Magic: Collecting for Power Profit and Prestige

I'm offering this short guide in response to the recent boon in card values.
Inside you'll find topics discussing the various motivations for collecting, as well as how those motivations overlap.
I want to help you improve your ability to assess cards for power, to predict and profit from changes in the secondary market, and offer some advice on how to safely maintain your collection to preserve its value.
This guide also presents much of what I have learned about keeping your cards safe while playing, while in storage and even on 'display'.
New players and collectors need to be aware of how fragile cardboard can be and that there are products available to protect their investment. While this guide is not necessary for playing the game, I hope it helps you get the most value of out the cards you acquire.