Comments on: Insider: All Good Things…

By: Carl Szalich

Carl Szalich — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:54:03 +0000

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has wished me well on my recovery :*). I’m already starting to feel a little better, and was even able to make it to FNM last night!

About the article, it is indeed a very personal piece, and as Sigmund mentioned the opportunity costs of having the kinds of collections we do sometimes need to be looked at and reevaluated. Not just from a cash perspective, but from a time investment point of view as well. I’m really glad that some of you have taken it to heart, because I know that even I read it over a few more times since having it published and really thought hard about where I am with the game. If nothing else, I hope it has at least added a little more perspective to how we live our lives, magic related or not.

By: douglaslinn

douglaslinn — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:59:10 +0000

I went back and read this again. I love it, thanks for your work, Carl!

By: Merlijn

Merlijn — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:33:10 +0000

Good health to you, Carl. Thanks for the article, I've read it carefully and bookmarked it so I can look back some times later, to reconsider my priorities in life.

By: Sigmund Ausfresser

Sigmund Ausfresser — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:48:21 +0000

This article was written very well and communicated a key point often overlooked. It resonated with me 100%. I often consider the opportunity cost of having a valuable collection. There are many days I look at my valuable cards and wonder if I am truly getting my money’s worth from them, or if I could benefit from having the cash for that family vacation instead. It’s a very difficult balance.

The fact that we even consider this balance, however, is a huge point in our favor. It means this hobby hasn’t become our lifestyle. We can still live our lives outside of this game. That must count for something, right?

You will be missed while you are on sabbatical, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Best of luck!

By: pi

pi — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:44:33 +0000

Impressive.

Hope you feel better soon Carl!

Only continuous debt I have is a mortgage (which was unavoidable) so I cannot really relate to the whole being in debt thing as much as some (actually being in debt is not really an accepted thing in these parts, other than the mortgage that is). I can relate to the parting with cards being a problem or choosing to buy a card rather than something else that you know might have been a better idea or even instead of saving the money for a rainy day. I know one reason I still don't have a car is that I save less than I could (though I would like Corbin go for a used one and pay it off right away).

Anyway, let me repeat myself, a really good piece and hope your recovery is quick!

By: @Chosler88

@Chosler88 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:10:06 +0000

This is without a doubt one of the best, most useful articles I have ever read on here. You're spot-on in everything you said here, and I hope this helps some readers who might be in a similar situation.
My personal experience with debt is that I was introduced to the work of personal finance guru Dave Ramsey in high school and learned to live a certain way. As a result, I am proud to be debt-free. It's not easy, but I promise that driving used cars and saving to pay for things in cash is worth it at the end of the month when your money is not on its way out to someone else.
On a different note, I've enjoyed all your work and wish you a quick recovery. Already looking forward to reading your work again.