As a collector i tend to wonder occasionally about how much money i have "invested" into my own collections. Aside from that, as i am part of many FB groups that focus on specific collections and specific regions like for example Funko Pop or Pokemon Facebook group, i see new people asking about tips on how to start their collections and in general the cost that this would entail.
The truth is that this can vary a lot depending on your collection and ofc on what and how you decide to collect. Let me give you a few examples. The simplest example of all concerns the type of collection you wish to start. For instance if you decide to collect cars, no matter what, you will need to pay, a lot.
On the other side, if you decide to collect Bottle caps, you basically need 0$ in order to start your collection. Simply buy a beer that you like and boom, you've just started. Then, instead of buying the same beer, you can buy something else each time and grow your collection.
Note that collecting doesn't mean that you have to collect specific things that everyone else collects. If you find something that you really like, it has a meaning for you, like nostalgia, or that it reminds you of a person that you love or even if it simply makes you happy, then go for it, except if it's illegal :p
Now if you want to dive a bit deeper, certain collections need certain focus but again you don't need to pay a fortune. I will get into more details about Pokémon collections. You see, the Pokémon card collection has reached new heights. Some people like the game, others the anime, others are buying for the nostalgia or as a form of investment and some like the art. Others combine a couple of things i just mentioned.
You have the option to buy cards raw, to buy graded cards, you can buy booster packs, booster boxes or other products that contain booster packs and promotion cards. Sadly, a lot of these things are quite expensive due to the demand. In fact there a lot of cards, even raw single cards that cost 500$-2000$.
Now as it can get chaotic for someone that just starting out, since there are thousands of different cards out there, you need to decide what collection you would like to make. You want to complete a series doing a Master set as we say it, you want to have all the cards that exist of a certain Pokémon or have a collection of cute Pokémon? Maybe you like the art and don't care about what Pokémon it depicts.
What in general i would urge everyone, is to do research first, to see what they like, then conduct research on fake products to get a better understanding of how to evaluate the cards and then purchase only from legitimate shops or sellers.
Also, you don't need to pay thousands for cards, A lot of Pokémon cards that are not of high rarity have awesome art. These cards cost 2-10 cents so you can start your collection without any heavy costs. Another tip is that applies to most of the cards, is that we get the same cards in different languages. The most expensive ones are the English ones, while the Japanese ones are half the price.
As you can see, you can start your collection even for free. I bet every person if they take the time, will find something they really likes to collect and the amazing thing is that there are thousands of things out there that you can start collecting for years and years and never get bored! I collect Funko Pops, Coins, One Piece, Pokemon and Digimon cards and the journey never ends!