Happy New Year!
Many of you may have resolved to put your family in a better financial situation in 2011. I'll post several articles this week to help you in your quest.
Today's advice: Find extra cash to start off the new year.
- Round up all your returns. Did you buy a gift for someone only to later find a better gift? Perhaps you received duplicate items this Christmas, clothing purchases did not fit and/or you bought items you really didn't need. Make pile and look for matching receipts. Place items for each retailer in a single bag, along with receipt(s). Return items for store credit, cash or a refund to your credit card. If you don't have a receipt, you may still be able to get store credit. Visit the retailer's website to find out what the return policy is. Use store credits to buy items your family does need (like groceries, clothing or gifts for upcoming birthdays).
- Gather those gift cards. Whether you purchased a gift card, earned one via store credit (see #1), received one as a gift or earned a bonus card when purchasing another, make a list of all the gift cards you have. Store them in your purse or wallet and be sure to use these when shopping at clearance sales this month. When dining out, go to restaurants you have a gift card for.
- Get cash for unwanted gift cards. If you received card for a retailer you have ZERO interest in shopping at, consider selling the card at HERE.
- Clean off your desk. Open any mail that has piled up the past couple of weeks. Also, don't forget the stack of envelopes and miscellaneous mail you stashed out-of-site just before your guests arrived. Fill out a deposit slip for any checks you find, including those you may have received on Christmas Day. Stash this in your purse or wallet and plan a trip to the bank the next time you are running errands.
- Sell no longer needed items. Chances are, you upgraded something this Christmas. Why not get cash for the older item, if it is in working condition. List items on Craigslist HERE or sell on Ebay HERE or Amazon HERE. Sell media HERE. Sell gently used children's clothing and toys at your local Once Upon A Child (view details HERE) or KidtoKid (view details HERE). View local consignment options HERE. (NOTE: consignment stores will pay less than you may earn at a semi-annual sale, however you would get the money much sooner.)
- Make the most of your hobby by selling goods online at Esty. Visit site HERE.
- If you have a credit card (not recommending anyone get one though) which earns cash back, view your account online. Request a check or gift card if you have earned one. (Look at details closely, for example, Discover Card offers a "Sam's Club Membership" PLUS $10 gift card when you redeem $40 in cash back bonus rewards. The fine print states both cards can be used at Walmart or Sam's Club. If you redeem $40 Cash Back Bonus, you can get a total of $50 in gift cards to spend at Walmart and/or Sam's club.)
- Send in those rebates! December is such a busy month, it's easy to forget to fill out those forms and send in the receipts and UPCs to get cash back. Sit down and process any rebates you are entitled to. Mail ASAP!
- Scrounge under sofa cushions, in your ashtray, in old purses and coat pockets etc... for change and small bills. All those found coins could really ad up. Coinstar offers FREE counting if you choose an e-certificate. Find a location near you HERE.
- Check VA Department of Treasury Listing for unclaimed property. Enter your name (and your spouse's) HERE.
Use all of your found cash to replenish your checking (or savings) account or pay down a credit card. Resist the temptation to splurge on more stuff.
