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Recycle

Not only is recycling an excellent way to do your part in keeping our world clean but it holds benefits for you as well. If you recycle aluminum cans, cardboard, paper, copper scrap, etc. you can make a small profit. If you don’t mind taking them to your local recycling center yourself, you could make $10 or more cash. I know it’s not much money, but every little bit helps. For example, I took in 2 garbage bags of aluminum cans (uncrushed) and got back around $6. Note that prices do fluctuate and with a lot more people trying to find ways to earn an extra buck, the prices might be lower if they already have a lot of that particular item. Also, there are some people out there who steal copper and steel from sites and homes so they will ask you for identification if you are recycling copper, steel or any type of scrap metal.

Coinstar

You can find this service at most grocery stores. If you’re like me, you keep every penny but are uncomfortable in using them in excess when buying something (i.e., counting out 100 pennies may get you some unneeded hatred from the line forming behind you). I like to keep my change in a central location (I use a small basket). I find change when cleaning out my purse, doing laundry and cleaning the house. When my basket is full, I take it in to my local grocery store and use the Coinstar machine. You just drop in your coins, the machine calculates how much is there (they do take a slight percentage) and it prints out a cash voucher that you can turn around and cash in at the help desk. Last time I took my basket in, I made $10 from all my pennies, nickels and dimes (I use most of my quarters).

Secondhand Boutiques

There are some secondhand stores (not thrift stores) that will give you a cash option for your items or a store credit (usually the store credit worth more). The city I live near has a book store, clothing store and cd store like this. The only catch is that they give a very small percentage for your items and are usually picky, but this helps keep the concept and style of the store intact so I understand. The items that they don’t take I give to the local thrift store and get a tax receipt.

Antique Dealers and Auction Houses

If you have some furniture that has been passed down or you found for a good deal but now have no place for it and want cash for it, try bringing a picture of the item to your local antique shops and ask them if they’re interested. Again, you will probably only get a fraction of what the item is worth, but you can get the cash for it now instead of waiting for it to sell on consignment. Also, if you have a lot of items or an estate, try contacting an auction house. They will sell your items for a cut and give the rest of the money to you. Many auction houses will even pick up the items for you.

Pawnshops

Pawnshops are very popular these days because of the need for extra cash. You can take an item in and the clerk will give you a price for the item they feel is fair (keep in mind, the price will be lower than the actual worth because they need to make a profit too). I have never utilized a pawnshop but I would suggest knowing the worth of the item will help so that you won’t get ripped off.