2025 was my first full year writing this weekly newsletter.
It also happened to be a full year in the boom phase of the collectibles cycle.
As my second boom phase since I started collecting Pokémon cards again in 2020, the past year has been an opportunity to apply what I've learned to make more sensible collecting and investing decisions, while protecting myself of the stress I experienced on my first time through the rollercoaster of the collectibles cycle.
The results have been... mixed.
On the investing front, there's little for me to complain about: the investments I'd made throughout 2020-2024 have performed extremely well. And, using what I've learned, I was able to sell a significant portion of my collection into the hype of the boom, resulting in a profit of $13,489 on a $5,794 investment. I shared the full details of these sales in this video:
I was able to see my investing thesis play out, and set myself up for success when the market corrects and settles into the new foundation phase again.
The downside of 2025? I haven't had any fun as a collector.
Back in 2020 and 2021, as the market went crazy, I conservatively bought and opened all kinds of new packs when I could find them at reasonable prices. The market was booming, so I had no choice but to overpay for cards, but I still got to experience new sets and find ways to enjoy the hobby.
This time around, I decided to opt out completely until the market settled down. As a result: I've never felt more disconnected from the hobby. I barely follow the new releases, and have only opened a handful of packs all year.
Along the way, I haven't felt like a collector.
This has been a great lesson from the year: when you love Pokémon cards, it's ok to buy and open packs during the boom. Even though they're overpriced. Going forward, I do plan to buy some cards to open again. I'll just stick to my budget, and do it for the pure enjoyment of it.
I'm looking forward to it.
But, perhaps the best part of 2025 has been writing this newsletter every week. At the beginning of the year, I decided to commit myself fully to my writing. It has been, by far, the most rewarding creative outlet I've found since I started making Pokémon content in 2021.
Writing this newsletter forces me to dive more deeply into the market, and figure out how to articulate the lessons I've learned. And, of course, it's allowed me to connect with everyone who reads this newsletter.
So, thank you.
The fact that anyone reads this newsletter means the world to me, and I deeply appreciate all the on-going support.
In 2026, nothing changes: I will continue to deliver a weekly newsletter with my thoughts and commentary on the Pokémon market. Along the way, I hope to continue improving the newsletter to deliver more and more value with each issue.
If there's anything you'd like to see or think I can do better, just reply to this email and let me know. I read every reply and I love hearing from you.
As usual,
Thanks so much for reading the TCG Buyers Club newsletter. My name's Grey, I buy cardboard, and I'm on a mission to make collecting and investing in Pokémon simple.
Cheers 🍻