Tag Archive for Money Saving Tips

Making Money from Junk

I am sure you have heard or read stories about people who are making money from junk or er…stuff. During hard economic times many people sell stuff for cash just to make ends meet.

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There are many ways to sell stuff for cash. Used clothing or furniture stores will often take things on consignment. Of course, the store gets a cut of the profit too. eBay has been a huge success for some people and some have even created a part-time or full-time eBay business out of their endeavor to sell their stuff. Craigslist and garage sales are other popular ways to make money by selling things that have been sitting for years or that have some value to pull in some quick cash. For those who have jewelry to sell Cash for Gold may be the way to go for that, but it’s always keep your gold pieces in sight at all times – at least that is what we have been told. We had a friend who had a “Gold party” and knew a reputable person who bought gold in exchange for cash. That is the way we would probably sell gold.

We have never actually been successful selling our stuff. We sold a car when Robert was laid off or just after he went back to work. We’ve been trying to sell some used counter tops that have been sitting in our townhouse garage for oh… 4-5 years and NEW wall paper but hardly any interest in either of those things. I understand the wall paper as that’s very personal and unique but the counter top I figured would get sold to a someone who does rehabbing.

Garage sales have not been profitable for us either, then again we’ve only had one and it was such a bust my husband said NEVER again.

So how do people make money from selling their junk? I don’t have the answer to that, I only know they can and do. If you know the secret, I sure would love to be privy to it so we can sell some of our unwanted junk.


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Paper Products Sabbatical: Thirfty Thursday

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Recently I went to the library to find a tip I had published in a magazine (shhhh….no I do not subscribe to it) and told the circulation desk about my search as I was checking out. She went on to share one of her tips and that was to cut out buying paper products! Yep, a paper products sabbatical. She said she’s been meaning to cut back just to see how much money she saves because every time she goes to Walmart she plunks down $80 on paper products.

I know we use a lot of paper plates. A friend years ago suggested it just to make life easier with so many little ones. Now we use them to have fewer dishes to wash, although we notice our silverware going missing at a much faster rate by using paper plates, so there is that down fall to consider especially with young children.

Any one want to take the paper products challenge just to see how much we save?

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    Happy Thrifty Thursday!


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    Thrifty Thursday- Cheap Organic Cosmetics

    We came across a company called Vita Cost awhile back where you can find deals on all things “green” we have found some fairly cheap cosmetics for a fraction of what they would have cost at retail price. Plus they have great deals ALWAYS going on!

    Check them out here: http://www.vitacost.com/

    Also, their clearance section here is a GREAT place to find steal deals!

    Other Websites:

    Softlips- Organic all natural, and they can be found online or at Target and Walgreen’s. (they are on sale now!)

    Aroma Leigh: Although, we are sad to see them close down, we are happy at the bargains we can find for eye shadow here.

    Happy Thrifty Thursday!


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    Thrifty Thursday- 12 Tips To Save On Groceries

    1. Use coupons- Coupons can save you alot of money and can give you great discounts.

    2. Don’t shop hungry- Shopping hungry can lead you to buy more then you need.

    3. Use Store Cards- Using store cards whenever possible and using coupons as well as buying the items when they are on sale can lead to finding great deals.

    4. Buy cheaper cuts of meat- You don’t always have to buy the big expensive cut of meat to have a good dinner. Buy the cheaper cuts. They make great soups, stirfrys, slow cooker meals and more!

    5. Stock up on personal care items- When you see great sales for personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste etc, etc then buy them! These are safe to buy in bulk since you’ll definitely use them. Plus, you’ll save money on other grocery bills since all your personal care items are already bought.

    6. Stick To Your Budget- Sticking to your budget can save you alot of money in the long run.

    7. Keep a running list of items you need on your fridge this way you will know what you need to buy when you go shopping.

    8. Buy Store Brand Items- You don’t always need to buy from General Mills to get good cereal. Store brands are just as good.

    9. Cook from scratch, avoid processed foods. Processed foods cost WAYYYY more and fresh is much better for you!

    10. Drink water or frozen from concentrate juice instead of pop.

    11. Plant a small garden and grow your own herbs.

    12. And last (but not least) Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can save you lots of money and you can store food in the freezer for future use.

    Have a great thrifty Thursday!!


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    Thrifty Thursday – Barter

    Bartering is a age old custom used since 2000 B.C. In China. You can barter for anything now. There are many sorts of barter styles from trade exchanges, internet bartering, and even barter markets. But how exactly can you find people who want to barter? Good question here is a list of websites/places that can help you learn how to barter and how to find items to barter for.

    1. Craigslist: Craigslist Barter section is a GREAT way to find barter items. Go to craigslist.com and look for Barter under the for sale tab.

    2. Barter Quest.com

    3. Swap Treasures

    4. Swap Tree.com

    5. U- Exchange.com

    6. Free Cycle.com (not a bartering place exactly but you can save money)

    7. Care To Trade.com

    8. Trash Bank.com

    9. People Trading Services.com

    10. Swap Hog.com

    Happy Bartering!


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    Thrifty Thursday: Cutting Back On Food

    In this economic time many people are trying to find ways to cut back on spending, one way to do so is to cut back on how much food you buy and by the way you cook.

    For example if a recipe for mac and cheese calls for two cups of cheese for the cheese sauce you could use one and it will still work out. And you can cut butter in half when baking and use half butter and half apple sauce. Usually sugar can be cut back by half as well, after all we don’t need all that sugar anyway. Here’s a list of great tips:

    ~ You can cut butter in half when baking and use half butter and half apple sauce.
    ~ Cut back on cheese, use half.
    ~ Instead of serving meat every night use beans – they are high in protein, taste yummy and can be used in a variety of ways!
    ~ Instead of serving junk food for snacks buy fruit and veggies in bulk and serve those. It will also save on doctor visits in the future because you and your family will be healthier.
    ~ Bake your own baked goods instead of buying them. That will often cut the cost down by 75%!
    ~ Cook your own meals instead of buying them or eating out.
    ~ Eat out less.
    ~ Buy locally.
    ~ Use coupons.
    ~ Don’t shop when you are hungry.

    Happy Shopping and Cooking! Come back next Thursday for more Thrifty Thursday ideas! In the meantime check out our great giveaways! Win a clutch: http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/2010/09/11/ffr-giveaway-chambers-maroon-studded-clutch-100-value/


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    Thrifty Thursday: Thrift Stores

    Thrift stores and resale shops are REALLY great stores! They often have everything from books to clothing, and most of the time at great prices. They are as good as garage sales! (read my post on those here) We have found some really great things at thrift stores including: clothing, furniture, books, kitchen supplies, houseware, electronics, childrens items, bedding, sewing items and lots more! They have so much to offer.

    Thrift store items are usually reasonably priced and they usually have some sort of charity they support with the profits made.

    I’ve found only 3 cons about thrift stores and two of them really are not cons.

    1. Most of the time thrift store items are used and not brand new, but if you don’t mind that then it’s really not a con.

    2. Some of the things at thrift stores is just junk, so just beware when you take children in with you as you may come across items that they may want that you don’t want! 🙂

    3. You can’t use coupons at thrift stores but everything is SO MUCH cheaper than most stores. I don’t really think this is neccassarily a con though.

    Shopping at thrift stores is yet another way you can be thrifty!


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    Thrifty Thursday – Free Samples

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    We all love free stuff right? Well some of the best ways to get free stuff is by signing up to get free samples in your e-mail, or mailbox. Through free sample offers I have received free snack items, free cosmetics, free lotion, tons of free shampoo conditioner, coupons, and lots more! You can do the same.

    Usually the samples take well over a month to get to your door. These samples are usually just sample packets, although I have gotten a free full pack of gum to test. To get these free sample offers you don’t need anything other than a mail box and a few good free sample sources.

    Here are three great free sample sources:

    The Deal Seeking Mom ( I subscribe to her e-mail list so I get free samples.)

    Faith and Family Freebies (I really need to update this!)

    Walmart Free Samples (They have the BEST samples!)

    Happy Sampling!


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    Thrifty Thursdays: Some Frugal Living Tips

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    Here are just a few frugal living tips:

    • Save On Your Water Bill: Save your rainwater for your garden by using a rain-barrel (or use a plastic trash can). Use the collected water for plants, flowers, vegetables and washing your car or truck.
    • Shop at garage sales, Walmart, clearance racks, and thrift stores instead of department stores for clothing and household items. You can find some good buys at outlet stores too.
    • Shop for bread and bakery items at outlet stores to save money as well.
    • Make your own birthday cakes instead of buying store bought ones.
    • Get rid of carpet stains:  Using one part white vinegar to four parts hot water, pour the mixture on a carpet stain. Take several white paper towels folding them over each other and lay them over the area, then press with a hot iron. (You will want to work on small areas at a time — at least no bigger than your paper towels.) The vinegar and heat will lift the dye out of the carpet and into the paper towel. Your paper towels will turn the color of the dye you are lifting out so you can SEE it working. Keep pouring the cleaner on the areas and change your towels when soiled. Just keep this process up until your paper towels are no longer turning color. This method works for Kool Aid & other impossible to get rid of stains.
    • Dilute It: You can dilute your dish detergent and still get the same results. This is especially helpful if you have others helping you wash the dishes, and they aren’t as thrifty-minded as yourself.
    • Draw the shades or blinds to block the thermal heat of the sun through your windows. This will help keep you cooler, so you won’t need to use your fan or air conditioner, which will save you money on your electric bill.
    • Plant shrubs and trees so that they will shade your house during summer months. Doing this will help you to not use your fans and air conditioning as much, hence saving on your electric bill.

    Have fun being frugal!


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    Thrifty Thursdays: Garage Sales

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    Garage sales are yet another way to get the most out of your money. You can find alot of great deals at these little (or big) sales. Over the years we have found alot of great bargains at garage sales. You can find everything from tables, clothing, toys, and alot more!

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    But, one thing to be careful of is not to overspend at these sales! Some garage sales are dirt cheap but others are over hyped and expensive. So, beware not to overspend and not to over buy things “that you might need someday”. Sometimes garage sales have alot of junk that we don’t need so beware of the “junky” ones! Garage sale-ing with your kids can be fun but I know from experience that if the garage sale has alot of toys it might just be best to skip that one or leave them at home!

    Our family has a lot of fun and fond memories of garage sale-ing with Robert’s mom we have done this every year (well more like 10 times a year! :)) With her and it is alot of fun for the children as Grandma can go “shopping” with them without spending a lot of money on them. And plus you can find items that you actually need that are cheaper and more thrifty than department store items!

    Have a happy summer and stay cool!


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