Paying in installments is different than going into debt. Though, if one needs or wants to pay in installments instead of up front, that should be a red flag that one is purchasing something that it is not responsible for them to purchase. If it’s too much of a hit to want to see at once, you probably shouldn’t be buying it.
I have paid more than 1% of my cash on hand for a card (not net worth, but liquid cash sitting in the bank) only once. I would guess I am in the bottom 10% of active posters here in net worth as I am young and have not had many earning years. Cards are a hobby. They might make you money over the long haul and they might end up a good investment. Spending your money on cards instead of you and your family’s needs (which kind of has to happen if you’re going into debt because you can’t actually afford the card) is irresponsible. Just as you shouldn’t go into debt to invest in bonds, stocks or crypto you shouldn’t spend more than you have, or most/all of what you actually have, on baseball cards if they are investment. If they are not an investment, it’s even more grossly irresponsible to put yourself into debt for a hobby item for your collection. Housing, food, transportation, retirement, savings for a rainy day, all these need to come first. This should go without saying…
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