My Collecting Addiction

This video is about accountability and sharing my experiences as well as educating others so they don’t make the same mistakes. We’re all human and flawed. Collecting Pokémon/Nintendo will still always be a passion of mine and I will continue to see the channel grow and thrive as time passes. Thank you everyone who’s had my back, followed me in this journey and supported the content I do. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you all. ❤️
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @orionsires
Join the discord below! We talk Pokémon daily!
/ discord
What did you think about this video? Let me know in the comments section!

[@orionsires]

What amazes me is all of us in this community wanting to be better and coming together. Love y’all. ❤

[@JasenBerger]

Also no matter what we think we know anything could happen or change in the future.

[@Happysanjo]

The transparency and honesty is incredible l, and why you will continue to grow and have a following on KZbin, great video and honestly I'm sure we can all relate. I've spent quite a bit lately it can get rough.

[@orionsires]

Happy you were a big reason for the video but it’s been something weighing heavily on me for a while now. It felt good to be honest about it. Time for new growth ❤️

[@donnie8825]

We’re here for you brother, Collecting is expensive. Take time, Get your family and finances straight.

[@orionsires]

Thanks Donnie ❤️

[@poketyro]

ive always saved money and always had tons of credit cards but never used them till pokemon, I feel you on all this, that 2% back makes you feel all better lol

[@orionsires]

Absolutely and thank god for the card because I couldn’t stomach actually spending that kind of money but most of my stuff is truly priceless to me. The credit card allowed me to go after things and pay as I went. It was super helpful for the most part but I used it for evil 😂

[@earlofdrumer1851]

These talks are for real, I think anyone whose passionate about collecting can relate to. It's a psychological battle against ourselves half the time. I can positively say that its taken me two decades of collecting to have my current mindset and acquire what I have; and ya know I look back and say ive enjoyed the whole journey. So with that in mind I see it as a hobby that requires no haste, we enjoy collecting so may as well space it out. But always priotise it as a hobby, family and friends are paramount in the grand scheme of things🌹

[@orionsires]

Great comment friend, yes it’s time to prioritize and put other aspects of my life first but I’m not going anywhere 😎

[@earlofdrumer1851]

@@orionsires dont ever stop, thats why I like your content. Remember for a lot of us, its not about whose got the most expensive item or who has vast quantities of stuff. It's about the nostalgia, the passion, the enthusiasm, the stories, and the potential of ones life and experiences. These are the type of vids that get real folks on board. ♥

[@jaystafa6115]

Great chat and great video! I love how you speak on the stuff many collectors are dealing with! Especially loved the ending where you talked about how to be happy with what you already have. Expressing gratitude is the best way to manifest more.

[@orionsires]

Thanks Jay ❤️ I really appreciate you saying all that!

[@Normm24]

Thank you for sharing your very personal prospective about collecting in a healthy way. This topic is something, I would imagine most of us have thought about or even battled ourselves over.

[@orionsires]

It’s all love ❤️ thank you for accepting me as I am and not shunning me for it.

[@raythedreamr4928]

I stumbled across this video and as a collector that just recently got back into the hobby I will say your video is inspiring and one of the realest videos that is relatable to the every day average person. With me personally watching all these content creators opening booster box after booster box and squiring all these expensive items to add to their collection makes mine feel so minimal that you can’t help but have FOMO or feel like you need to buy things just to even attempt to keep up with your favorite content creators when in reality I don’t have the budget, nor the funds to do so and even put my family in a situation where my bank account went into the negative because of my over spending on Pokemon. I’ve realized here recently that I myself have to slow down and realize that I need to enjoy the hobby instead of buying everything in sight. I appreciate this video and seeing someone speak on this part of the hobby because it can get expensive and it can consume you. Glad you are putting your family first and taking a step back to put your priorities in line. Awesome video man!

[@orionsires]

Thank you Ray, this video is definitely a relatable one and I will be trying to do more videos that can show people you can enjoy the hobby with what you have. I can literally make discussions or talk about my collection already. I don’t need to always be buying stuff. We are a consumer society and it’s ok to occasionally get lost in the sauce. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- nothing wrong with taking a break especially between new sets releasing. For me, it was the perfect time to take a step back because we won’t get a set for another two months. I can just focus on saving, spending family time and making other kinds of content. Lots of fresh ideas brewing. I love your comment and hope to see more of you on the channel. You aren’t alone though. We are human and we make mistakes. Experience is key and now you know how to keep yourself in line. Collecting can be addicting too but it’s still better to have this vice than ones I’ve had in the past. Preciate the support it’s all love fam ❤️

[@derek6423]

Fantastic perspective. I have went through a similar situation. Experience is key to make good purchases in this hobby.

[@orionsires]

Thank you friend! I was sure it would be relatable despite how embarrassing it can be to admit fault- I also agree wholeheartedly that experience in the hobby is critical and that we are all going to make mistakes as we dive face first into the hobby and everything the franchise represents.

[@derekk2300]

I can see the future! I swear I knew this was gonna be your next video! I’m hitting the stock market right now

[@orionsires]

Hahaha oh god don’t invest with your gut like I did ❤️🤣

[@andybrown2611]

My friend, you and I are the same person. I am praying for you, your mother, and myself.

[@orionsires]

This means a lot thank you 🙏🏼 blessings to you and yours fam!

[@RetroMoments]

Dude! Good talk here. I was listening all the way through. Anyone collecting has some sort of addiction for sure. Ill check out more of your channel!

[@orionsires]

Hey ! Super old video of mine but at the time I was definitely struggling and still do somewhat but not financially anymore. I just need to get better about having some patience and not feeling the need to “collect it all” check out my newer stuff for sure and welcome to the channel! I do a LIVE stream every Wednesday! 😎🙏🏼

[@erickaiser3679]

Absolutely love your open honest and transparent videos, your an amazing young man, and I wish you all the health and happiness in the world, your mother is in my thoughts and prayers my friend 🙏🏽🎯

[@orionsires]

Thank you Eric that means a lot to me. Hopefully I can give her my kidney as I’m the correct blood type match but I won’t know if I’m eligible until several tests are completed. Much love ❤️

[@gparkmoney]

I’ve seen your videos pop up for me occasionally. After watching this one, definitely subscribing and wishing you the best.

[@orionsires]

Thank you so much for the support friend ❤️

[@farley9255]

Lol this is crazy. So.. I loaded up my collection 5 hours ago. Loaded into my car, called the LGS, and was told not this month. Come in next month. Unloaded the car and now just sitting here. I'm about to look into the proper equipment to do this online. It would take a lot longer learning the process for me. Finding out which platform is the best overall to use as a seller. My motivation: Should have started 15 years ago saving for a house. It's about that time to at least attempt. Horrible time to start.. but I got to at least try. "Escape from reality" is perfectly said. I missed the feelings. But things need to be taken care of before I can fully enjoy those feelings.

[@orionsires]

Oh man ! You were on a mission! I would just get savvy with eBay. Do people right, low prices, free shipping that’s my motto. There’s nothing wrong with a little reality check for all of us collectors It’s all love❤️

[@ldrkilljoyl9443]

I enjoy your honesty and openness about topics like this. I can relate in a lot of ways.

[@orionsires]

Hey thanks for the feedback and for watching! 😎🙏🏼

[@philipmupstate]

Love the honesty in your content. Keep up the good work!

[@orionsires]

Thank you for saying that I appreciate it my friend !

[@funkified-]

your openness about this is appreciated. The spending is something most do not face and acknowledge head on. With all of the big mail call videos you've been posting, we all figured you've been dropping some big money recently lol. A good way to keep the spending in focus is to track of every penny that you put in and take out when you sell. I run some basic spreadsheets for all of the collectibles I buy to track all the money in and out. It helps keep the big picture in focus and lets me know if I where I am throughout the year. It takes a bit of work and maintenance, but well worth it. At the end of the day, keep in check by selling old stuff as new stuff comes in, we can't keep it all.

[@orionsires]

Great comment Funkified ! Great idea about the spreadsheets! Yes, I am not proud of it but it was an experience that has taught me a lesson during my collecting journey. Love you guys ❤️

[@dagreenshiz]

Same bro same. Glad your doing good! My dad also had issues with his Kidneys they aint no joke man. Wife is also a SAHM lots of pressure but a blessing for it to be possible! much love

[@orionsires]

Green shiz thanks for your comment and sorry about your father and wife. The universe has its ways and all will work out in the end. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!Much love ❤️

[@_eburgess]

Thanks for opening up to us ! It really helps me on the things I’ve done wrong or not ideal in my collection .

[@orionsires]

Trust me there’s not a soul in this world that has collected perfectly. We’re all just trying to figure it out, becoming more expert about it every day/week/month. It’s a long game. It’s ok to take breaks too.

[@twolves-jx4oy]

Great video! Yeah your collecting pace was insane tbh. I just want to add that from a content aspect, as a viewer, I find these kind of introspective discussion videos much much more entertaining that the mail days. I almost never watch the mail day videos, but I'll watch videos like this one multiple times lol. Just saying, imo you definitely don't have to buy stuff for the sake of the channel.

[@CUTS_cards]

I agree 100

[@orionsires]

Thanks everyone it’s definitely time for me to grow and take the channel down a different path. I have always loved making these kinds of videos. I feel better about everything. ❤️

[@camnatale-miles2542]

Just got back into card collecting again and I've been a serial collector, especially Nintendo related products, and sometimes it can really take over your life. I will always love it and I consider it a part of who I am, but at the same time It certainly is there to fill a void and it can cause serious anxiety, guilt and unnecessary pressures. This video is wonderful. Its helped me take stock and take a step back.

[@orionsires]

I’ve been there and in some ways still have that collecting itch but I have a much more narrow path now for very specific cards and items and that has helped a ton. I used to just go after everything so I’m glad you enjoyed the video and got something from it!

[@camnatale-miles2542]

@@orionsires absolutely! Thanks mate

[@Trap.w0rld24]

That's why you are one of my fav youtubers , you are honest and real

[@orionsires]

Thanks ILI ❤️

[@ryokurokiba8257]

I love this video I feel the same way with different sitting where I'm at as well

[@orionsires]

Glad you enjoyed the video friend ❤️

[@BasicSneedEducation]

I had a similar situation. I went wild with buying retro games this year. Mainly being too impatient about it. Had to use some savings to clear credit card debt like you did. I’m getting it under control now. I downsized my collection selling games I know I wont play and keeping the games I care more about. Nice video btw.

[@orionsires]

Thanks for the feedback and I’m glad it was relatable I too have fully gotten things under control but man am I ashamed of how I spent money last year and the year before. 😂

[@benjamindean7536]

Orion you have a lot of value invested in Pokémon and its valuable but something even more valuable than that is your 2 girls and your relationship with them😅 we should remember what's most important in our lives ❤

[@orionsires]

Absolutely Benjamin. Family is the most important thing. Mapping our future is the most important thing. ❤️

[@benjamindean7536]

@@orionsires family is an interesting term who are your family anyway ? Just because you have the same blood in your veins? Nobody gets my respect because of position they get my respect by their actions by their character.

[@olivergrey-turner5942]

shotgun purchasing is such a bet big potentially win big scenario. I have been a fan of pokemon for such a long time, and I have really started to invest in my PSA 10 collection. sticking with smaller sets (Futsal / Celebrations etc) with the aim of going for one big set (currently legendary collection), and making sure that you get the most out of what it is you want while at the same time building a quality collection. good to hear you are being smarter on how you invest when it comes to this hobby. It is just SO expensive in this current market!

[@orionsires]

This is actually a super old video now but I have trimmed my collection down to a handful of high end cards now and it’s made things way easier to just enjoy the hobby and opening once in a while but mainly investing in really rare cards that will hold value through time because of low pops. You should check out some of my newer vids if you haven’t ! Thanks for watching again crazy to see these videos still getting views! 😎🙏🏼

[@Localcardshop]

U almost at 2k subs bubba!

[@orionsires]

Haha almost ! I still have a ways to go but every video reaches slightly more folks than the last. Thanks friend ❤️

[@Probasaur]

Wish you the best. Your health is the most important thing in life. Without that you have nothing. Appreciate the video.

[@orionsires]

Thanks friend ❤️

[@poketyro]

im in the same boat lol been in it for 3 years but got a 10-15 year collection

[@orionsires]

It’s amazing to have a great collection but for the vast majority of people it won’t be sustainable. It’s sad but even for me it isn’t sustainable. I will have to come back into collecting once my other priorities have a strong direction. I’ve learned a lot though and it’s just a pause. For now .. 😎❤️

[@Jarke]

I got back into it at the worst time in 2021 and racked up about 8k in CC debt. Luckily I had bought some solid buys like gold stars and 1st edi WOTC PSA 9s so I was able to resell them at either around the same or a $100-300 loss by the end of 2021 and pay off the debt, but I had to sell some cards I REALLY didn't wanna sell like a BGs 9 gold star mewtwo with 10 centering :( that literally took all my willpower to sell and pay it off. I knew I had an issue when I cared more about winning the auction then actually receiving the card. It was honestly scary, but now I'm good and set a monthly $500 budget. I swear those pokemon ebay auctions are like crack.

[@orionsires]

Absolutely man those auctions can be very addictive! Glad you enjoyed the content! ❤️

[@Shynotic]

Good to hear it 👊🏼

[@orionsires]

Thanks Shy 😎❤️

[@jamesocollects]

Really liked this video!

[@orionsires]

Thank you James , it took a lot of reflecting to get to this point but I’m glad I did it and my life is already turning in a different direction. ❤️ this video is also partially due to my subscribers reminding me what’s most important in life

[@PokeMage87]

I’m flying from Charlotte this summer I’ll try to come check out the bar when I’m in town!

[@orionsires]

Haha ok Z ! I’ll be there slinging cocktails and playing Pokémon secretly on the gameboy 😂😎❤️

[@pokemaniacdavid]

Much respect man. My mortgage kills my wallet every month and I always think about slowing down but then I get excited and end up getting a credit card out haha. At the end of the day, we only have a short amount of time here, and there’s way worse things to be addicted to. A decade ago I was drinking heavily and couch surfing, so spending thousands on Pokémon stuff really isn’t bad in comparison

[@orionsires]

Absolutely the bills and all the regular costs of living can wear a person down and it’s nice to be able to reward yourself for your hard work. But I agree the credit card is enabling and can get out of control! Glad you are doing better - I’ve certainly battled far worse addictions in the past and I’m proud of myself for where I’m at today and I’m proud of you too! That’s what Pokémon is all about. Childhood, memories, friendship and a fun ass hobby ! 😎❤️

[@pokemaniacdavid]

@@orionsires exactly brother!! I never thought I’d be addicted to shiny cardboard but here we are 😂 worth every penny. It’s more about the memories and the nostalgia than anything! I really should take a page out of your book and pay my credit cards off though. That apr is abusing me hard

[@Win22]

Great video bro 🙏

[@orionsires]

Haha thank you!! This is a super old video but still relevant I still struggle with trying to just chill on cards. Glad to see this video is still being appreciated and supported. I love this community! Welcome to the channel 😎

[@Win22]

I appreciate the transparency, speaks volumes.. super relatable

[@Win22]

@@orionsires Yeaa same here, just went hard on some evolving skies

[@Reds-Card-Case]

The best choice i ever made was turning this hobby into a self funding hobby. I was spending thousands and falling behind on bills. No one can endlessly fork thousands of dollars into pokemon, its irresponsible. But if I can make 1000$ on pokemon, then I can spend that same 1000$ on pokemon without hurting my family. Ive been buying singles and grading them and selling, and i have about a 10k collection that cost me almost nothing at this point, or very little. My last psa return i had 300$ into total spent on cards and fees and valued up to 1150$ after grading. Now i have a spare 850$ to redo it all and snowball it and buy some stuff i want for myself, guilt free. This is the only real way for average people to get a vast collection over decades without getting burnt out and hurting there lifes and family.

[@orionsires]

Great comment ! I do believe selling is a major part of collecting and a way to move money around without putting yourself in a risky position ! Much love ❤️

[@jbonetim3759]

Great video

[@orionsires]

One of my older ones but I definitely struggled when I got heavy into collecting

[@CoziTCG]

Orion the Philosopher. Love it. It takes some serious courage to share the things you’re sharing. Also I just tried to get in chat for you livestream on April 12th and it says you can’t chat in “videos for Kids”. Seems like having your daughter on camera triggered the KZbin for Kids safety feature. Hope you can get that straightened out

[@orionsires]

Ahhhhh ok yeah it was a weird silent chat haha that’s probably why 🤣

[@bezosphere]

Saying "my collecting addiction" with a backdrop like that, I couldn't help but chuckle a bit 😅

[@orionsires]

I know it’s funny to look back on this video 😂

[@RealTechGeek]

Orion definitely gotta buy a mansion for his ever expanding collection lol 😆 😅

[@orionsires]

I admit a bigger home would be great for the family to grow but a mansion sounds nice too lol my bar is doing far better than my KZbin that’s for sure but in time it will pick up thanks for the love buddy ❤️😎

[@joeybrown567]

What are your go to card shops in Charlotte?

[@orionsires]

There’s really only one I like that’s close and that’s “get some game” but there’s rally squirrel and ketchumcollectibles!

[@taiger69]

Link to the Mercari and Ebay stores?

[@orionsires]

The mercari is linked in the description and I’ll be linking the eBay soon but it’s just “orionstheman” for my store name! I will try and put it on my KZbin bio asap!

[@royaalewcheese]

17:01-17:12 great Pokémon Training!

[@orionsires]

Haha STOP BARKING 🤣 if you’re not new it’s something I’ve had to do in most videos our household is always obnoxiously loud at some point

[@oxy5218]

i think one of the biggest contributor for falling into a "pokemon collecting addiction" is FOMO, a lot of people myself included are scared that if i dont buy something now it would get to be too expensive that i would miss out on it for example for me the sun and moon era stuff is starting to get really expensive so im buying a bunch of that stuff before it goes beyond what it is now so thats making me spend a lot of money because i know in a year that shit would go way up. Pokemon is known for the prices to rise extremely fast and without warning

[@orionsires]

Great comment I absolutely agree with what you’re saying and it’s burning a hole in many peoples pockets

[@AXeLSPRTNA15]

Bro should be happy he never discovered the Neopets TCG. Been droppin mad cash...

[@orionsires]

Hahaha this video is super old I’ve definitely become very efficient as a collector since then and have curbed my spending and saving way more then I ever was before. But I remember neo pets 😎🙏🏼

[@JasenBerger]

Wish i was in your position know how you feel though, i have an addiction collecting too and I dont make a fraction of what you have.

[@orionsires]

Hey you’ll get there everything takes time, you get older and make more money but with that you lose all your time so it’s a trade off 😎🙏🏼

[@hitmee398]

What saved me from being addicted to collecting was not really having money to collect.

[@orionsires]

I might end up that way if I’m not careful lol

[@hitmee398]

@@orionsires im sure you will never let it come that far. I honestly just watch other people their collections and try to find joy in that.

[@Reds-Card-Case]

Holy cow man. I miss this part before my last comment, but if you are down 130k on a 160k investment in the stock market, you really really should see a financial advisor, I mean that in a super caring way. You seem like a great guy, ive also had substance issues, collecting issues, addictive personality, but you should seriously try to find some help in that department. Theres lots of ways to grow wealth over time and come back from that, but if your putting that much money into stuff, you need to have a super clear exit plan for when things go south. Im worried about you to be honest, that scares me, for you. I hope everything goes well and works out, but maybe you should talk to someone about safer ways to invest and grow wealth. Best of luck friend.

[@orionsires]

I have a large group that I talk to that is heavily invested in the same stock as I am, it can be scary but I’m not selling out or taking a loss. The hardest part of investing is the psychological aspect. People fear the unknown thus selling too soon and realizing true losses. If the market rebounds in 2 years and everything moves back up I’ll be kicking myself for selling. I’ll admit it’s the largest fumble I’ve ever made but I still support the company and think EV and solid state batteries are the future! Hopefully I can do a successful reflection video on it down the road when it rises again. But I went to school for finance and have my degree. I also worked in finance for about two years til I decided I can do it on my own. I have seriously thought about letting an advisor take the wheel entirely but I’m confident enough in myself to continue trusting my own research and see what happens. I agree with alot of what you’re saying though, having an escape plan is really important. Much love ❤️

[@Reds-Card-Case]

i remember around the covid pokemon/market boom when all the EV/alternative speculative energy companies went up like 60X in value, i was daytrading them regularly. Its a little passed the point now, but leaving it someone else could be helpful. They would probley diversify you into mutual funds and etfs rather than 1 particular company so your more risk adverse. You could even do leveraged etfs for better gains if you want more risk. They would have stopped you from going -80%. Just imagine if you hit a 5% stop loss and bought in now, imagine the diffrence. Your break even price right now, could have made you a millionaire with the same price movement with a good manager, stop losses, exit plans, and dollar cost averaging. The speculative moves have there place, but when your talking about your retirment, its usually better to be safe than sorry. I pray for you that it works out and you know what your doing and i hope you prove me super duper wrong and get 10 million😅

[@RetroXRicardo]

Maybe don't buy so many copies of the same thing. Sell them. You don't need so many copies.

[@orionsires]

Since then I have sold many of my duplicate cards/decks 😎

[@doubllechief6926]

Honestly man, you sound kind of insane to me, rationalizing your reckless spending habits and collecting addiction. $100k on collectibles in a couple years is pure insanity. If you really like collecting, that should account for maybe 5% of your yearly income after tax if you’re just a middle class American. Such a gross misuse of funds. And even the way you talk, it sounds like you don’t really enjoy it and what it’s become in your life and you’re just rationalizing something that is a complete compulsion. Think you’re being way too easy on yourself.

[@orionsires]

I don’t think making this video was being too easy on myself truthfully. I think I was being open and vulnerable to punish myself. Furthermore my mercari and eBay and KZbin have now made back nearly half of those funds. You have to remember this is an old video now. I have found a way to make the hobby sustainable for myself as a seller and collector since then. I respect your opinion and it was insane at that time. But has worked out beautifully in the long run. Just sold a single card for a 1k profit yesterday. Now I’m looking at buying even more expensive cards as I’m evolving as a collector. Some of us are just a bit more hardcore than others haha. Interesting enough my Pokémon collection is now worth more and appreciating more than my IRA or my Active Portfolio. I took a risk and it’s paying off. But I won’t act like it wasn’t impulsive at the time because it was but I’ve learned since then what sells well or appreciates well from rarity or low print etc. Anywho thanks for watching my old videos and being brutally honest 😎🙏🏼