Hey Gang! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but I'm hoping I can get your input on this article I'm working on for my writing class.
My assignment is to write a non-fiction article of approximately 1500 words on any subject we would like. I, of course, choose card collecting. Ok, so here it goes....

With the current state of the economy and money being tight, how have you adjusted your collecting habits and what changes have you noticed in the hobby as a whole?

I'd appreciate any and all input. Thanks!

The economy has definitely affected my collecting. I have not bought any cards in over a year. I don't know if I'll be unemployed again like in 2009(4 months),but for me it felt longer. This hobby is for people who have disposable income-I use to have a little extra cash,but unfortunately I don't anymore.... I still keep up with card collecting,and this site. I hope I can start collecting again soon!
As for what I've noticed in the hobby as a whole.....I've seen cards that would go for a lot on Ebay(in past years) going for much less. I'm no expert,but I think card collecting goes up and down like the economy--now it's a bit down. Good Luck on your paper.

I used to have a very well paid job and bought cases. Then I was let go, now earn one third the money I used to, and buy one or two boxes.

I know that because of bills this year I have really dropped in what I buy. I would buy 2 to 3 cases a year but this year i have had to drop that to almost 0 and generally what set and and auto's I buy now, I buy on the bay. I would love to buy more but I just can't right now.

I can't say that I have cut back in what I spend, but what I spend is not getting me as much as before, so it feels like a cut back.

I don't buy as many boxes or premium packs as I did before, preferring to pick up individual cards, as that is more cost effective in the long run. I guess I have become more selective of the cards I buy and have pretty much stopped the impulse spending.

Thanks for the answers folks! Keep 'em coming.

As odd as it may be, I actually spent more on cards in 2011 than I have any other year.
The slumping economy has affected my buying habits, in as much as the company I work for has refused to give raises since 2007. So, like most people, I've got less disposable income now. Fortunately, I've been able to sell off less sentimental bits of my collection and used that money to buy newer/nicer cards.
I don't plan to spend nearly as much in 2012, mostly because I've got 'life expenses' coming up, though there are some sets and singles that I'll add.

Over the last 10 years my card buying have dwendled to maybe 1 or 2 box's of cards a year.
I've been concentrating on picking up single promos and a few odd sets of cards off Ebay.
Being retired reduces the extra spending money and house repairs take alot to.
Card collecting is getting harder on collectors because of the rising cost of the cards and getting less for your money. Also Dealers and individuals want more then some cards are worth.
Autograph cards are outrageous in prices. Collectors have to be very selective in todays economy.
My collecting might slow down but I don't think I'll stop completely.

I spend more money when I didn't have any kids in the 90's. I was buying about 10 master set per month during that time.
But with the autograph, costumes, sketch and ultra-rare cards now, since I am a completist, I am doing about 4-5 master per year.

I had to sound like everyone else but for the last two years I have only had the cash to pick up a few boxes. 2012 has some big releases for me that I will be buying more. I tried my first Premium pack and enjoyed it a lot this weekend. Will likely get more. So, if the cash is there I will use it on cards, if not well I just miss out until I do have the money for it.

Thanks for the input guys! It's a great help. Maybe, if the Writing Gods are with me, NSU will considering running the story when I'm done.