I go thru the same thing sometimes. Just because you are in a hobby does not mean that it takes over your life. I find that the real world frequently interferes with chipping. So I just wait until things calm down then get back in it. JB had some good sugestions but you have to realize that if you have a hobby where you collect "money" it is going to cost something occasionally. If you can find one of those "treasure troves" at a flea market you may end up paying for a years worth of chips. Of course going to casinos, especially on opening day, can be a good way to get traders or chips to sell.