We’ve reached a pivotal fork in the road in the hobby.

One path is community, passion, nostalgia, and genuine connection.

The other is unchecked gambling-like mechanics, influencers pushing high-risk products, and constant pressure to chase.

Manufacturers, platforms, and breakers are always marketing something—not just to adults, but to vulnerable and impressionable kids.

This culture has become dangerously normalized, and that’s why we built Collectors MD—a support-first space for anyone who’s felt the mental, emotional, or financial toll of the hobby.

Huge thanks to Alijah (@hoosier_pulls) for opening up his platform for this critical conversation.

Watch the full discussion now on Hoosier Pulls’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saQbJIx0h1o&t=241s

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

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Published August 10, 2025 | By Sean H, Collectors MD Advocate

A truth hurts for a minute. A lie hurts forever.

This was one of the first mantras I heard when I started attending Gamblers Anonymous, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Those words are simple—but they hit deep.

When I was addicted to spending money on cards, I kept it hidden. I lied to my wife. I lied to my friends. I lied to myself. I was drowning in shame and embarrassment. And when the truth finally came out, I made a promise: I won’t lie to them again.

For over five months, I stayed clean. I didn’t buy a single card. But last week, that changed.

In a moment of desperation, guilt, and unhappiness, I bought some personal boxes. It didn’t feel good. It wasn’t joyful. But this time, I didn’t hide it. I told my wife. I was honest about my struggle and where my head was at. And you know what? That honesty was a win.

Addiction thrives in silence. Shame grows in secrecy. But healing begins the moment we open up.

I still don’t know if I’ll be able to buy cards again in a healthy way. I’m not sure what recovery looks like long-term. But I do know this: I’m not alone. I have my family. I have my friends. And I have the resources and support of Collectors MD.

If you’re struggling, please hear this: You are not alone.

And if you haven’t told someone yet—if you’re still carrying that weight—there is no better time than now to let it out. The truth might sting for a moment, but it could save your life.

#CollectorsMD
Honesty doesn’t just free you—it connects you to the people who can help you heal.

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This month, we’re proud to feature Travis (@montananorseman)—a true embodiment of what it means to collect with intention. Travis first joined us after being one of two winners in our Collector Appreciation Giveaway #2, but it didn’t take long for him to become a cornerstone member of the Collectors MD community.

He’s been a tremendous supporter, showing up for our weekly peer support meetings without fail, engaging daily in our group chat, and generously sharing his perspective and encouragement with others. Next month, he’ll also be joining us as a guest on The Collector’s Compass.

Travis’s collection is deeply personal—each piece tied to a story, a memory, or someone he loves. From a Tom Selleck card honoring the time he spent watching Quigley Down Under with his grandfather who raised him, to a Cecil Travis card in tribute to his own U.S. Army service and a growing military-themed collection. His ongoing pursuit of the Michael Ray Richardson set is a nod to his Montana roots, while his collection of C.J. Fiedorowicz cards reflects a shared experience of having to step away from a passion due to injury.

Some moments in his collection are once-in-a-lifetime—meeting Matt Hughes, winning a C.J. Stroud signed football from Fanatics and speaking with him live. Others are deeply emotional—like the Messi/Ronaldo and Adam Driver cards he now collects in honor of his best friend, a Marine who took his own life. That collection will one day be passed down to his youngest daughter, so she will always carry a piece of her uncle’s memory.

When we asked Travis what “collecting with intention” means to him, his answer captured our mission perfectly:

“For me, collecting is getting cards that I like and that make me feel happy. They do not need to be expensive, just expressive. They also do not need to impress others as my collection is what makes me feel good, not the world.”

Travis reminds us that collecting at its best is personal, grounded, and meaningful—and that a small act of kindness can have an impact far beyond what we imagine. We’re honored to have him as part of the Collectors MD family.

Below is a glimpse at a few pieces from Travis’s personal collection. Be sure to check out his page and give him a follow!

Travis, thank you for the energy, heart, and perspective you bring to this community—this is what collecting with intention is all about.

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/

Published August 09, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

One of the biggest reasons investing in sports cards—or even the stock market—has become so popular is because it creates the feeling of being directly connected to someone else’s success.

Owning a rookie card of a player you admire can feel like holding a piece of their journey, as if their achievements on the field or court are in some way your victories too. The same goes for investing in a company you respect—you follow their quarterly earnings like you would a box score, celebrating their wins and lamenting their losses.

Sports betting takes that sensation to another level. It’s not just about watching a game anymore—it’s about having a stake in the outcome. Every pitch, every basket, every goal suddenly matters more because your money, pride, and sometimes even your identity are tied to what happens next.

This is why sports betting and alternative investments like cards or collectibles are so captivating: they blend financial risk with emotional investment, turning entertainment into a high-stakes, dopamine-fueled ride.

Part of the magic of sports—and even sports cards—is that it makes us feel like we have a stake in someone else’s success. That rush is powerful… but if you’re wired for obsession, it can become a dangerous game. Enjoy the ride, but know your limits.

The brain responds to this with chemical rewards—dopamine hits every time our “side” wins or our investment gains value. That rush keeps us coming back, chasing the feeling of being right, being rewarded, and being part of something bigger. It’s not just about money—it’s about validation, connection, and excitement.

And here’s the thing: there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. In moderation, it can be fun, thrilling, and even a healthy part of your lifestyle.

But if you have an addictive or obsessive personality, a history of gambling or compulsive behaviors, or know you’re prone to chasing losses or “just one more” wins, you need to proceed with extreme caution. These same mechanics that make the experience more engaging are the ones that can quietly pull you into a cycle you can’t easily escape.

Entertainment is at its best when you’re in control—when you decide the terms of your involvement. So enjoy the games, the markets, and the moments of connection. But set clear boundaries, protect your well-being, and don’t confuse having a stake with staking everything you have.

#CollectorsMD
Even the most exciting ride can be dangerous if you forget to check the brakes.

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Published August 08, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

One of the hardest things to say out loud—sometimes even to ourselves—is: “I think I have a problem.”

In a hobby built on hype, celebration, and curated mail days, admitting that collecting has started to hurt more than it helps can feel like betrayal. To the culture. To your image. To the version of you that once found joy in the chase. But the truth is, many of us have been there—struggling behind the scenes with financial stress, strained relationships, obsessive thoughts, and a shame spiral we didn’t know how to stop.

What keeps so many of us silent? Pride. Embarrassment. Shame. Fear of judgment. The belief that if we just hit that next card—or sell enough to catch up—everything will be fine again. We tell ourselves it’s not that bad. We compare ourselves to someone “worse”. We minimize our struggles so we don’t have to face them.

But eventually, something shifts. Maybe it’s an overdraft notice. A partner’s ultimatum. A pile of unopened mail and unopened wounds. Or maybe it’s just a quiet moment of clarity where you realize: this isn’t who I want to be.

That moment of honesty is scary—but it’s powerful. Because once you name it, you can face it. And once you face it, you can start to heal.

At Collectors MD, we believe that honesty isn’t weakness—it’s the first real act of strength.
It’s what makes space for change.
It’s what turns pain into growth.
And it’s what connects us to one another in a community that sees you, not for what you’ve bought or pulled—but for who you are.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to carry the shame by yourself.

#CollectorsMD
There’s no healing without honesty. And there’s no shame in starting over.

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