Collecting is a great pastime and hobby, especially when it revolves around something nostalgic and special in your life. In some cases it revives old childhood memories and in others it's the beginning of a lifelong enjoyment. At FED USA Gaming, we specialize in collectible cards, toys, and hobbies, but really the advice below can apply to whatever you are looking to collect. So, enjoy the article and follow your unique passion!

1. Set Goals

If you are looking to start a collection, the first item on your list should be to set some goals. To use card collecting as an example; ask yourself what set do I want to collect? What conditions or types of cards do I want to purchase? Goals can be just about anything, but they are super important in building a collection because they provide discipline around your purchases. Also - ask yourself if you want to set serious goals or fun goals. Is your collection just for the fun of the hobby or are you looking to purchase something that may increase in value in the future. Regardless of goal, choose something that inspires you! Here's one Pokemon Youtuber who's goal is to collect 1 million Bidoof Cards. Here's a site for folks who collect and purchase the artwork from the game Magic the Gathering. Setting goals is really a critical step as you start any collection.

2. Have a Budget and Stick to It

So you've set your goals and are starting to collect, but how do you execute on this new plan. The key is to set a budget and stick to it. Time and time again impulse purchases and overspending take a fun, enjoyable collecting experience and derail it. The last thing you want to do is accumulate a large collection and have to desperately sell it one day because of unforeseen expenses. Set a monthly budget for your hobby collection in the same way that you budget for other expenses (rent, food, etc). If you are eyeing an item above your budget limit, hold back purchases for a few months and save up for that special item, it will make it that much more enjoyable when you can achieve the collection you've been slowly building.   

3. Participate in the Community

One of the best things about building a collection is participating in a community of individuals who have similar interests. You can build new friendships or learn about facets of the hobby you didn't know much about before. As a game store, we frequently read blogs, watch youtubers, and spend time with our customers and it enriches the entire experience of collecting. For Pokemon, some great sites to stay in touch with the community include Pokemon TCG Reddit, PokeBeach, and Bulbapedia. Participating in the community will educate you on the hobby and help you set and achieve your goals.