| Stamp collecting doesn't have to be an expensive | | | | of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its |
| hobby. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited | | | | value to collectors. Always tear off the envelope |
| financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways | | | | corner so that there is paper all around the stamp, |
| to start stamp collecting. | | | | and make sure that all of the perforations are |
| 1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps | | | | undamaged. |
| on their mail when they write to you. | | | | 7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if |
| Commemorative stamps are generally larger than | | | | they have duplicates that they are willing to give or |
| regular stamps and are issued to honor famous | | | | sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of |
| people, places, or events. Because commemorative | | | | duplicates and they are often willing to help get new |
| stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than | | | | philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by |
| common smaller stamps, they are of much more | | | | selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply |
| interest to collectors. Tell your friends that you are a | | | | than can be purchased in stores or by mail. |
| stamp collector and ask them to request | | | | 8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp |
| commemorative stamps at the post office. | | | | companies. Free stamps are often offered along with |
| 2. When you send away for offers that require | | | | "approvals," an assortment of other stamps that you |
| postage or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use | | | | must either buy or return. This can be a convenient |
| commemorative stamps. You'll get them back when | | | | way to buy stamps. Note, however, that you usually |
| the envelopes are returned to you. | | | | have to pay the return postage if you return the |
| 3. Ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives to save | | | | approval stamps. |
| their used stamps for you. You'll find that most | | | | 9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may |
| people will be happy to save their stamps for you | | | | offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps |
| when they learn that you are a collector. | | | | you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor |
| 4. If you know someone who gets letters from | | | | junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or |
| other countries, ask them to save those stamps. | | | | schools. |
| Always be on the lookout for potentially good stamp | | | | 10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn't |
| contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go | | | | already exist in your area. It only takes four or five |
| through their mail for you before they throw away all | | | | other stamp collectors who are interested in getting |
| the envelopes. | | | | together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas. |
| 5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from | | | | With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, |
| their office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of | | | | such as a small album and a package of stamp |
| foreign mail and regularly throw away stamps that | | | | hinges, even collectors with little money can have a |
| have interest and value to a collector. | | | | great time. |
| 6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with | | | | So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps |
| stamps on the envelopes. Don't peel the stamp off | | | | today! |
| the envelope. This will cause thin spots or tears, both | | | | |