We Americans love our collections. Ask most anyone you know and they will admit to collecting something, either now or at some point in the past. According to Google, these are the ten most popular:
Comic Books. …
Coins and Currency. …
Classic Cars. …
Trading Cards. …
Dolls and Toys. …
Stamps. …
Wine. …
Fine Art and Jewelry. Fine art and jewelry are lumped together because they are both highly personal collectibles.
And if you find those dull and ordinary, here are some of the most exotic collections:
Toenail clippings
Belly button fluff
ABC gumball
Daleks (yes, I had to look it up too)
Airline barf bags
‘Do Not Disturb’ hotel signs
There’s even one man who collects autographs. Not so unusual you say? It is if you ask celebrities to write your name! Paul Schmelzer has done it over 70 times.
You really must read the article to learn how they justify these collections! CLICK HERE to read.
Some people choose to invest by collecting items that will increase in value. Of those, the best is fine art followed by rare coins, jewelry and gems, and thoroughbred horses. But face it – most of us are not in that league.
We once did a downsizing presentation for a small audience in Macomb. When we asked them what would be the hardest to let go we got one of the most common answers: dishes. Assuming the attendee meant fine china, I asked why it was so special. Before she could speak, the friend sitting next to her said that it was because she had been collecting them for so long. She added that her friend was especially proud of the fact that she had twelve matching salad bowls… (drumroll please)… 16oz Cool Whip containers.
For those of you who thought your collection of Thomas Kinkade, Roseville Pottery, or Coca-Cola memorabilia would take care of you in retirement, here is a link that will surely disappoint.
So what do you have in multiple quantities collecting dust? If you are ready to downsize – and ready to get rid of it, who ya gonna call? Golden Bridges!
Susan Scholz, Partner
Golden Bridges