Money in the Hobby

[rjackson44]

Agree with Steve ,,

[Exhibitman]

We've all got flip stories, Steve. Many of us have also won a round or two of PSA lotto (I just took a risk on a raw card that came back an 8 and parlayed $90 plus a grade fee into $750, if the card was to go for sale, which it isn't). I even pulled a pricey insert card out of a pack once (1997 Topps, pulled the Jeter signed insert; still one of my favorite cards).



My point isn't so much that money isn't/shouldn't be a concern as it is that the obsession over what card collecting will be like in 10-20-30 years from now based on financial concerns is just a bit silly in the context of a pasttime. Unless you (the hypothetical "you", not you specifically) are making a living on this, the idea of this should be a diversion from work and money and other real world concerns, as Burdick says in the intro to the ACC. If you're going to replicate the financial stress of retirement planning, get out of cards, put the money that 'has to' work for you in equities, and go to a stock chatroom instead of here.

[Stampsfan]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

...If you're going to replicate the financial stress of retirement planning, get out of cards, put the money that 'has to' work for you in equities, and go to a stock chatroom instead of here.

+1.

Separate that money. I'm a pretty avid golfer, but I don't buy a new driver or wedge every year. I'd rather buy cards. However I have buddies that spend money on new clubs of some sort every year. That is where they choose to spend their extra cash. Their retirement money is not tied up in clubs, and I'm sure they don't sit around hoping the M1 driver they bought a few years ago is worth more today than it was. It doesn't even enter into the discussion.

I bought cards before the big money got in. I'll buy cards after the "crash" that so many folks believe will come. The fact that my hobby has increased in value is simply a pleasant byproduct, but not something I depend on or worry about.

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

My point isn't so much that money isn't/shouldn't be a concern as it is that the obsession over what card collecting will be like in 10-20-30 years from now based on financial concerns is just a bit silly in the context of a pasttime. Unless you (the hypothetical "you", not you specifically) are making a living on this, the idea of this should be a diversion from work and money and other real world concerns, as Burdick says in the intro to the ACC. If you're going to replicate the financial stress of retirement planning, get out of cards, put the money that 'has to' work for you in equities, and go to a stock chatroom instead of here.

+1. Even if you're a "collestor" (Steve's #3), your retirement money should be primarily in other areas where it can work for you. If your collection turns out to appreciate in value, great; if not, you'll have your other avenues going for you.

Best to all,

Larry

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ls7plus

+1. Even if you're a "collestor" (Steve's #3), your retirement money should be primarily in other areas where it can work for you. If your collection turns out to appreciate in value, great; if not, you'll have your other avenues going for you.

Best to all,

Larry

I have found a balanced approach is best for me, as others have alluded to also.

.

[Rhotchkiss]

I am most definately a #3 on steve’s list above. I love cards, and have been collecting on and off my whole life, but my collecting now is much more focused on long term appreciation, as I view cards as an alternative investment. Again, I believe the upside is long term and I expect to keep most of the cards I acquire for 10+ years, and with a little luck, I will sell when I want to (not because I have to). I also focus primarily on the blue-chip - Cobb, Wagner, Jackson, Ruth, rare back t206 and t206 HOFers, etc. I have seen great cards of great players (Clemente, mantle, Rose, Aaron), retain their value and go up a lot over the past 30+ years, and I believe (strongly) that will continue - although I am banking this time around on the 50 year older versions of the aforementioned list.

[Touch'EmAll]

Bingo - balanced approach, aka diversification. They belong as a part of my overall portfolio. To me, YES, cards are investment. Trust me, if I thought cards will decrease in value, I would stop. Kind of a trick though - which cards are good cards for investment? My guess, like so many here are vintage higher end upper tier HOFers.

[MVSNYC]

Adam- great, rookie-era Jeter sig.

[mark evans]

I agree with those who advise against buying cards for their investment value.
I believe that the past performance of cards is no indication of their future performance. The fact that '52 Mantles have gone through the roof over the last 20 years is no indication that they will continue to increase in value, or even maintain their value, over the next 20 years in my opinion.

[JeffPrice]

The best of the best is the safest bet in my opinion. Art, Porsches, coins, etc. the high end has always been the safest and has highest return for decades. Now with said in cards I'm talking low- low pops. A Hank Aaron 10 will always have enough buyers with crazy money who want it. An Aaron 8 on the other hand will fluctuate with the economy /market.