[kailes2872]

I have a set run from 57 on. I have collected and upgraded with over 10 grand in graded cards alone per VCP.

This week, I made the worst mistake of my life. It is a long story but an inquiries about a 56 Topps lot kept leading to other stuff which led to me filing out to Phoenix committed to buy a collection. In my mind I thought that there was massive competition for it and I wanted to lock it up before the locals came in and swooped it up. I had projected this glorious collection that he described and pictured a scenario where I could keep the cool stuff, sell off the parts, and then maybe buy my wife a diamond or take a vacation with all that was left over. I am by no means a dealer, but I had the cash liquid. I felt like the only the separating us was opportunity because I had the liquidity

I didn't sleep for 3 days. I was convinced that I was Mr. Mint which led to me committing on the phone. It was over $14,000

I flew out Wednesday. My flight was delayed 2 hours. I was flying back the same day. It was still no excuse.

My wife was frighted that I would get killed. I worried that it was a scam

I met up with him. I was relieved that he was normal like me. As I went through his stuff, it was nice but not like I imagined. It was devoid of stars and condition was only okay. It had tons of vintage autographed stuff that is outside of my scope and focus.

It didn't feel right. However, I had committed to him on the phone and felt obligated as dumb as this now sounds saying it out. I had boxed myself into a corner and left me no outs.

On the plane, I went through some of the higher end pieces again and all of a sudden, my stupidity hit me like a ton of bricks. There was nothing wrong or malice. He simply over valued his collection. I took his price to mean he had that value in it and created a competitive scenario in my head. I don't consider myself dumb, but I just gave away my sons upcoming car for a bunch of 50s mid grade commons, some autographs, and some cool memorabilia that has a little value - oh and some 56 topps that weren't as good as they look in the picture and I'll have to upgrade.

When I got home and really started looking at the collection, I got sick to my stomach literally. The euphoria that I had since Saturday went away in an instance as I realized what I had done. I had lost control and couldn't listen to reason because I built best case scenario in my head and wanted to land the Phoenix find.

Now I am chunking it out piece by piece. Every time I walk by it, I get I'll. yet I need to play the EBay game to try to recoup something.

My wife is great. We cried together a bit yesterday - not about the cash - it was from savings and not earmarked (although I would have preferred not to do it). It was more about the fact that she didn't like it for many reasons but didn't speak up. She knew I was excited and she deferred to my 'expertise'

We agreed that I would step back for a while. The money that I spend per month on cards will be used to pay back savings. It will take a year to 18 months.

However, now - every time that I walk by my safe of cards, I want to vomit. It has been my passion these last few years but it led to this terrible mistake.

I am wondering if I should just liquidate. I have a ton into it so please no PMs as I am not doing it for money - I need to replenish what I lost but we are perfectly fine. The cards will just serve as a continual reminder of the dumbest thing I ever did or will ever do.

If I decide to punt, I might reach out to a few guys that I know and trust. I made a 13k mistake. I don't want to compound it - but I am in a bad mental state right now.

Thanks for letting me vent

My name is Kevin and I am a certifiable idiot/trainwreck.