Investing in Collectibles 101! The TRUTH About Collectible Finance! Book Recommendations! Start Here

Recorded at 1 AM EST in a cozy well furnished basement office...Let's level set: I have received well over 400+ subscribers alone within the past 10-14 days. As such, I think it is very important to have a 1 AM discussion as to what this channel is and is not. For the record, this is a collectibles FINANCE channel and as such, it MAY or MAY NOT be for YOU! Book recommendations start around the fourteen minute mark...
Email for Antique/Collectible Consulting Services: [e-mail]
Patreon: / reservedinvestments

[@taylorsedoo1752]

Shawn! I just discovered your channel and I can’t get enough of it. You consistently do a great job balancing your love of collecting with your knowledge and experience related to investing. From the beginning it was clear to me what this channel was about, and I wish there was more out there like it. The haters are in the minority, I’m sure. I think a lot of us would rather make smart financial decisions than have nostalgia lead the way all the time, or at the very least we want to be aware of our own blinders when it comes to buying things we like. For me personally it’s helpful to be told that maybe these Amiibo won’t retain value forever… Thank you for all the work you do! I hope you keep it up

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you and I assure you, I have both haters and critics as well as supporters. Welcome to the channel.

[@scottd8624]

Shawn, don't waste your time defending yourself to those simpletons with pitchforks. Keep up with excellent content!

[@Dinnye01]

I think it is still important that he spends time with this. He is trying to save these simpletons, which is ADMIRABLE all capitals. I respect him for this tremendously.

[@mickeybeavison1053]

me go poo

[@ReservedInvestments]

@@mickeybeavison1053 Pikachu? That kind of rhymes.... ;)

[@paulcarlcards9050]

Shawn is one of the straightest shooters on KZbin. Love your channel and your book recommendations. My favorite of the ones I’ve finished so far is Moneystamps (mentioned in an older video, not this one). Want to collect something that is guaranteed to give you an ROI? Start a collection of books that you’ve read because Shawn recommended them.

[@TheMicahwitz]

It all comes down to a solid understanding of economics, finance, and accounting. 💯

[@hartspot009]

You are by far the sharpest and wisest investment head in the antique and collectibles arena. The ones attacking and becoming offended are the ones that will continue to lose money, and the ones that simply don't want to learn or expand their knowledge. For what's it's worth, I've been in the game for 40 plus years, starting as a picker and having a great time along the way. Kudos sir...keep it going

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@sippingGerber]

“There is no konami code to the controller of life”

[@mllarson]

Invest in knowledge before investing in stuff. I do believe that if Shawn was truly being "meansies", he'd be pushing people to speculate in Funko Pop figures, mass-produced scarce items, cryptocurrency, stonks, etc. to which he could profit from, instead of warning you and trying to educate you. Thank you for the book recommendations Shawn. I will be checking out some soon.

[@ReservedInvestments]

It is very easy to manipulate these markets if you know how and you want to...I urge people to be cautious about what they are buying.

[@omegacollects]

Keep putting your videos out…. All of them are 💎 it’s what’s needed

[@1ledluverjlp]

I appreciate your advice, complimentary, on the house, free of charge with no strings attached. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the hobby investing talking heads on KZbin.

[@scottywalker701]

im 61. And have been in this market since 1999. Seen the fads come and go. Been a part of several good and bad profit wise. I am the Speculator type

[@mrluedtke]

Can’t believe I didn’t find you before. I am 47 and fully lol at collectibles from a financial perspective. Thanks for doing this!

[@ReservedInvestments]

You will both like and hate some of what is discussed on this channel. Thank you for the comment. 🙏

[@ChiefKene]

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. You’re at step 3, only a matter of time until step 4 is obvious lol

[@ReservedInvestments]

In this space, my critics will never learn. They will talk about the item they sold for X times their money and forget about all the items they tied up money in that went nowhere or they lost money in. It is really sad in all actuality. This is why so many young people cannot build wealth over the long term. They fail to understand opportunity cost, the time value of money, and compounding.

[@MetalBum]

@@ReservedInvestments you think outside of the basic bs people think about when they collect

[@holycrapitsking]

I'm not going to lie, your videos pissed me off a lot at first. I sat and thought about why I was upset and realized I am that Timmy whose "investments" are just a collection. I've liquidated about 20% and feel much better about what I have left. Still more to go, but I feel way better about what I have as an investment vs what I just like and want to have.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Some of my videos are designed to do just that...it is not in purpose, but other people have said similar things.

[@BobBoozle]

I'm a collector driven by nostalgia but I love Shawn's straight-forward style. Very educational and entertaining videos. There are a lot of pretenders in KZbin land pretending to be investors but they're more like flippers.

[@nicomillhouse]

i'm just a casual collector who admittedly spent quite a bit on the hobbies. love these videos. cold truth and i learned a lot about market realities and investment risks. great channel

[@HydraCollectables]

I am certainly a collector of passion but I LOVE learning from your channel. My father was also an antiques dealer, here in the UK and so I have a good (low bar) understanding on how investment works. At present I am not in a position to get involved in High End Investment Grade items but I do have plans to jump in, in the future. In the meantime, it's all about educating myself and this channel is perfect for me. Thank you for your wisdom. It is appreciated. My current situation: I have a passion for Amazing Spider-Man comics and have every issue bar AF15 and ASM 1. However I know this is passion and not investment, but eventually want to move into historical documents and 1st edition, 1st print books. Again, thank you for all you do.

[@kinGhidora]

Legit I've been watching since the old rainydaycollectables podcast appearance. I've learned so much and gotten so much help in fixing misunderstandings I had since I had too much emotional attachment to the collectables I had. I'm much happier after downsizing and I really appreciate the videos over the years truly has made my life better overall!

[@laxlyfters8695]

Anyone studying finance risk management researching and analyzing securities this channel must be a requirement for any university. This is what is not taught at any college. Thank you for what you do. Providing real life knowledge

[@vincentgiasson7551]

Great Video Shawn!! Thanks for recommanding Mint Condition last year, I really enjoy the book. I took some notes and I will order a few books tonight... You should start a book club😀😀😀

[@ReservedInvestments]

Glad you liked it.

[@sylvestervela6777]

My favorite shit is when Shawn says things like "Gigachad" and "Touch Grass."

[@TOSStarTrek]

He has helped clean up many of the things I was doing wrong. Great job. Got a list of books to read.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@JohnGauntSega32]

If I had watched his videos and followed his advice when I was in my 20s and 30s, my life would be much, much better than it is today. I failed to plan when I had the money , and now I will never be able to retire. My fault every step of the way.

[@jamesluckey2438]

I'm glad that I recently found you since you're clearly someone who completely puts their foot when it comes to all the get-rich-quick schemes and as much id like to just keep pointing and laugh at those who fall for them, I'd like to, as you said in this very video, work on legitimate ways that I can plan for my future so I don't end up without a penny to my name and retire the hard way Keep it up, you definitely know what you are doing

[@jedirun]

this was a great intro video for new subscribers and a great review video for OG subs ;)

[@mangoman9290]

Love your attitude mate, I find it refreshing and funny combined with the great knowledge and experience too.

[@vinnyboomba9948]

I just stumbled upon this channel. Alreadylearned alot. Talking about investing in the markets and collecting. I collect new and vintage toys. He Man and Transformers hotwheels ect. I collect for my pleasure and enjoy it. Brings back good memories. You are correct about historically stuff. I love to collect silver and gold coins. That being said i never had a issue selling off if needed. Always made a profit or at the very least i break even. Thanks for all you do. Will check out the recommended books.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Welcome!

[@Longtermalwayswins]

Lot of collectors asked me what im collecting next. Is it an AFA Gi Joe 85 figure? No. Is it the Masters of the Universe Laser He-Man 85? No. I really only collect money. And lots of it. Then, i build a machine that builds itself over time. These collectibles? They are there to kill some time and they are damn good at it.

[@richdoll8898]

Love it! My take is you don’t care if people collect and enjoy whatever they like. It may have nothing to do with investing. This channel is geared on the investment side of collecting, not one’s emotional attachment to these items. Excellent content!!

[@khadorstrong]

I love this channel, it always gets me back to the right mindset with this stuff

[@carnivalhands2884]

My boss has recently just got involved into collecting and investing in comic books. Besides my own sage advice, I gave him 2 channels to follow. Yours is one of them. I did forewarn him that Shawn isn’t for the faint of heart.

[@jordanhudson5075]

How dare you question the knowledge of Annie Oakley…….. she makes the best sunglasses ever lmao 🤣

[@mrmeow1305]

Good book selections. I'll be back to view another of your videos. Thanks

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@goodkaji]

Thank you so much for the content and giving us that list of books again.

[@gza06955]

Love binge watching these videos. As a collector myself, would enjoy hearing more about your outlook on the firearms side of things. But I do understand youtube is on the far left of that equation and may limit you on certain topics sadly. Either way - Thanks Shawn!!

[@ramonedetroitguam6075]

it's like the difference of being a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war....

[@Omnivorous1One]

Great content, it is pure gold. Its like that saying you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink. Just keep it up there are many people who appreciate your advise. For those books you recommend. Are any of those important to get the latest edition? Or would older editions be fine? Lastly are you allowed to say on your videos when an article your writing is about to come out?

[@ReservedInvestments]

The most recent edition of the Coin Collector's Survival Manual and A Random Walk Down Wall Street are essential. For the others, no, it would not matter. I am allowed to say when my articles are coming out...some do get delayed. For the most part however, it is every other week.

[@wheeljack0]

Thanks for the book advice, just ordered a few.

[@radio2rancid]

Been watching sense the early days. Love you channel. Keep on keeping on

[@ReservedInvestments]

👍

[@430quiet]

Keep giving us the tough love we need to hear!

[@tsconn23]

Wow, this a very different perspective than what I find on all of the other specialty channels. I appreciate the reading list.

[@eirvingdiaz7185]

100% accurate. Also comic books are NOT a liquidate asset compared to stocks. You sell and buy on the same day. By contrast, you cannot do that on eBay selling comic books. Gold is more liquid that paper and I wouldn't call buying gold as investment because of its low returns compare to other asset class but at least it is better than silver; sort of, kinda against inflation.

[@midsummercrop8446]

I found ur channel after the Wata games controversy. First time hearing about graded things and looked it up, found ur channel that way.. I'm a very casual collector, but I found ur content interesting. Useless knowledge to me but I enjoy hearing it.

[@custum18]

You're making me feel really old at 41 because I knew about all the old things you listed.

[@ReservedInvestments]

I'm 46...lol.

[@josephbarbera9220]

I truly enjoy your input on the collectible market. I wish I had found your site sooner. I collect comics and I have have to say you cured my FMO! 😁👍

[@mattoreilly201]

absolutely love your channel, thanks so much for putting out such great content on the economics of this stuff.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@dabradmp1]

haha I feel I'm the target of this video. I commented on your community post 2 weeks ago. I know I'm only a collector since I don't have enough to do investment. BUT I watch this channel and love your video for the knowledge. Maybe one day I'll be able to invest and this knowledge will be useful.

[@ReservedInvestments]

I can assure you, you are not. I don't even know you. I just know the mentality of different personality types operating in the antiques and collectibles trade. Thank you for your comments and feedback.

[@FBAMogul]

Awesome video, love this kind of stuff.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@kingcoconut3697]

This guy is gold!!! Keep up doing what you do best. Great channel.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@realryal8317]

Top video!l and a breath of fresh air against the content driven hype and echo chambers Thanks

[@TheAmazingphenomenon]

Hi Shawn. I must say thank you for the information you provide and even though collecting is not my main source of income, many if not all of the things you said make sense and I just simply enjoy the lessons in economics. I have one question. If I don't plan to resell my collection and just collect for fun, what advice could you give in regards to buying and times for buying. You mentioned "don't buy in the hype" and that was very helpful. Thanks and all the best.

[@CollectorArthouse]

Hi Shawn. Had no idea that’s where you’re from. I went to North Penn HS. Just wanted to leave a comment to help your channel. Thanks for the great content and free lessons!

[@ReservedInvestments]

I dated a woman that went to North Penn HS already. Small world!

[@nicholasmogavero2927]

I enjoy your videos Alot. I do (mainly) graded comics, cards, toys, etc., etc. It's good to draw ideas and statistical info from you.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@MetalBum]

Keep it up man. I dig it. ❤. Give it to us straight up and don’t hold back. More comic book stuff I like the way you analyze them and the way your logic goes Can you do a comic analysis in depth on value buys? Long term INVESTMENTSs

[@Shrek_Smith]

Great video love your channel keep up the great work! 👍🙏🔥💵

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@MarkFillmore]

Bought a couple of these books, thanks for the recommendations

[@crocopie]

There * is * a "cheat code" so to speak and that is building a unique product and service that people need. But that takes hard work, lots of hard work, and you can succeed quick, slowly, or never at all.

[@christophertomasello1227]

Great video I was wondering if you could do a video on the changing comic book collecting Market specifically the concept of encapsulation versus books in a raw form. It seems no other antique Collectibles Market has done this

[@henryzawacki2389]

as I have learned investing and buying collectibles I think the psychology of money is one of the absolute best books ever read. thanks for the great videos!!!!!!!

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@RockPaperXcissors]

A Random Walk Down Wall Street. Great Book. I think that was the foundation for Vanguard total stock market index.

[@humblecartoons3483]

Great video as always! I'll have to read those books that I have not already read. Also did you get new lighting? I somehow just noticed and it looks great!

[@ReservedInvestments]

No, it is just darker at the time I was filming, so the lights appear brighter.

[@humblecartoons3483]

@@ReservedInvestments Dang you could've fooled me! It looks quite professional lol

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@victorysla]

Shawn! I am your number one FAN!!

[@ReservedInvestments]

As long as you don't stalk me, we are good! LOL.

[@EatTheSkis]

Big fan of the channel. I read killer stuff and am working through Psychology of Money. I loved Stanton’s writing and felt right at home as a new englander

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@gustavozambrana116]

Thank you for sharing the list of books.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Welcome!

[@Enaklam]

Rock on. Love the 1am rants!

[@freezemynads]

"Youre gigachad!" lmfao, thank you for the video. I've been into the pokemon card grift for a bit now but you helped me look at it at a different way. This Timmy is evolving

[@ReservedInvestments]

Glad I could help!

[@jayjbrice]

What would you say the reading order is for the top 5 books you listed? Thanks for the content that you provide, and your time.

[@ReservedInvestments]

I would read Killer Stuff and Tons of Money first, then go from there. Collectible Investments for High Net Worth Investors should be dead last, as that is more advanced.

[@yukithesnowman314]

You're a real one for telling the truth to these nerds who think their favorite Pokemon Card or special edition Mario boxset is gonna make them wealthy.

[@7Alberto7]

Love it,thanks! I'm alwais here for cold numbers and learning fu*k the rest,thank you

[@ReservedInvestments]

Welcome!

[@tomneijnens4048]

Thank you very much

[@panthar1]

Still really enjoy your videos and content. This got me thinking though, your channel has a deficiency of content on some of the more esoteric collectables, which are arguably both organic and established+ at this point. For example, vintage concert posters, marbles, sneakers, stamps. As someone interested in at least a couple of those categories, it would be nice to better understand how to approach some of these smaller market cap, yet established collecting categories over the short and longer term.

[@charless6602]

Shawn, dont worry about triggering folks or ruining the fun for those stupid collectors. I realized and witness first hand that those who gets trigger, "find obscure reasons" to get trigger. So you just ignore those stupids and do your thing. Thus I hope you continue along this channel for many years, cause if you quit because of that, then I will get trigger!! 😉........keep it up!!

[@raulmendieta9696]

Just do you 👍 Don't let anyone change your objective.

[@blackrook29]

i have been bingeing your videos, very interesting. have you got a video on ebay and prime energy drinks the fiasco with those. people paying hundreds for a can of drink lol

[@joannequesada2835]

All good content

[@stephens4175]

very sound advice to those that look at collectibles as purely investments, although I am a comic book collector, I have a few examples that look to be sound investments, most of my collection will not be, I am perfectly fine with that truth as I mainly buy what I like , if they are not worth much down the road so be it, if they are then so be it as well, I never buy on speculation just love the hobby, spec will leave you broke . I learned a while back not to live on expectation. great vid.

[@sonyxperiaz5997]

Nice video, hopefully i will manage to read something from your recommendations. I just wonder have you opinion on Warhammer Universe collectibles both 40k and Fantasy/AoS. Thanks and have a good day

[@ChiefKene]

I know it’s not directed to me, but I love warhammer lore. I like the lore but the miniatures prices are kinda crazy tbh and to the prices on the first edition books are crazy. I’m bullish on the IP, not so much on the collectibles. The models are niche and the book in the todays world would be even more niche.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Niche market. It has enthusiasts and collectors, that's for sure. It is by no means comparable to Star Wars or Marvel Comics though in size and scope...

[@dspill1090]

With all due respect you’re 46. You’ve gained knowledge and experience through your years in your time in the trade. You speak from a rationale and sensible point of view. The idiots throwing hate at you are taking false information and advice from people who lack any depth to their knowledge or experience and time in the market but hype the items/products up because everyone (Timmy’s and Kimmy’s) want the fast way to riches with there “investments” for products that are produced in the millions upon millions. Haters will hate to hear the real truth but keep up the great, straight talking content with facts based information on how these markets actually work and there is no fast quick way to riches

[@solesticia]

I love the straight talk versus dreams and BS

[@robm3932]

Hi Shawn, I read some of your recommended books (Killer Stuff, Pleasure and Profit, Survival Guide etc.) and I am a subscriber for some time now. I would be interested more in collecting/investing into Ancient Coins, but i feel there is no books about this topic (I read 100 Greatest Ancient Coins and The Whitman Guide Ancient Coins). I was thinking what to do in this cases, maybe sit in an auction and learn that way (without buying of course)? What would you recommend when books are not enough?

[@ReservedInvestments]

Read the Coin Collector's Survival Manual. While it does NOT really cover ancient coins in particular, you can still learn a lot about the overall market. There are very few books as of yet devoted to ancient coins. I would advise you to observe Heritage Auctions when they offer ancient coins. Get a good idea about prices before bidding or making a move.

[@robm3932]

@@ReservedInvestments Thanks, i read the coin collector, since you recommended it :) . That helps maybe i just attend an auction and see how people operate in the market. Keep up the really good content.

[@Kurtle001]

Shawn is the Goat 🐐

[@Hi-Per]

Have you done a video on edged weapons or historic firearms ? Keep up the Good Work 👍🏻

[@ReservedInvestments]

Not as of yet. Thank you.

[@custum18]

Banks failing, rates going up, and sticky inflation are not good for this market. You tell the truth. It's all tied to the overall economy.

[@ReservedInvestments]

It's all connected...

[@kotto7877]

"Does anyone know what Ovaltine is?"

[@born2getbizy]

Hey Shawn. Discovered you via rants but stayed for the solid analysis and advice. I'm not really in the position to start investing in collectibles but I do have enough to start investing in stocks bonds and etfs. I am somewhat concerned that the markets are in an everything bubble right now. I'm your opinion should I keep my powder dry and wait for the bubbles to burst, or start DCA now and accept my positions will go down before they go up?

[@ReservedInvestments]

DCA in, in my opinion. Time in the market is better than attempting to time the market.

[@born2getbizy]

@@ReservedInvestments thanks for the reply. I will take that onboard

[@ThomasRoiloup]

I'm not a collector or investor, a guy I know is and he linked to this, and I subscribed for the sole purpose of the fact that I like it when people poke holes in the belief that stuff like comic books or funko pops are a "good investment." There's a giant contingent of people in American comics, readers and creators, who either sell or buy this concept that ANY comic book a creator makes is a potential collectible that is somehow like buying a savings bond that matures overnight. I've seen comic creators resell their own comics on ebay for inflated prices (possibly to themselves on fake accounts for all I know) to pretend that the value of their books just suddenly flew up. I have a feeling it's people like that who get the most angry at your channel.

[@user-wj4ir3py9l]

Would you consider a timely comics captain America 1 a piece of American history or more so a possible antiques let alone rare comic?

[@ReservedInvestments]

It’s not an antique yet…

[@user-wj4ir3py9l]

@@ReservedInvestments thanks for the quick reply, Shawn! I think it has some legs to be much more valuable in years to come.

[@Dodger27]

any chance we can get a 1AM rant on silicon valley bank and other bank failures? love your content!

[@ReservedInvestments]

No….

[@harrisonosirrah]

You should put up a youtube poll asking your audience their networth or yearly income. I know im curious about it now.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Most people would not answer honestly, even if it was anonymous.

[@penguinlust6749]

Thanks again -- more reading!

[@ReservedInvestments]

Welcome!

[@Mousevengeance]

I've just finished reading the 'psychology of money' and 'killer stuff and tons of money', next ebay purchase...mint condition

[@phillipdow1279]

I consider myself as someone who enjoys collecting things of value. Enjoy MTG, coins and currency. I don’t consider myself on the investment side of things. I have my retirement and real estate for that. Love what you do. Keep it up!

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@raoullangner-macmillan7655]

Thanks a lot for your Videos 👍 Konami Code for live. Thats a great one 😂😂😂

[@ReservedInvestments]

Yup, I haven't been able to get it to work for life. I thought I was entering the code wrong and then realized oh, life isn't a Konami game. Therein lies the problem. I have been looking for an original Game Genie every since and haven't been able to find one that works on life...sad to say...

[@JC-dg6vo]

😉Fun conversation. Cool.

[@Odinoian]

I'm definitely not wired for getting wealthy, and I'm pretty happy about it. I like to collect based on nostalgia and following my heart. I still find this channel interesting though. It's all psychology

[@infiniteinvestmentgame2775]

great video.

[@ReservedInvestments]

Thank you!

[@rickd6476]

Hey Shawn, What’s the best way to get a hold of you to book a consulting call? I am considering a large speculative purchase and would like to hear your perspective. -Rick your #1 fan

[@ReservedInvestments]

Email address is in every video's description.

[@rickd6476]

@@ReservedInvestments you got it, I sent you my life story

[@ReservedInvestments]

@@rickd6476 LOL.

[@CatsGamesWhatever]

Are you using tissues for bookmarks in Just Keep buying?

[@ReservedInvestments]

Yup! Lol.

[@Spaceageplaya03]

My strategy for collecting investment is I try and pay 80% or less of FMV and hoard. Slow and steady never over pay. Let time and inflation run its course

[@TheOriginalKvhups]

I have different political views than Shawn... We have different interests.. But this man is the best teacher I had in all my learning journey about investment & collectable.

[@oarancards4443]

Smart man

[@dustinandrews7409]

I'm a collector, Investor that works on a 5 to 20 year hold model. I capitalize on the pop culture hype of the collectable market.

[@ReservedInvestments]

That can work if you understand the opportunity cost of alternate capital allocations. Hard to beat the gains of an index fund over 10 to 20 years buy buying and holding certain collectibles, but it can be done.

[@dustinandrews7409]

@Reserved Investments that's a good point and always haunting me, I'm able at this point to collect and invest on my earnings. Takes a little of the butt pucker factor out.

[@rickd6476]

Hey Shawn, do you have any tips on establishing a relationship with a good mentor? -Rick you #1 fan

[@ReservedInvestments]

Find one that is willing to work with you first…in this day and age that can be quite challenging.