Consumer Corner

Do you have hidden cash in your house? Is it in your bedroom, your attic or your storage bins? Read on and see if any of these ideas can get you some hidden cash.

January has just passed and February is here. The winter months are still with us and some people may have the winter blues. So be able to find some extra cash will make one feel good.

1. Gold jewelry: the price of gold is sky high – projected at $2,000.00 an ounce. Look in that jewelry box and if you have gold chains, broken gold jewelry or old high school/college rings then sell them to a reputable buyer. Check the Better Business Bureau for top ranked gold buying businesses. The Bureau does give sellyourgold.com high honors.

If you have a piece of jewelry that is a designer item then take the piece to a jeweler – you will get more money. Why? For the design and the gold.

2. Electronics: do you own a smart-phone, MP3 Player, laptop or other devices? If you answered yes and you are computer savvy, you could earn extra cash. Just go onto the visitgazelee.com website, describe your electronic(s). They will also send you a postage paid envelope to send your electronics, you will receive you money within a week.

3. Clothing and accessories: check your closet, the attic, storage bins or go to your grandmother’s and check her closets/attics &bins for what is call vintage clothing. Vintage clothing is always in demand. The best place to go is a consignment shop where the shop owner will know how to price the item(s).

Tip: do you love vintage clothing? Now you know where to go – a consignment shop or a vintage clothing shop. You may have to head to a big city. Go to consigmnetshops.com and see if there is a shop near you.

4. Odds and ends: the odds and ends in your home or a relative’s home include old medical textbooks, big country style knick knacks, oriental rugs, and sterling silver flatware. If you have any such items then you have cash in your hand. Your best bet to sell – ebay.com.

Tip: take the time to look around. I have a nephew who has over 50 collector item cars. That is cash in the hand. Of course right now he’s not looking to sell. Have old Rolling Stone magazines, or comic books then you may be able to sell them. Just take time and look around your home. Good Luck!

5. Savings to be had: from finding hidden cash in your home to saving some money in your home. How? Through your cell-phone, credit cards and your electricity. With your cell-phone you can check your cell-phone bill for the number of minutes you use per month. Nine times out of ten you do not use the number of minutes in your contract. Your next step is to talk to your provider. Review your plan options. You can save yourself money. Remember “unlimited minutes” is not free – you pay for this plan when you don’t check the real number of minutes used.

6. Credit cards- opt for a credit card that offers cash rebates for purchases. Some cards offer travel miles and reward points. But remember how many people use them. Be sure to check your options.

7. Electric bill: this is a reminder to unplug those appliances and electronic equipment when not in use. The toaster, coffee maker, computer and other small appliances are energy thieves when plugged in and not being used. Unplug them and save up to 15% per month and maybe even more.

These are recommendations and ideas for you to think about. Good luck to you and your family and good saving!