Get out of debt (finance rant)

I needed a rant, so I took a topic that's come up multiple times in conversation with viewers, and rambled. Stay for the cards or stay for the chat, whatever works for you :-) Get out of debt, maximize your cashflow, and let that be your engine to begin investing into things in a way most people can't.
#MagicTheGathering #LimitedEditionAlpha #Finance101
I'm Mike, the Alpha Hoarder, and I'm sharing/documenting my wild collection here on YT. Join me while I ramble about old cards and MTG finance, and look at cool stuff.
[e-mail]
Mike the AlphaHoarder @ 375 Carlls Path #73, Deer Park NY 11729

[@monkey39128]

I love these finance talks. Great to hear from someone who's further down the "financial freedom" path than I am.

[@rachao10]

I am very happy when you upload vids. Please keep it up!!

[@Aurinna]

alpha badlands psa 10?! wow thats insane

[@honigson8776]

How is off centered actually a 10? Amazing card though !

[@Awesomeman1578]

I think for alpha there is some forgiveness but only that set just because so many are like that.

[@wuschelbeutel]

this is one of my favorite video of yours. love the advice about caring about the job and working a bit more. for some reason, my wife really wants to buy a house with a mortgage, but i prefer to invest in index funds and rent (especially after watching ben felix's videos on youtube) - we are also in one of the most expensive areas where the rent is double than what is typical and house prices are quadruple what is typical. those alpha duals are beautiful btw.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Every situation is unique, just make sure you run the numbers and account for risk. Personally, I'm partial to home ownership, but in the current market... if you're willing to be active and diligent in your investing, I could see that as a viable strategy as well. Love Alpha duals! Thanks for watching.

[@patrick-ros]

I enjoyed the video. I personally think that self control / being self motivated is one of those fundamental skills we all should strive for. It helps with finance, but also with sticking with whatever makes you happy. Thanks AlphaHoarder.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Indeed... it helps with life in general!

[@whiskeygamesnerdstuff789]

Get out of debt, always great advice.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Easier said than done, but a worthy goal nonetheless

[@lechasseurdemothman]

Awesome cards as always...!

[@magicpesto]

Great to hear audio issues were resolved. I always love just kind of zoning out to these cards, so thank you for that. But also thanks for pointing out that extra payments on a mortgage will eliminate months on the other end. I recently made a spare payment I had been hoping to make, and I found it quite deflating to continue making the same monthly payments thereafter as if nothing changed...It's good to be reminded that not all benefits come with instant gratification.

[@AlphaHoarder]

I tracked it down to an extension cable on my mic 🤦‍♂️

[@BareMetalProgramming]

The reason you're having trouble finding "rock stars" is the value proposition. Why would they work for you instead of starting their own company? Why work for a boss who's spending colossal amounts of money on cardboard when they can spin up their own company and actually get the fruits of their labor?

[@AlphaHoarder]

I suppose it does depend a bit how cynical one's outlook is, but my point is when somebody shows me they care I do everything I can to make it worth their time and their commitment. I don't see business as a chance for me to exploit people for my own gain. I think a properly run business lifts everyone together, and provides value to customers. I've made several people 7-figure rich for the fruits of their labor. Extreme and atypical examples obviously, but true ones.

[@Divinorum2323]

@@AlphaHoarderCapitalism is still in essence an exploitative system and these Alpha cards are no matter how beautiful technically extracted surplus value :D Doesn‘t mean I don‘t believe you or think you are an inherently evil person, just that this system really isn‘t as hellbent on rewarding that „rockstar“ woman working her 12 hour shift as a hospital nurse and class mobility is more systemic than individualistic as you‘re making it out to be imo ^^

[@AlphaHoarder]

Capitalism isn't perfectly optimized, that's true. My wife is an RN and did that work, and moved quickly to nurse manager... and still doesn't make life changing money. You're definitely right about that. Part of that is the lack of scalability of person-to-person type work, it imposes economic limits on those jobs. That makes sense when you think about it, even if it isn't ideal. When properly tuned, though, capitalism on the whole is not zero sum. Value creation converts into time and opportunity and productivity for consumers. That kind of value is worth money because it can and is converted into money in its own right by those consumers. No doubt my own sampling of the situations has a survivorship bias, but I don't think your interpretation is the full picture either. I think it's right to point out the efficiencies of the system, but I think the system as a whole deserves more credit. 🤔

[@Divinorum2323]

@@AlphaHoarder I see your point about scalability and I can also see how one can assume that profit incentives capitalism provides are a good way to motivate the complicated modern structure of services and production although but sadly this system won‘t get any credit from me and I‘m saying this as an European (a place with more than 2 parties abiding to the same corporate interests :D). Personally I recommend reading analysis through the lense of historic materialism but I won‘t bore any longer or else I couldn‘t stop discussion on the internet but just so you know where I‘m coming from I actually lean on the side of socialist revolutionary than reformism. PS: Beautiful cards as always! :)

[@AlphaHoarder]

Interesting take. Looks like I'll have to add something to my reading list to better understand. 👍

[@chazzanschutz6096]

Nice, didn't know Jalum had a store. Wonder if he would sign an og Jalum Tome if I ordered from him.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Probably would if you asked! He's a great guy.

[@sethgreen1581]

Hi, cool stuff here. Thanks for sharing, this is some powerful stuff; MTG is just too epic for words. I'm not in a position to buy this stuff responsibly, but it's cool to live vicariously through you. I'm not sure what happened to creativity, but in my opinion it has taken a huge downturn versus the 20th century.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Agreed... creativity is stifled these days

[@shamanrock6750]

Good talk Mike!

[@AlphaHoarder]

Thanks for tuning in

[@Nerdy_prepper]

Sound advice! Dave Ramsey would be proud ❤😂 also look at all that Alpha! 🔥 Thank you for the great video, your wisdom and for sharing the fruits of your labor with us.

[@AlphaHoarder]

As long as he doesn't ask me my opinion about using a credit card lol

[@Nerdy_prepper]

lol 😂 Credit cards are awesome 👍 Just pay em off right away and collect the points.

[@AlphaHoarder]

💯

[@christhemagnif]

Great video! I can attest to the hard work and discipline it took to pay off six figures of student loans and a mortgage while saving for retirement. I basically lived like a monk for a decade. I still like to live well below my means because of the feeling of security and knowing that my money is working hard for me. Still need ~70 Alphas, but I’m sticking with it. Slow and steady😊

[@AlphaHoarder]

Love hearing that! 70 alphas, let's goooo!

[@MadMagicShow]

Mike the alpha hoarder is your favorite youtube channel’s favorite youtube channel 👊

[@AlphaHoarder]

🤜🤛

[@MdrS-wj3so]

Do you void any claims with the post office or eBay by taking so long to open packages?

[@AlphaHoarder]

Yes I do, and I've been burned on that once already. Most are authenticated or from trusted dealers, but some could definitely be issues I'll be unable to resolve 😬

[@Alphonsoinvestments]

Im liking this video

[@AlphaHoarder]

I'm liking this comment 🤜🤛

[@TripsAhoy]

🖤🖤🖤

[@penguinlust6749]

Good video. I realize you're not there yet, but there is one other complication that you have to consider -- retirement. Outside the scope of the video, but you have to think about it long term -- early retirement is priceless, but you have to plan for it. Being debt free, other than mortgage(s), is the key, and always has been.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Absolutely -- strong agree!

[@InLoveWith123]

Given the size of your collection, my gut feeling tells me you could retire right now if you stop buying alpha cards, or even selling the lot ... As much as I love those cards, they are 100% going in 3-5 years when I am retiring at 50-52 ... hint hint, wink wink :) @@AlphaHoarder

[@natethetoe386]

Great video. I will opine on a few things. I think the interest on a mortgage is a tax deduction. I'm not exactly sure about this, because I paid my mortgage off many years ago when I was a good saver, and budgeter, but did not understand the finer points of wealth building. So depending on your tax bracket, you could effectively cut the mortgage rate in 1/2 in your calculations. I have had 3 big wealth building opportunities in my life. I squanders the first two, but capitalized on the 3rd, and it changed my life. The point is that all 3 of the opportunities came when I was out working, hustling and meeting people. My wife and I own a business, and we have an employee that we just sold a small portion too. We sold this to him, not because we wanted to, but because he is crucial to the success of the business and it would be a huge setback to loose him. Like my wife, myself, and this employee, if you want opportunities you got to go get them. They don't come to you when you are watching 10 hours of Netflix a day.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Very true on both points! Well said.

[@ricardojnobre]

More rants please!! Any idea of how many Alpha cards you have?

[@AlphaHoarder]

Many thousands, but less than 10k

[@Nabraham1]

For the younger people watching: A lot of us who started in the game or near the beginning are now older and fortunately for some of us, have acquired quite a bit of capital as we are a decent way into our careers. Savings, pay down debts, 401k, iras, hsas, index funds....all things i would recommend people do before throwing capital at cardboard especially as an investment. I personally feel like Magic is going to remain flat for a bit but the things listed above are great ways to accumulate capital.

[@AlphaHoarder]

💯

[@ArsenicDrone]

You could make a nearly-meaningless amount of extra money (and help some people out) by putting Amazon affiliate links to your opening tools in the description. Looks like a better system than the scissors and box cutter that I normally use. Especially that translucent slitter that makes short work of padded mailers, although looks like that was a promotional item.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Never thought of that 😂 I get questions about the binders and sleeves I use too. Perhaps I'll make a list accessible somewhere.

[@Awesomeman1578]

Do you accept interns for your company? I’m studying computer science at Mizzou and would be happy to work for you.

[@AlphaHoarder]

Nothing open at the moment!

[@TheTugenukem]

You should send those jumps for me, i collect them :D

[@AlphaHoarder]

You collect Alpha Jumps?? Great minds think alike 🧐😆

[@TheTugenukem]

Alpha, Beta and Unlimited :) @@AlphaHoarder

[@sombersloth7010]

I'm turning 29 next month and last week I paid off my 350k mortgage. I am now fully debt free, married and with a beautiful baby boy (turning 1 y.o tomorrow!). Fortunately I was able to do this without selling off my old cards. Hard work, determination and persistence does pay off. Remember folks; the actions you take today will echo in eternity. Make yourself useful, fit the forms required.

[@AlphaHoarder]

That's an incredible accomplishment! You are so many years ahead of most people, and you get to benefit from that persistence for the rest of your life. Love hearing success stories like this.

[@firecrest3325]

I can tell you with the exception of the tax increase life is better when you get a second job and pay off your debt, get a savings and then leave that second job.

[@energetek661]

Guess my battery is still working.

[@AlphaHoarder]

😂

[@reelfishermen1521]

Have seen the guy who makes fake/proxy black lotus on mecari? Scary real looking.

[@AlphaHoarder]

No but I'll check it out. I'm always curious what the best fakes look like.

[@mtgforsale]

Your comment about employees giving a shit is spot on. As a small business owner, finding quality employees with drive and ambition is reeeeeaally rare. I just say, if only I can find another me. Ha ha!! Beautiful cardboard!

[@AlphaHoarder]

It's like striking gold 😆

[@mtgforsale]

@AlphaHoarder or an Alpha Badlands, grade 10!

[@Lmatdhr]

The really good ones are hard to keep too. They usually realize they have the potential to do more than they can get offered by most small business.

[@hermodnitter3902]

The example of earning 40% more is you increase from 40 to 45 hours per week is rather flawed. The thing is, in higher paid jobs, you are expected to work more, and therefore you do. In a lower paid job, wtf should you work your ass off and still don't get paid? So logically, you work less unless you really have misunderstood something vital.

[@AlphaHoarder]

It definitely doesn't apply to all jobs... the stats from the bureau of labor and statistics are averages across all professions, so admittedly it's a simplification. But in many work environments, the extra work does enable upward movement.

[@mickeybeavison1053]

TLDR: pay your debts and get a good cash flow.

[@AlphaHoarder]

I should have you edit my outline before I start recording 😂 save everyone 40 minutes of me rambling

[@devastation4610]

30:33 stroke it

[@D0012D13]

Are you going to make your poor family try to sell all this crap

[@AlphaHoarder]

Nah, they can use it all to build my pyre, and send me off in style