Savings Day – Sell Your Stuff!

Trying to build your emergency or vacation fund? Sell some stuff!

Garage sales are labor-intensive, but the anticipation of financial reward is a great motivation! Allow yourself several weeks to accumulate everything and gather it in one place. Check your pockets, purses, and drawers for any money, credit cards, or valuables. Advertise like crazy anywhere you can. Consider a block or neighborhood sale to draw more people! Sort similar items to make it easy for buyers. Clean items and display nicely. Consider 25 cent increments so you only need quarters for change. Or save time and don’t price anything. Just ask buyers for their best offer.

On the day of the sale, lock your house and carry your money and phone at all times. Treat shoppers like you would want to be treated. They’re more likely to buy something if you’re kind. If you don’t hold sales as a regular business, you don’t have to report the earnings to the IRS. If your local government requires a permit, get one and check any restrictions for posting signs. If you absolutely can’t stomach the thought, there are other options. Sell online via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or VarageSale.com. Bundle similar items like same size clothes, children’s books, or collector items. For high-end clothing, try Poshmark.com. If you itemize deductions, then donate the leftovers and keep your receipts. Or set stuff near the street. Post a ‘curb alert’ on Facebook and a sign for drive-bys. One man’s surplus stuff is another man’s treasure.

If a garage sale won’t put a dent in your credit card debt, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They can create a debt management plan just for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.