The listings from the January 2018 Scott New Issues Update fall into a wide range of popular topical collecting areas.

The listings from the December 2017 Scott New Issues Update fall into a wide range of popular topical collecting areas.

The listings from the November 2017 Scott New Issues Update fall into a wide range of popular topical collecting areas.

Let’s be honest: We all like to get something for nothing, and “free” is certainly a most welcome word in the world of stamps. And we stamp collectors are lucky, because there are many great free things available to enhance our collecting. You might be shaking your head in disbelief, but bear with me and I’m sure you will enjoy some of the free things mentioned here.

Pamper yourself this winter by blocking out some time every week to attend to your collection. Schedule the tasks you have been setting aside and then make a firm commitment to get them done.

There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to collect stamps and to make the hobby a fun, family activity. One good way to start getting the family involved is to use stamps to celebrate each person’s birthday.

Around the middle of the 19th century, merchants, businesses and manufacturers began using specially printed mailing envelopes as a means of promoting their businesses and products. As commerce and industry thrived, more of these advertising covers appeared. Luckily for 21st-century collectors, recipients of those 19th- and 20th-century advertising covers sometimes saved them.

It might seem like magic, but viewing certain stamps with the use of simple transparent color filters can make it easier to see the stamp design and read hidden details of postmarks.

Sometimes we collectors just don’t pay enough attention to our stamps. We acquire a stamp, we look at it long enough to find a place for it in our albums, and then we move on to the next stamp without giving a second glance to the stamp we just mounted.

It’s important to have a plan when considering whether or not to purchase a stamp or cover. Ask yourself: Is the perceived value of the item worth the cost to add it to your collection?

The listings from the October 2017 Scott New Issues Update fall into a wide range of popular topical collecting areas.

The listings from the September 2017 Scott New Issues Update fall into a wide range of popular topical collecting areas.