Stamp collecting in particular is a very good hobby. Where "good" is defined as "time consuming, pleasurable and cheap".
Well cheap to most of us. You can spend a lot if you want to, but you don't need to. But finding, and importantly organizing, makes for many restful hours.
My father was an avid collector and spent many hours cataloging his collection.
I will say though that as a whole, a collection (and indeed any collection, not just stamps) has almost zero net value. The cost of selling the collection dwarfs the collection value.
My advice to collectors is to have as much fun -selling- the bits in the collection (-especially- the valuable bits) before you pass. Do Not expect your heirs to sell it; they'll basically take pennies for it just to make it go away.
My father sold (or separated out) everything of value so we could dispose of the rest (basically donated to a dealer) with a clear conscience.
Well cheap to most of us. You can spend a lot if you want to, but you don't need to. But finding, and importantly organizing, makes for many restful hours.
My father was an avid collector and spent many hours cataloging his collection.
I will say though that as a whole, a collection (and indeed any collection, not just stamps) has almost zero net value. The cost of selling the collection dwarfs the collection value.
My advice to collectors is to have as much fun -selling- the bits in the collection (-especially- the valuable bits) before you pass. Do Not expect your heirs to sell it; they'll basically take pennies for it just to make it go away.
My father sold (or separated out) everything of value so we could dispose of the rest (basically donated to a dealer) with a clear conscience.