How do you budget for card spending?

[jgyovai]

I have an issue... most likely a gambling issue... but I like to call it a 'hockey card' issue.

Every time I save up some money, I buy a case or two of hockey cards but rather than keep the cards, I IMMEDIATELY freak out about the money I spent and then sell the cards. It sucks, because I've had so many great cards over the years and nothing to show for it. I'm terrible at hanging onto cards. What are your secrets/tips?

[scarrman]

There are no secrets or tips, it's an addiction. I am not able to budget, rather I overspend frequently. I do not freak out about the money or cards, instead everything piles up. It is all neatly sorted, catalogued, and organized - I find some joy in pulling out a random box and going through it. There are certainly "some cards" I enjoy, but a lot of junk piles up as well.

As far as the spending, I started putting reminders in my Outlook, a simple "No" header is a daily reminder to not buy cards. Longest I went was 5 weeks, pretty remarkable considering twice a week was typical. When I do break down, I show the dollars I spent as a reminder, I guess to shame myself. I actually have found my spending has gone down considerably, but when I fall off the wagon it is not good.

Currently at Day 12. Yes, I have a problem.

Good luck in finding something that works for you.

[Maggot]

I can relate. I've found that selling the base cards and trading the hits of players I don't collect helps keep the clutter down and recoup some funds while still fulfilling the desire to collect. I know what you're saying.

[creasecollector]

You definitely need to find a system that works for you. I think with anything we've all overpaid for this or that a few times, and just need to find the ways to help us learn and move on from the cards we can't obtain.

To start, I would say set a low monthy budget and STICK TO IT. That way, you can still buy cards and scratch the itch, but have that budget to keep you on track and help build good spending habits of you must. It will also teach you to say "No" to a few cards, which can be hard, but very necessary if you want to keep having fun in this hobby. The guilt of too much spending is something that doesn't feel good.

This may be a weird piece of advice, but also maybe try googling something like: "How to beat an addiction" or something of the sort, and help apply those tactics to card collecting/budgeting in some way, shape, or form.

Hope this helps!

[jgyovai]

Thanks everyone for the tips!

[canucksfan007]

You speak about busting cases ...... thats your problem right there.

You dont seem to have any collecting goals and therefor just bust wax for the thrill of the potential big pull. If youre simply buying cases and selling everything you arnt really a collector, you are a gambler.

Find out what you like, take the money you would have spent on cases ..... and watch your collection grow for a fraction of the price spending it on ebay, while getting cards you personally hand picked for your collection.

[pwskelly]

Busting cases is in my opinion very expensive and not for the average collector. I choose to either collect certain players or certain sets. On occasion I may purchase an affordable RC of a player I like but not necessarily collect as an investment but for the most part you have to pick what you want to collect and follow it. Most of the time when I bust a case, I do it as part of a group. It's still fun but at a huge fraction of the price. Also, I keep more money to buy the cards I want online or at card shows.

[23seancox]

That problem will be solved cause this upcoming year will be garbage with no big Rookies to chase. Same thing with me and since epack has came around it's gone out of control to the point where I shut down my paypal account so I can't buy anymore!

[clvc0017]

Great topic.

For me, it all comes down to what disposal income I have left after each paycheck. Once it all goes to where it needs to (mortgage, bills, savings,etc) I see what is kicking around and I go from there. That's really how I do it.
If it's a good week and no unforseen expenses come up, I spend a little more but I have never been a big spender even when I had the cash. The most I've ever spent in one month is maybe $300.....one year, I'd say $1200 or so. I really just try to see what boxes I'm interested and buy 1-2 boxes, max. And I never touch stuff like Cup, Premier, or anything high end.

Now, since I've moved out the last 2 years, I've probably spent $1000 or so in total. To help keep it down, what I buy mostly are either single packs (1 or 2 at a time) cheaper group breaks (you can find single box breaks for $4-5) or even a blaster of Series 1 or 2 from my local Walmart for $30. To me, opening a box is much more exciting than opening a pack, but when you have not opening in a while, even a single pack can give you that rush.
Also, I've recently got onto ebay and started to sell stuff I am not interested in, so that's helping me fund purchases for singles that I do want.

[Absolutebeauty]

My plan is simple.

1. Spend more than I earn. Busting cases are my best bet.
2. Sell all at auction on eBay. The quicker the sale, the better the sale.
3. When money runs out, open credit cards and keep going.