Unveiling the Mantel Grails Tee — our logo mark reimagined with the grails that shaped collecting: Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, MJ’s Fleer rookie, Gretzky, 1st edition Charizard, Action Comics #1, and more.

Also available: crisp white Mantel crew socks, stitched with our green logo.

Shop now: shop.onmantel.com

Published July 21, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

It’s not easy to speak up—especially in a space that tends to celebrate the wins and gloss over the real-life struggles.

But when someone raises their hand and says, “I’m in debt. I need help.”—that isn’t weakness. That’s awareness. That’s strength.

When it comes to credit card debt, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It can feel like a sea of conflicting advice and noise online. And the right path forward really depends on how deep things are—not just financially, but emotionally.

Some explore consolidation. Others seek hardship programs. And yes—sometimes bankruptcy is on the table. That option can feel shameful, but the truth is, bankruptcy is a tool. It exists for a reason. And for some, it’s the reset they desperately need.

In some recovery circles like Gamblers Anonymous, bankruptcy is viewed as a last resort—not because it’s wrong, but because “bailouts” don’t always address the underlying behaviors that led to the debt.

At Collectors MD, we don’t subscribe to that kind of shame. We believe that each person deserves the chance to rebuild in whatever way helps them breathe again. If bankruptcy, consolidation, or any other financial path helps you reset and move forward—there’s no judgment here.

That said, financial tools alone won’t save you if you’re still drowning mentally and emotionally. You can restructure your debt, but if the patterns are still there, it’ll feel like you’re just rearranging the chaos.

That’s why we host free weekly support meetings—every Wednesday from 8–9PM ET. No lectures. No expectations. Just a space to talk, listen, and connect with people who get it.

For many, it’s the first real step toward putting the pieces back together.

We’re also building toward more—working to bring licensed financial advisors and mental health professionals into the fold. We’ve already partnered with Birches Health, offering our community confidential, insurance-covered outpatient counseling for those struggling with gambling and behavioral addiction. Because it’s not just about money. It’s about the cycles, the pressure, and the shame that often come with it.

If you’re in the thick of it, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out in silence.

You’ve got a community here that sees you. We’re not here to fix you—we’re here to walk with you while you find your way back.

#CollectorsMD
There’s no shame in resetting. Only power in choosing to try again.

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Read More Daily Reflections

I haven’t hardly bought any this year. Not only have they been scarce where I live but, I am also focused on completing a number of vintage sets and putting time and resources into that endeavor.

Just Showing off the Vintage for the fellow collectors hope you enjoy 😊

Pulled this cross-town rival from a hobby box. Happy to see it go 😄💸

2024 Topps Series 1 Gerritt Cole Major League Material Patch Relic #MLM-GC - New York Yankees

One of my favorite rookie cards in my collection.

I love how these turned out. Tried out portrait a bit.

People forget how amazing Dantley was. He averaged >30 ppg back in the late 70’s/early 80’s!

⭐

Career Highlights & Achievements:

• 6× NBA All-Star (1980–1982, 1984–1986)

• 2× NBA Scoring Champion (1981, 1984)

• All-NBA Second Team (1981, 1984)

• NBA Rookie of the Year (1977)

• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1977)

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2008)

• Olympic Gold Medalist – 1976 Montreal Games (Team USA)

• Career Points: 23,177 (24.3 PPG average)

• Career Field Goal Percentage: .540 (elite efficiency, especially for a wing player)

I don’t have many things like this and it was a surprise RAK from a great member of the hobby. So it had to go on the wall.

Ah the Topps MVP buyback program. It’s an ingenious way to get people [besides me] excited about base cards. An MVP award will give two base cards glass slippers to the ball, but when the buyback redemption period ends, they turn back into the normal base cards they were. One of the most clever programs in Hobby history.