I’m attempting to make a living tgc pokedex while spending as little money as possible

Hi everyone!

I'm not technically new to TGC as I collected when I was a kid and recently got back into it. Back in July 2025, I decided I would attempt to undertake this project with a few simple rules:

1. I would need to collect 1025 pokemon cards. No Vegas, no z-maxes. Just as long as they have a pokedex entry, they get a card.

2. I have to try and spend as little money as possible, relying on the goodwill of the community and my own resourcefulness.

The beginning started off pretty well. I had my own sizeable collection from when I was gifted vintage cards by a family friend. My coworker and bestie also supplied me with a ton right at the beginning. My dad even got me a white flare/black bolt 2 pack. But then, things slowed down.

Card shows have been a massive hit. A lot of very, very kind people have let me sift through their bulk to help me out. And as of right now, I am just over halfway through the pokedex!!!!

I'm hoping to finish this in a year or two, especially if i keep up going to Card shows. I've met so many amazing people from them and I hope to keep it up!!!