Bang for your brick: behind Lego’s thriving secondary market

Mar 4, 2019
Lego fans and investors maintain a robust, independent online market for rare and valuable pieces.
At age 15, Kaleb Johnson sold some of his Harry Potter-branded Legos, which included a similar Mad-Eye Moody figurine. That sale netted him $2,000.
dbowker3d/Flickr

Hobby investments can't escape that darn global economy

Feb 13, 2019
Hobby investments are a fun alternative to the stock market. But they aren’t immune from the ebbs and flows of the economy.
The Beanie Baby craze in the '90s is an example of hobby investing.
Joyce Naltchayan/AFP/Getty Images

The resale market for sneakers is red hot

Jan 10, 2017
Some savers invest their hard-earned dollars in footwear.
Sneakers on display at Sneaker Pawn, The Bank for Sneakers in New York.
Sally Herships/Marketplace
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Mattel wheeling out miniature Tesla Model S

Jun 18, 2015
As part of its Hot Wheels brand, Mattel is coming out with a miniature Tesla Model S.

Coins and stamps now more profitable than art and wine

Sep 23, 2013
New trends in luxury investing. But while collecting rare collectibles may be fun, don't give up on stocks and bonds -- these 'passion investments' don't add too much heft to your portfolio.

How one family went bankrupt spending $100,000 on Beanie Babies

Aug 13, 2013
A documentary filmmaker tells the story of how his father's obsession with the plush collectables cost the family everything.

For public good, not for profit.

Movie artifacts rake in big bucks at auctions

Jul 27, 2012
Hollywood costumes and props used to be sold on eBay. The sale of a big private collection shows that specialty auctions are now the way to go.