I'm in financial trouble-what would you do?

[joeadcock]

Tomman

Agreed, I would sell them and get them back later(if possible). Think also of losing my collection that has taken years. But I believe that is why I have it, that I will part with it when necesary, for health, kids, etc.

Will pray for you also.

I agree with Jay. Excellently said.

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

"We don't own these cards (& collectibles) we just hold them for awhile"

In the long run, we do just hold onto them for awhile, as everything else, including our lives. It is what we do with what we have that matters.

[Centauri]

Well, sorry to hear of your financial difficulties. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. My newly-wed wife destroyed most of my top cards (50's-60's HOF'ers) after an argument. But we are still married 20 years later. They are just a hobby - life is higher priority.

2. It hurts to let em go sometimes, but it is really fun to try and chase them down again.

3. IMO, it is not worth keeping the stuff while being stressed out and worried about finances.

[Gradedcardman]

There is always more cardboard to find when things are better. Prioritize and sell accordingly but certainly sell if you need too.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Centauri

1. My newly-wed wife destroyed most of my top cards (50's-60's HOF'ers) after an argument. But we are still married 20 years later. They are just a hobby - life is higher priority.

Another benefit to slabbing. Angry spouse-proof.

[MyGuyTy]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Another benefit to slabbing. Angry spouse-proof.

Not if she has a hammer

[GehrigFan]

On some of the more memorable cards, try to get a high quality image - you can blow it up to a color 8x10 and frame it for the memories. I know a guy who does this with his autographed magazines and such, so he can store the actual items of value safely, yet display an image in the office. Just a thought.

[T206Collector]

The cardboard may be for sale, but the memories will stay with you forever. They are not inseparable, and the memories are holding all of the true value.

[brian1961]

Dear Tomman 1961,

A man must do what he must. Close your eyes and contemplate what will happen if you sell, and if you do not sell. If you see disaster ahead, do not wait to sell. Plan it carefully. Yes, it will be very hard, and you will miss them. However, refer to my first sentence, a quote of Sir Winston Churchill.

As Jay Wolt and some others advised, make high quality scans; this is something that could not be done years ago. For some cards, high quality reprints abound that offer 90% of the eye candy, with no strings attached.

We love you, collecting bro. This is a tough situation. I know I miss my 52 Topps Mickey Mantle, but I had to raise money for a down payment on a house. My situation was not life-threatening though, and I certainly acknowledge that.

But most of all I just want to say I'm very, very sorry about what has happened to you. A brotherly hug to you from my wife and I. --Brian Powell

[ullmandds]

I echo the sentiment of the others...they're just cards...and in the grand scheme of things are inconsequential compared to health, family and livelihood.

The memories will live...and you can keep and enjoy the scans forever.

[Leon]

Maybe you could hang onto a couple of the lower value cards that still have great sentimental value? That way you get the money and still have a few cards (albeit lower value but who cares) for the memories. We (me too) are all passionate about our cardboard but it's just that, cardboard. I have already sold some that meant a lot to me because of financial issues several years ago. Had I not sold them I would have had to sell my house and declare bankruptcy. I kept my favorite one from that focus and have 0 sellers remorse. In the not too distant future I will be selling some more to pay for my daughters college. And there are currently 5 guys outside my house working on it for some greatly needed cosmetic repairs. I sold my T206 back run recently (again minus a few I really like the most) to finance it. I use my cards for my benefit and am not shy about it. Life is too important to stress when there are ways around it. Good luck and I hope the best for you. We'll still be here for ya' and you are still a part of our community, cards or not.

[4815162342]

It breaks my heart to read this Tomman. As has been previously said, faith, family, and health come way before cards. I'll be praying that you find another (good paying) job quickly.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. -- 1 Peter 5:6-7

[irishdenny]

Originally Posted by MyGuyTy

Not if she has a hammer

oR She gives em a bath... ohhh the thought of it...
Okay... Open Your Eyes... That was 20 years ago and She's much wiser now

[Bridwell]

Sorry to hear of your situation. Wishing you all the best for your health and for your family whatever you decide.

I'd take pictures of the cards, or scans, and then sell them. You should get a good price this year, and cashing in after all this time is part of the good memories of the collecting experience you had. When things get better you can make some new memories...

[DHogan]

My wife is disabled with MS. I told my wife I would sell all of my cards if it was needed to pay for her hospital bills. She said no, because they mean too much to me. I would sell my cards and my soul if it would do any good. It's a hard thing to deal with when we already lost most of our life savings to qualify for Medicaid. Cards are replaceable.

[Thirteen]

Best of luck Tom - I concur with everyone else about the path laid out for you. I was told I needed to find another job last year and one of the first things I did was make a quick list of my card assets and estimated how much that would help. I was extremely fortunate - even lucky - to have things work out and be able to stay with my company, but that scare has certainly changed my perspective going forward.
Another suggestion along with taking hi-res scans of everything is to make a photo book of your complete set(s) or special cards. Maybe even write some stories about the special memories you have of the cards in the book so they'll always be with you.
Best Regards,
Dave

[joeadcock]

Dave

Originally Posted by DHogan

My wife is disabled with MS. I told my wife I would sell all of my cards if it was needed to pay for her hospital bills. She said no, because they mean too much to me. I would sell my cards and my soul if it would do any good. It's a hard thing to deal with when we already lost most of our life savings to qualify for Medicaid. Cards are replaceable.

Sorry
I will pray also for you and your wife

[Tomman1961]

Many of you have asked about the Clemente through personal messages. I do not know why, but as I answer your messages, I get an error of not sent. Sorry-but I have - and will continue to reply. Months ago when the Clemente was still mine, someone made an offer. Shortly after my post, I started to see the replies. Sell. I sold the Clemente that day for a nice sum.

[DHogan]

Originally Posted by joeadcock

Dave




Sorry
I will pray also for you and your wife

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[jbsports33]

you may need to understand that cards can be replaced and I understand it can be hard. Maybe down the road your health gets better and you are in a better situation. I pray for you and your family and anyone else that has had to deal with tough situations. Collecting, buying and selling makes me happy as well and that is good for your health too! but do it at a time that you can enjoy it and sell everything you can to get back on track

Good Luck!

Jimmy

[CW]

I wish you the best with your financials, and with your health especially.

Good luck!

[tbob]

Originally Posted by Centauri

Well, sorry to hear of your financial difficulties. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. My newly-wed wife destroyed most of my top cards (50's-60's HOF'ers) after an argument. But we are still married 20 years later. They are just a hobby - life is higher priority.

This reminds me of the guy who had arguably the best collection of Zeenuts east of Mark Macrae and beautiful sets of most pre-war caramel and tobacco cards with a collection which ultimately sold over for a million dollars about 15 years ago. He kept his cards in an air-conditioned basement in his house and his wife became furious at him about something and threatened to open the windows, insert the garden hose and flood the basement. Yikes!!! True story. He no longer has the cards, don't know about the wife :-)

[ethicsprof]

Originally Posted by joeadcock

Tomman

Agreed, I would sell them and get them back later(if possible). Think also of losing my collection that has taken years. But I believe that is why I have it, that I will part with it when necesary, for health, kids, etc.

Will pray for you also.

I agree with Jay. Excellently said.


In the long run, we do just hold onto them for awhile, as everything else, including our lives. It is what we do with what we have that matters.

very well said, Frank and Jay.
My prayers for the OP are offered now and will continue.
all the best,
barry