This is a great topic!
I´ve tried to think it through lately since I have started my G1 collection quite recently, and wanted to make sure it is under control and not just wasted space and money. As much joy as possible for the money!
I will try to actively have "projects" going for the ponies I have- improved ways to display them, plan photoshoots/costumes, restore playsets and probably ponies aswell in the future. But as a non-pressure, non-stressful hobby. It is there when I have the time and feel like it! An attempt to place more focus on enjoying the ponies I have rather than obsessing over finding new ones!
Have been drooling over a cabinet for display, but it will be a longterm project. It cost about 500 Euro. Would have to save up for a long time or win the lottery or something!
I feel it is important that it already is a part of my goal however - to keep in mind that it is just as important to be able to store and display the lovely collection than just getting stuff to fill it with.
I do not buy new playsets (only if I need spare parts that are very hard to find, and then it is with the intention of reselling what I do not need). But to complete and restore the ones I have. I would want a maximum of 3-4 playsets.
Also love accessories but I do not want anything and everything. Just the stuff I like best. A big part of planning what ponies to get are based on what accessories they have! *lol*
The only set (so far) I intend to complete is the Baby Seaside Ponies. It´s only three ponies and one float each, I think the colours looks very pretty together!
I love the ponies in baby blossom-pose so I will probably end up with a lot of those, but I am aiming for variety and not several with similar "look" and colours. Plan is to have a maximum of 10-12 of them picked from the favourites but with as much variety as possible!
I like to have 1-3 ponies from each set, but not from all sets, just the favourites. Most choises are based on my own childhood-ponies (the favourites) and suitable "friends". That is more than enough for now.