Coin show dilemma

As to going to a coin show with little to no available funds. There is an individual I know that collects coins and is about 70 years old. He lives on SS and that is not much when you have a house and he does. Yet I see him at all the coin shows in this area and at all the flea markets too. He usually walks around with his hands in his pockets and just looks, looks, looks. I've asked him why he never purchases anything and he says not enough money. However, as an Numismatist, there is always something to learn, people to meet, coins to look at that you wish you had. No it's not frustrating unless you feel that way about a 10 million dollar house, a 500,000 dollar car, an upside down airplane stamp, etc. There are many, many things in life most of us can not afford but that doesn't mean we should stop looking, dreaming, wishing does it?
Some of us have had serious illinesses but we still do what we want to continue living and if not, then there is not much left. I've gone through stage 4 Cancer and still continue to collect coins. That illness drained me too of a lot monitarily, but as long as there are coin shows, I'll go.

 

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You're an inspiration Carl; you've got me out of my cave.

 

They have a way of cutting into the coin budget seriously. In the next few years I see my voluminous coin and banknote accumulations fluttering away to pay for colleges etc.

 

If anything like my experiences with taking children to shows, they come out with more booty than I do usually. There are lots and lots of dealers wanting to give them stuff, or do things like swap a buck for a silver dollar or something. My five year old absolutely loves money in all it's forms, and her collection is starting to get pretty good, she has the largest paper money, the oldest, she owns gold coins etc. She might possibly have the numismatic affliction more than myself.

 

I would avoid the show at all costs. Take your daughter to the park, watch a couple Sponge Bob videos with her, get out the crayons and draw some pictures on the kitchen table. Quality family time is much more important than window shopping and the temptation of things you can't afford right now.

It's been suggested you scrap together $30-$50 for the show. If you can scrap that together, the best use for it would be food and shelter. We all have to make sacrifices during these times and non-esstentials (coins), while fun and enjoyable, don't provide you with basic needs.

 

Inspirarional Indeed! Too many times we worry about what we don't have rather than taking stock in what we do have.....

 

When I was getting my family started and my expenses equaled my income, I faithfully attended the local shows just to see what was hot and to keep my contacts alive. I'd generally take odds and ends to sell/swap, but usually kept what I had with me....

 

First, sorry to hear about the struggles, I hope they are brief.

Second... sure, go to the show ! It will prove there are many reasons to go other than buying and selling. Chatting up friends and growing relationships is one good reason. Plus, you can continue your learning curve and keep your grading skills sharp.

 

You bring up some very valid points. I know the realities of temptation overriding common sense, especially when it comes to me and coin shows! I made my mind up to leave my wallet in the car if I for sure go. My daughter comes first over my coin addiction, so if she decides we should stay home, I can probably live with it. I'll just have to put a gift certificate for the local coin shop on my Christmas list this year instead.

 

Sorry to bring back this old post again, but I've decided to skip the coin show today. It is not an easy decision to make, but I know I am making the right choice. I just don't trust myself to avoid buying a few nice Barber Halves. Hopefully I'll get a gift certificate for Christmas, or will have a few bucks saved for the spring show. Thanks to all who responded, giving wonderful insight and wisdom. Sorry to those who I've let down by not taking their advice, but I feel I'm doing the right thing for now.