The State of The Hobby

With gas prices soaring and inflation rising and the stock market crashing; this is a awkward time to be in the hobby. My advice is to sell the cards that you don't want (even at a loss) and continue to buy the cards that you like (after you have taken care of your financial responsibilities). If you're married with kids especially, make sure your families finances are in order before you drop too much money on cards. Card prices fluctuate for many different reasons just like stocks. That being said if you buy THE GOATS, you're probably going to be in better position during these uncertain economic times. That being said buy what you like, buy what you can afford. If you love the hobby don't stop buying because of the economy, just buy different. Buy cheaper cards, Buy raw cards. Nowadays we're so focused on graded cards that cost hundreds of dollars. You can find the raw cards for much cheaper, even though sometimes it does make sense just to buy it graded. Example "iconic" cards that are known to have reprints are better to buy graded. 

I went to a card show and someone had a nice Big Ben card for $800. He wouldn't budge on the price. The best he could do was $797. I found the same card raw for $50. There is nothing wrong with raw cards. IF you're NEW to the hobby, I would buy raw unless the card is over $100. If you're not careful you could buy a fake. 

Card Shows tend to have really good deals. Ebay tends to have really good deals if the item is being sold as an auction. Check antique shops, you never know what you'll find. Don't follow the crowd, buy what you like and what you can afford. Card prices are coming down some, so go shopping after you've taken care of your bills. You don't want to have to sell a card or cards because your car broke down or because you need a tire. If the card is extremely rare sacrifice for it , if you can easily find it later; don't put yourself in financial trouble. Even if the card comps at $1,200 and the seller is selling it for $900. If you don't have extra money and you don't plan on re-selling it don't buy it. Buy one later when you can afford it. However, if there's only 25 of this card in the world and the price is right... buy it. Then immediately sell some of your more common (easy to find) cards to compensate for the money you spent. Buy smart but don't buy expecting every card to increase in price. Don't be too aggressive or risky if the card isn't extremely rare.

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