Published September 06, 2025 | By Dr. Aakar (Rick) Shah, D.O., Collectors MD Referral Network

As collectors—whether it’s trading cards, stamps, coins, memorabilia, or even toys—there is one word that defines the hobby: passion. Passion drives us to seek, to search, to acquire. But there’s an important distinction—don’t let that passion consume you.

In my first conversation with Collectors MD on The Collector's Compass podcast, I shared the CAGE screening questionnaire as a simple tool to recognize when collecting may be crossing into unhealthy territory. If you find yourself answering positively to even 2 of the 4 elements of CAGE, that’s a sign it may be time to step back.

The adapted CAGE Questionnaire for Collecting—a simple four-question screen to help identify when collecting behaviors may be shifting from passion to compulsion—can serve as a useful tool for taking self inventory.

Here are a few ways that practice has helped me personally:

1. Take a step back—without quitting entirely.
Stepping back doesn’t have to mean quitting cold turkey. For some, that extreme measure may be possible, but for most, it’s not sustainable. Instead of buying a full case or half-case of a new release, try buying just a few packs or a single box. It lets you enjoy the thrill without diving headfirst into financial or emotional overload.

2. Set a budget.
Pick a percentage of your disposable income—or a fixed amount—that won’t impact essential bills or responsibilities. Maybe that’s $500 for the month. Hold yourself accountable to that boundary. If you stick to it, that’s a genuine win.

3. Listen to loved ones.
Spouses, kids, parents, or friends may notice patterns you don’t. If they say your habits are getting to be “too much,” try not to get defensive. Their words may be hard to hear, but often they come from love and concern. Open communication is key.

4. Try “hobby fasting”.
Take a week each month away from the hobby. No ripping, no buying, no scrolling. The hobby isn’t going anywhere—your cards will still be there when you come back. That break allows your mind, body, and spirit to recalibrate. I did this recently and found it surprisingly refreshing.

The truth is, this hobby is always growing. Supply and demand never sleep, and it’s easy to stumble when the risks—lost money, strained time, even fractured relationships—start to outweigh the joy. But stepping back before stumbling can make all the difference.

For all of you collecting kings and queens out there, stay strong. Remember: you can always reach out to me for guidance, stories, and support—and you can lean on the resources Collectors MD offers to help keep you on the right path.

#CollectorsMD
Passion should fuel your collecting—not consume it. Stepping back before stumbling keeps the hobby a source of joy, not a source of harm.

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