When will you stop collecting??

[ruth-gehrig]

Will you ever stop collecting?? If this has been discussed before my apologies.

Do you ever plan on selling your collection? Or are you OK with your loved ones dealing with it later??

Of course anything in life can pop up instantly forcing us to change focus(health, finances, etc) and we are only caretakers of possessions until we die. I'm only 44 and healthy with no thoughts of slowing down my collection anytime soon because I'm a collector. I love the hobby and discovering my next treasure. I think it's been inside me from the beginning and I cannot imagine a day without thinking of the next thing to add to the collection. If my health wasn't good or finances weren't there one day I might have to prioritize things.

Collect on

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

Will you ever stop collecting?? If this has been discussed before my apologies. Collect on

Only when I'm not physically able. It's so much fun!

[G1911]

When I die. Or economic catastrophe. Possibly WWIII. No plan to ever sell, retiring and then getting rid of my hobbies seems to waste the joy of all that free time when the time comes. Leaving my loved ones valuables to sell and profit immensely from hardly feels like an unfair or undue burden placed upon them.

[raulus]

Yes and no!

I have plans to someday sell off the stuff that is ridiculously valuable to fund part of my retirement. But it’s hard to imagine that will be the end of collecting. I’ll probably replace it with stuff that is much more budget friendly.

But that’s probably still at least a decade away. So a little premature to really be making plans.

[Howe’s Hunter]

Maybe just a bit after.

[Eric72]

As I get older, I care less and less about quantity. So, I’ll never collect the volume of cards I once did. However, I’ll never stop collecting.

As for selling, I’ll probably start downsizing soon. I’ve done this with other things lately, such as comic books and vinyl records. Wish I had started sooner. Glad I’m doing it now. Carrying a long box of comics or large crate of records doesn’t seem quite as easy as it was 10 years ago. I’m sure monster boxes of cards will start feeling heavier too, as time goes by.

[frankbmd]

Selling improves cash flow.

[butchie_t]

The day after I find my last variation card.

Pretty much sums it up for me.

[butchie_t]

Originally Posted by Eric72

As I get older, I care less and less about quantity. So, I’ll never collect the volume of cards I once did. However, I’ll never stop collecting.

As for selling, I’ll probably start downsizing soon. I’ve done this with other things lately, such as comic books and vinyl records. Wish I had started sooner. Glad I’m doing it now. Carrying a long box of comics or large crate of records doesn’t seem quite as easy as it was 10 years ago. I’m sure monster boxes of cards will start feeling heavier too, as time goes by.

I sold all, (200) of my LP's after I recorded them all digitally and just before our last move. Very uplifting to not have to lift up all those albums anymore. Mind you I do pick up an album here and there still today. But I record the tracks and then pass the record off to a thrift store after I'm done with it.

Butch

[BioCRN]

Not counting insanely expensive stuff I've ruled out...such as some pre-1930s Cubs baseball card autographs and Ken Hubbs (died age 22)...I have 12 Cubs autographs left to snag in my Cubs HOF/stars/notables collection I've been building since the early 1990s.

Cubs 1800s-current graded collection...about 40 left...

1950-2011 graded HOF/stars/notables...8 left. FYI, it was arbitrarily to 2001 to bookend Pujols/Ichiro hobby surge, but later expanded to 2011 for Trout...and it may extend further at some point.

I could cut all of that in half right now if I simply bust out the wallet, but that's not how I like to collect. I'll occasionally overpay or go "now or never" on some rarely available things, but I'm in no big hurry to hit the finish line.

Some stuff I'll eventually have to grade myself because there's currently few or no graded examples. No one has managed to grade a 1993 Bowman Steve Trachsel last I checked. If I could do it over again, I would have never decided to take my Cubs collection from raw to graded in the late 1990s. While it's been fun hunting down some rarely graded items, the notion that one day I may actually give a company $18-$20+ to grade a 1993 Bowman Steve Trachsel card pains me a little...but well...yeah, too far in to go back.

[Tao_Moko]

I've sold my collection 3 times. Everytime thinking it would be my last time. BUT, all those rare finds keep coming and each time it got better. I've bought two homes thanks to selling my collection/s. However, I'm done done now. The hobby has changed in a way that took most of the fun out of it, and I have more important people in my life to focus on then card collecting. I live vicariously through everyone else now and enjoy seeing people get their whales and achieve their collecting paths. Now, someone please go to bst and buy the last of the stragglers I have uncovered. 😂 I genuinely enjoy those with a true love of the sport/s they collect, their history and the history of those in our hobby. It's a good group of people in this hobby and that includes many of the dealers. Sour grapes in every hobby, but the good outweigh the bad.

[Exhibitman]

From my cold dead fingers...I'm gonna have my daughter toss so many cards in the box with me that I'll go out like a pharaoh.

But seriously, I plan to liquidate most of my stuff in retirement as an ongoing business while refining down to cards I really enjoy. A few cards from my childhood won't be sold. Not a great financial hardship to my family...I don't think anyone will be banging down the doors for this one:

[JollyElm]

Don't think it's a 'stopping' scenario, but rather a measurement of speed.

We all slow down at different rates the older we get based on already having amassed a fulfilling collection that needs less and less additions, or the bitterness of life suddenly getting in the way,
but no one with the collecting gene ever fully grinds their efforts to a halt...unless the welcoming embrace of death comes at last (ignore that last part, I'm having a bad day).

[bobbvc]

Originally Posted by BioCRN

Not counting insanely expensive stuff I've ruled out...such as some pre-1930s Cubs baseball card autographs and Ken Hubbs (died age 22)...I have 12 Cubs autographs left to snag in my Cubs HOF/stars/notables collection I've been building since the early 1990s.

Cubs 1800s-current graded collection...about 40 left...

1950-2011 graded HOF/stars/notables...8 left. FYI, it was arbitrarily to 2001 to bookend Pujols/Ichiro hobby surge, but later expanded to 2011 for Trout...and it may extend further at some point.

I could cut all of that in half right now if I simply bust out the wallet, but that's not how I like to collect. I'll occasionally overpay or go "now or never" on some rarely available things, but I'm in no big hurry to hit the finish line.

Some stuff I'll eventually have to grade myself because there's currently few or no graded examples. No one has managed to grade a 1993 Bowman Steve Trachsel last I checked. If I could do it over again, I would have never decided to take my Cubs collection from raw to graded in the late 1990s. While it's been fun hunting down some rarely graded items, the notion that one day I may actually give a company $18-$20+ to grade a 1993 Bowman Steve Trachsel card pains me a little...but well...yeah, too far in to go back.

Sometimes it hurts to pay 5-10x what the card is worth for grading but in my opinion the best collections are usually the irrational ones.

[bmattioli]

I'm a collector and love what I hunt and collect. Makes me happy..

[icurnmedic]

Went to a show this past weekend..
Still love to look, but guys at these shows price things in a way that I just don’t understand. Seen a Tinker portrait priced $500 more than VCP, not even centered. Same guy, Gretzky RC priced $400 above comps. Just frustrating as I liked the guy and wanted to buy something from him, just couldn’t. I think the frustration and overall arrogance of some (not all) people in the hobby have already slowed me down a little. That being said I still look everyday fwiw.

Did find me a 1977 Star Wars sticker set though. Highlight of my show without a doubt.

[brianp-beme]

I assume I will still be collecting as long as the wi-fi is good at the depth of 6 feet.

Brian

[toledo_mudhen]

Years ago - I told myself that I would start downsizing once I retired.......... SO - I retired about a year ago yet I find myself still adding to "the collection". Must be somethin wrong with me............

[brunswickreeves]

When a higher priority takes precedence. This will ebb and flow over the years.

[Snapolit1]

I've begun selling off a fair amount.

I think at the end of my life the times I spent at the beach and exploring the world will be more meaningful that the things in my safe.

[ValKehl]

I'll stop collecting whenever the first of these 2 events occurs:

(1) I have an example of every Sam Rice card known to exist, or

(2) Someone sticks me in a nursing home.

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

I'll stop collecting whenever the first of these 2 events occurs:

(1) I have an example of every Sam Rice card known to exist, or

(2) Someone sticks me in a nursing home.

Don't give up so easily!!

Nursing homes have internet access to eBay and the various auction houses, so it'll be a seamless collecting transition, fine sir.

Plus, for an 'activity night,' arrange a buy/sell/trade event for those not stuck watching Lawrence Whelk on the VCR!

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Only when I'm not physically able. It's so much fun!

I agree! That's why I never even see the point of considering the question.

[yanks4]

Originally Posted by G1911

When I die. Or economic catastrophe. Possibly WWIII. No plan to ever sell, retiring and then getting rid of my hobbies seems to waste the joy of all that free time when the time comes. Leaving my loved ones valuables to sell and profit immensely from hardly feels like an unfair or undue burden placed upon them.

……

[90feetaway]

I'm not that much older than the OP so have a number of good years left collecting even though I take pauses. Everytime I think I'm out, the hobby pulls me back in.

[Mike Eisenbath]

Conversation today with 12-year-old grandson after he asked about my favorite Chicago buys and if that still was worth it despite the fact I picked up covid...and then he asked whether I ever would sell

I told him no, that I'll leave selling to his grandma, my kids and all the gkids when I die

"Why would we ever sell something you loved collecting so much?"

Yep, he's moving up on the list of beneficiaries

Sent from my SM-S921U using Tapatalk

[doug.goodman]

Tomorrow if somebody gives me a decent price on it all.

[doug.goodman]

But, I'll start again on Friday...

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I've begun selling off a fair amount.
I think at the end of my life the times I spent at the beach and exploring the world will be more meaningful that the things in my safe.

Not an either/or, is it? And what if your memory goes, you won't remember those things but every day will be a new adventure with your stuff!

[Johnny630]

Till the bitter end clutching the cards!!!

[LEHR]

I collect/dabble in a lot of things and have a lot of interests, so I'm positive I'll always collect something till my last breath. With that being said, even if I remain healthy I can see myself possibly selling the bulk at some point just to simplify life for my wife/family once I'm gone. Hopefully, I've got a good 20+ years before I have to seriously start thinking about that.

[jchcollins]

I'm in my late 40's. I've pondered the "reasonable answer" on paper, in theory - to a question like this.

In theory, once the daughters are grown and out of the house and through college, and retirement comes up on the horizon - I've considered the idea that I may sell the bulk of what's valuable, and put that money into travel (my wife's hobby, but one that's growing heavily on me as well).

However, for that theory to become reality - it would have to be at an age where I don't get the bang for the buck collecting enjoyment out of my stuff every single day anymore - and I can tell you that's not now, and nor is it gonna be anytime soon. If I'm 70 one day and still get as much of a ride out of my collection as i do right now - I can tell you I'm going to be hard pressed to sell much of anything to purchase plane tickets to Europe...

I think my wife already knows this about me, and that fact in itself is sometimes interesting to ponder...

[darwinbulldog]

My best guess is it'll be whatever year I retire, but no one should be too surprised if you find me still adding to the collection a decade later.

[Brent G.]

I'm 51 and hope to have a long way to go (although I've already lost too many good friends my own age). If my health starts to fail and I'm on my way out, I'll sell it all off so my wife and kids don't have to do the work. If I drop dead tomorrow, I have a running sheet of every card/collectible I own and market value (also used for insurance purposes), so that'd give them something to work with.

[Fuddjcal]

[QUOTE=Mike Eisenbath;2532580]Conversation today with 12-year-old grandson after he asked about my favorite Chicago buys and if that still was worth it despite the fact I picked up covid...and then he asked whether I ever would sell

I told him no, that I'll leave selling to his grandma, my kids and all the gkids when I die

"Why would we ever sell something you loved collecting so much?"

Yep, he's moving up on the list of beneficiaries

Great answer

[glchen]

For me, I think the short answer is that I'll stop collecting when I need the money. The most likely time that would happen would be when I retire, especially if I retire before I decide to collect social security or 401k. If I don't need the money, I'll probably continue to collect until the bitter end.

[Kutcher55]

I figured this would be a morbid thread and was not disappointed.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Kutcher55

I figured this would be a morbid thread and was not disappointed.

Can't take it with you.

[jefferyepayne]

When the coroner rips that Nagurski rookie card out of my cold, stiff hands ...

[mortimer brewster]

Shortly after I take my last breath.

[Leon]

Probably when, if ever, I quit having fun. Life is too short (morbid for us older guys) to do something you don't like.

And a card.. with candy stains on back

[Balticfox]

Keep in mind as well that most non-collectors spend their money on far worse. There but for the grace of our collecting compulsion go we!

[Vintagecatcher]

I have completely enjoyed my journey of collecting catcher cards. As many have stated, the "hunt" is a key part of the energy that drives the collecting engine. Building relationships with other collectors and dealers has also been an enjoyable part of the process.

At 65, I realize how precious every day is that we have to collect. The increasing frequency of seeing fellow collectors and dealers passing away way too soon drives this point home!

Every day we have to collect is a blessing!

Patrick

[steve B]

I haven't quit, but have slowed down a lot the past few years.
I have a collection that's pretty big and includes a lot of more modern stuff that I bought a few packs of and just didn't get into. Plus a lot of random duplicates.
That stuff will go first.
My wife and kids know some things, but I need to write up what's what so they'll know.
There's a handful of things I also need to write up so they know what they are and why they're special to me - Those I hope they keep. I may gift them so they don't have to be sold if the alzheimers I expect eventually comes.

I haven't bought new cards in a while. Maybe the Topps Christmas, and a box of way pre big leagues prospects my daughter got me for fathers day.
Almost bought a box yesterday, but it just didn't seem like $30 worth of fun.

[skelly423]

When I'm done.

[akleinb611]

Simple. When I complete my want list. Of course, since my T206 list includes Wagner and Doyle, and since my Goudey list includes Lajoie, and since my 1952 Topps list includes Mantle, and since my M114 list includes pieces that haven’t even been discovered…you see the problem.

[Zach Wheat]

Probably never stop collecting, will just keep upgrading the sets.

[ChiefBeef]

Since a bad back prevents me from doing things I would like to do (go to card shows, shooting range, fishing, actual ball games - cannot walk or stand more than 15 minutes free of pain ) I will keep on as the mailbox is close!

[ullmandds]

I have lots of collections and I will never stop collecting!

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by akleinb611

Simple. When I complete my want list. Of course, since my T206 list includes Wagner and Doyle, and since my Goudey list includes Lajoie, and since my 1952 Topps list includes Mantle, and since my M114 list includes pieces that haven’t even been discovered…you see the problem.

The Lajoie is a card that gets little attention, relatively speaking. I can't remember the last time it came up in discussions. When i started it was one of the holy trinity of prewar, with the T206's of Wagner and Plank.