How to avoid being someone else's "nice find"?

[gawaintheknight]

So I was reading one of the "nice find" posts that pop up from time to time, and I thought to myself, "Gosh, it sure would suck if someone else made a lot of money off my stuff after I die." I thought I would ask how all of you deal with this. Do you have another collector designated to sell your stuff? Do you have written instructions for your executor ("This stuff is worthless, this stuff should go to an auction house (in particular this one, with whom I've already made arrangements), don't throw this away under any circumstances, etc)? Do you plan to sell it all before you die so it's not an issue? Sorry if this is a bit grim, but I thought it might be useful not just for me but for others.

[bnorth]

I personally don't care if my stuff is used as fire starter or given away for free once I am dead. It is a hobby and any $ I spend on it is not needed for real life.

[r0ck8ott0m]

That was really funny about the fire starter lol or even as TP for the bathroom .... But in any shape or form this is a hobby but at the same time an investment. I would hope if I were to die that my hard work and fun hobby would be handed to someone who cares or sold for a good price for my family. Not to be thrown away.

[tschock]

I have a couple of spreadsheets that provide some guidance. I don't keep them completely up to date, but it will give them an idea that the 1987 Topps doesn't fall in the same category as the tobacco cards.

I'm slowly trying to pare down my actual collection so that they won't be left with a pile of 'stuff' to deal with. But I want them to be aware that there might be some 'value' with what is left and to what extent. What they DO with that is up to them. But I'm at least trying to impart some knowledge.

If I go before my better half, she'll be able to clue them in as to what is junk or not. Ideally if you have someone you want to leave it to, I would advise getting it to them BEFORE you die, assuming you can plan for that.

[irv]

My Father, who is currently 77, has given me most of his collection items and those that he hasn't, he has told me where they are.

I have shown my wife my collection, have shown her cards on here and A/H's to help give her an idea on my cards value.

I have also, periodically, when I have his attention, shown my son cards on here and A/H's as well as my collection.

Like my Father did for me, I also plan on giving my collection to my son when I get older or sell them if I have to to help pay for his education.

My son is smart with his money and showing him my cards, I have no worries he will just give them away or sell them for nothing.

I guess adding them to my Will wouldn't be a bad idea however just to ensure my son does get them.

[ALR-bishop]

" I hope that that when I die people say of me ' boy, that guy sure owed me a lot of money ' ".... Jack Handey

I never spend anything on cards my family will need. They can sell it, burn it with me , or give it away

[FourStrikes]

Originally Posted by gawaintheknight

So I was reading one of the "nice find" posts that pop up from time to time, and I thought to myself, "Gosh, it sure would suck if someone else made a lot of money off my stuff after I die." I thought I would ask how all of you deal with this. Do you have another collector designated to sell your stuff? Do you have written instructions for your executor ("This stuff is worthless, this stuff should go to an auction house (in particular this one, with whom I've already made arrangements), don't throw this away under any circumstances, etc)? Do you plan to sell it all before you die so it's not an issue? Sorry if this is a bit grim, but I thought it might be useful not just for me but for others.

an interesting topic - one that may or may not have been discussed here before - but IMO it's definitely a legit topic for discussion.

personally, I've been thinking about such a situation, and I'm leaning towards - in the near future: 1, 2, 3 months (or years, of course, in an ideal situation) - unloading - at the right price - a sh!tload of my 'stuff' as I have no kids/family members who give a rats ass about the "stuff" I've acquired over the past 30 years...

while I'm honestly leery of 'predators/vultures' (no offense) that know I'm holding some cool stuff, should I die today/tomorrow/the next day, I'd personally rather set up my family/friends with my stuff - or myself for that matter - with some useful funds rather than having my sh!t wind up in probate or otherwise realizing 10-20 cents per dollar upon my (untimely or otherwise) demise...

sure, it's just "stuff", but it's the old generally-speaking sports adage "...I'd rather trade a player a year too early than a year too late" has to be factored into (responsible) decisions...

throw me a viable bone, and I'd rather find a suitable new home for my stuff than screw myself - or my family/friends when that day eventually comes.

JMO, and PM's (regarding anything anyone familiar with my type of holdings has coveted over the years) are always welcome, if not solicited!

p.s. - checkbook required , of course.

DS