Stamp Collecting can be a fairly inexpensive hobby to start. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.

Ask your friends to select commemorative stamps to put on the correspondence they send you. The difference between regular stamps and commemorative ones is that the latter are larger and they are used to honor famous events, places and people. Because only a small amount of these stamps are issued, they are sought by collectors. If they know you are a collector, your friends will likely go to the post office to buy commemorative stamps to put on your mail.

If you need to place a stamp on a self-addressed envelope you are required to send out with an offer, use commemorative stamps on that envelope. You\’ll get them back when the envelopes are returned to you.

Ask people you know to hold on to their stamps for you. The majority of your friends and family will be happy to be of service if they know you are a collector.

If you know anyone who receives mail from other countries, ask them if you can have those stamps. Scope for people that can help you find unusual stamps.

Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their office mail for you. Many companies receive stamped mail from other countries, and they end up throwing away the envelopes.

See if your parents have any old letters with stamps still attached. Do not attempt to peel off the stamp. This will cause thin spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp\’s appearance and lessen its value to collectors. Cut off the whole corner of the envelope so that there is still paper under the stamp, and pay attention to not cut the perforations.

If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.

Be aware that stamp companies sometimes give away free stamps. Sometimes free stamps come along with \”approvals\”, an ensemble of other stamps that can either be bought or returned. And it can be a fun way to buy stamps. Do know, however, that if you need to return the stamps, you are responsible for postage.

Inquire about stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or schools.

Also, you can consider starting a stamp club if one is not already open in your area. All you will need to do is to get four of five people interested in exchanging stamps and ideas.

Start with free stamps, an album and an inexpensive package of stamp hinges, and discover a hobby that will keep you busy and happy for years to come.

So, are you ready to get started?