What kind of budget or money do you spend

[Jewish-collector]

Fortunately or unfortunaly, I probably spend, arguably the least amount of money on sports collectibles than anyone on this message board. Is that OK ? Does it make me a bad person ?

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Fortunately or unfortunaly, I probably spend, arguably the least amount of money on sports collectibles than anyone on this message board. Is that OK ? Does it make me a bad person ?

I bought a bunch of vintage cards raw when I was 20 or so and keep recycling the money made on those cards over and over...never any new money just the same money I had in from when I was 20..

[rhettyeakley]

I personally have an unwritten agreement with my wife that family money is "family money" so what I make from my regular job goes to "the family" and I don't use that in any way to buy cards. That being said anything I make selling things in the hobby on the side is mine to do with as I please, so if I sell items on ebay or to a forum member she doesn't expect to see that money in our family bank account (I do often spend "card money" on them but it isn't expected.) We have never really argued about money as it pertains to how much I spend on cards because of this agreement. This wouldn't work for everyone as all wives are not created equal, but it works for us.

There are members on this forum that spend anywhere from $0 (as they are mainly observers and not really collectors anymore) to those among us that have nearly unlimited funds they can utilize on a whim (enough to buy the T206 Wagner several times over). The diversity on this forum is something that makes it great!

[pokerplyr80]

No set budget for me. I collect both pre and post war and if I see a card I like at a price that seems far and I can afford I pick it up. Or if it's one I can't really afford or justify the cost to acquire I may sell other cards to get it.

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

No set budget for me. I collect both pre and post war and if I see a card I like at a price that seems far and I can afford I pick it up. Or if it's one I can't really afford or justify the cost to acquire I may sell other cards to get it.

This is exactly what I do^^

It all comes down to if my bank account is at a comfortable state. If it's dragging a little too low, I wait a while and let it replenish. The only exception is if I see a steal on a card and I'll make due and buy it.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by freakhappy

This is exactly what I do^^

It all comes down to if my bank account is at a comfortable state. If it's dragging a little too low, I wait a while and let it replenish. The only exception is if I see a steal on a card and I'll make due and buy it.

+1

[obcbobd]

This might work best as an anonymous poll, if that is possible.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

I bought a bunch of vintage cards raw when I was 20 or so and keep recycling the money made on those cards over and over...never any new money just the same money I had in from when I was 20..

I am lucky like Jake. I don't think I have spent a penny on cards ever. I was given a stack of early/mid 60's cards when I was a little kid and as a teenager actually got into collecting. I sold a few to begin with and just kept recycling the $ by selling what I no longer like for new stuff I got to have.

[Laxcat]

I also have a plethora of cards on hand that I sell and trade to get what I want. I generally use about 60% of sales to buy more stuff, usually lots. I keep a few choice pieces for myself then sell/trade the rest in an ongoing cycle.

I find myself having to take breaks from it. Like April, April sounds nice.

I do however set aside about $1000 a month to buy something to add to my collection.

[mechanicalman]

Like others have done, I'm not sure it's prudent to state an amount, but rather the philosophy of budgeting. I plan on spending as much as I can without making one, even insignificant, sacrifice or compromise in my daily life. Bills, food, vacation, etc. come first. It just so happens I don't have expensive tastes in material goods like clothes, watches, etc. so I'm fine wearing Old Navy hoodies if it means having a Cobb in the safe. Finally, I firmly believe that the cards I collect (all pre-war, mostly HoF, mid-grade) are perfectly liquid, so I see it as the equivalent of putting money in a savings account or T-bill. Thst helps me justify the spend for my wife and me.

[Fred]

The equivalent of at least 500,000 Burundian Francs will be spent this year on OJs. And that would be a so-so OJ....

Very interesting question.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

I bought a bunch of vintage cards raw when I was 20 or so and keep recycling the money made on those cards over and over...never any new money just the same money I had in from when I was 20..

If that's a true story, it's pretty cool Jake!

[glynparson]

Probably more than I should.

[GaleClark23]

Reading these responses of where members are "self-funding" their buying for collections. I have built my entire home "gym" in such fashion......BUT.......not sure where to start such a strategy with cards.

What would you experienced veterans suggest for a new collector that wants to proceed in such fashion????

(1) What specific cards should I focus on if resale is my focus?
(2) How much should I be willing to spend on such cards (as a % of book price)?
(3) What about resale?

Any insights would be appreciated and could keep me in the hobby before my wife takes a bigger notice of what Im spending

[drcy]

In pesos it sounds like a lot

[Laxcat]

Originally Posted by GaleClark23

Reading these responses of where members are "self-funding" their buying for collections. I have built my entire home "gym" in such fashion......BUT.......not sure where to start such a strategy with cards.

What would you experienced veterans suggest for a new collector that wants to proceed in such fashion????

(1) What specific cards should I focus on if resale is my focus?
(2) How much should I be willing to spend on such cards (as a % of book price)?
(3) What about resale?

Any insights would be appreciated and could keep me in the hobby before my wife takes a bigger notice of what Im spending

Let me restate: bills come first. As for $$$ amount. I buy most items for my collection here. So I'm comfortable stating it. A bunch of yall already know that.

I started with tons of cards that were purchased, paid for, and profited on.

As for buying lots: that's it. Do it. If you are looking to fund your collection through reselling, redundant I know, buy lots.

Set a price at the beginning and don't budge from it. If you decide to spend X more on stuff than you wanted, even if it's $5, it adds up quick.

Don't get caught up buying a lot to get a card for you. If the point is to fund your collection you should buy first with intention of selling it all. After you purchase it then see if there is anything you can't live without.

These work for me. Maybe not everyone.

[buymycards]

If I see something somewhere that fits my collection and the price is right, I will buy it, but it depends on many factors.

A few years ago I sold my collection of over 200 T206's and over 100 T205's to help out one of my children.

During this past year, 3 of my grandchildren graduated from high school and entered college. I helped them all financially so they could make it through their first year without getting into debt. So, I cut way back on my card purchases.

Some years I spend quite a lot on cards and some years I cut back. Some years I generate a nice profit and some years I generate a loss if I keep some expensive cards for my collection.

Rick

[ALR-bishop]

I expect to exceed 10,000,000 in Dongs this year

[kmac32]

For my collection, it depends on what comes along card wise. I spent a little more this year as I bought some high dollar T 207 Cubs (serveral Millers and Saiers). Probably will not spend as much this year as other cards I am looking for should not be as expensive. Who knows for sure but if there are not many cards I am looking to add, the National might be in the budget? Do not see that many T207 Napoleon back Cubs around so might take a big venue to find them.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Fortunately or unfortunaly, I probably spend, arguably the least amount of money on sports collectibles than anyone on this message board. Is that OK ? Does it make me a bad person ?

Definitely not a bad person...just least desirable in the eyes of sellers.

Brian