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Message:: [QUOTE="doug5353, post: 2160883, member: 73555"]It's possible the OP asked his question in terms of current financial conditions, i.e., the way the world looks today, is this a "bad time" to start a discretionary hobby?  That requires a different answer. "Median household net worth in the United States has followed this pattern over the past decade, increasing from $81,821 in 2000 to $106,585 in 2005 (an increase of $24,764 or 30 percent) and then decreasing to $68,828 by 2011 (a decrease of $37,757 or 35 percent)." Overall, median household net worth decreased by $12,993, or 16percent, between 2000 and 2011..."  [Census Bureau] This can happen again, and it forces liquidation of a lot of assets.  Every country in the world is technically insolvent, and when the dollar tanks, U.S. housing prices will plummet, foreclosures will again become the new normal, and rents will soar.  That is the essence of the risk factor for any new discretionary expenditure, including small business formations, stocks and bonds, and, yes, even hobbies.  Some coins may prove to be a good hedge against accelerating inflation, but the folks who paid hundreds for a D-CAM silver eagle are screwed.  Choose your specialty carefully.[/QUOTE]