Is it worth starting a collection?

Of anything? In my case, I really would like to start collecting Gundam figurines, but money is tight (since I'm still not of working age yet..most money still comes from parents :p) and I mostly use that money to either buy a new laptop, camera or MP3 player every year (stupid disposable electronics...it's a cycle. Right after I replace my laptop (average life is around 2-3 years of heavy use), my MP3 player breaks/battery life is ridiculously short, or my camera needs to be replaced as well).

There's also the pros and cons of a collection. On one hand, it looks good, but on the other, it doesn't really do anything other than looking good...

What do you guys think?

BTW sorry for all the parentheses; it's a habit I developed to insert non related ideas into a paragraph.

A real collection comes about because someone likes the collectables more than anything else. If you are not interested in giving up other things for the collection, then it is not very important to you, therefore it is a bad idea. If you really wanted a colection, you would have one, without asking anyone else about it.

yes starting collections are worth it. They not only serve for an excellent outlet for creativity but they also may provide money from an unexpected source. I collect Fashion dolls and some are mine go for $300 sometimes $400 on ebay. But they only increase in value because these were made in limited quantities. So if you are thinking about a collection check ebay I collect Fashion Royalty dolls.

Collecting should be FUN and give you something to do. you DON"T have to spend a fortune on your collection.
Set rules for yourself... What you want (be specific) & how much to spend.
then the challenge begins... find them at flea markets, yard sales, etc. and HAGGLE your price. as you build your collection you not only stay within your spending but it becomes a great acomplament to you

if you think you should start collecting them then you should and when you get sik of them sell them p.s dont take them out of the packet

I think one thing you need to ask yourself is 'why' you want to start a collection. It is for fun, to attempt to later have something valuble, something to pass on later in life...etc. That is the question you need to answer first.

If it is something you like...go for it. I have a collection that was started in high school, and love even today. It eventually helped me to earn a living doing something that I love. ( nothing better than NOT dreading going to work each day )

If it is to make money..well........that's a difficult one. Sometimes what we think will be of value later isn't, while something trivial we threw away years ago is now priceless.
It's a gamble, good luck!

Saving things to pass on later is a gamble as well. Who knows what your family ( children, etc..) will think or want 20+ years from now. ( pity to save that great collection of chess sets and have them sold at a yard sale )

I guess the real thing falls back to the 'why'. It isn't important to have one, unless it's important to you. If it IS important to you, well, the 'should I' should revert to a 'could I'. DO IT!
( as mentioned in an earlier reply...you can always stop later if it doesn't suit you, and chances are there is someone that will want it that you can sell the collection to! )

I hope that helps, and happy collecting! ( If you decide to )