ML BB player Robert Gilchrist Smith but I spent many hours investigating his career and life and the lives of a few people he was connected to. I'm sure you get my drift.
My reality check: I can buy a 20K card. Show it off. Get 20 accolades. Then what? Did I buy it for myself? Or the accolades?
I learned my hobby is FIRST personal and only secondarily public as much as I choose to share it.
That's my contribution.
I apologize for the length.
Take home message? FOCUS and BUDGET >>
Fantastic post, Mike!
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940