Beg, Borrow, or Buy?

Do you really need to buy it? Most people head to the store when they need something.  Here are a couple options you might want to think about before laying out your hard earned cash.

1. Can you get it free or second hand? Craigslist, Freecycle, and Thrift Shops are options you might want to check first.

2. Can you borrow it? Forking out money for something you will use infrequently is a waste... just make sure you take it back after you borrow it! 

3. Can you swap for it? We all have things tucked away in our closets and garages that are gathering dust, if you aren't using it, consider trading for something you need! Sites like Neighborgoods, Trashbank, Craigslist, Zwaggle, and Swap.com have options for trading.

Sometimes retail should be your last option instead of your first.  Just something to think about. 

When Is The Last Time You Cleaned Out Your Closets?

When is the last time you cleaned out your closets? 

Are things falling on your head when you open your closets?  Is your garage so full of stuff you can't fit your car in it?   Have you not been able to find something, went out to buy a new item, only to find the missing item a few days later?  We all have stuff that we have collected over the years.  If you are looking to make some extra cash, or just simplify your life, maybe its time to cash in all those things you have cluttering up your life and get organized in the process 

There are several things you can do with these items: 

• Sell things on consignment at a second hand store
• Donate to a charity (for fair market value) and claim a tax deduction.
• Organize a clothing swap with friends or neighbors
• Have a yard sale
• Post items on Listia.com or other barter sites, where you can find things you might need.
• Sell items on ebay or craigslist

So Frugal Friends, do you have any ideas for earning extra cash?