There are ways to save money in a pinch that sometimes go by the wayside when times are good. When times are rough consider getting creative. Find out what is available around the house or apartment to be sold. Look for items that have been put away that may be valuable. Plan on adjusting lifestyle choices to suit the economic times ahead.
Options for Selling
There is always the classic garage sale and trying to get money for wasteful things that build up around the house. This is a good resource as it can be done from the home and a seller has much control over pricing and what to sell. Another option is selling items online which is always available 24/7. There are free websites that exist and free listings sites where items can be posted for sale. Sometimes, flyers may be placed around areas where people can see them (grocery stores, libraries and community centers) to attract attention. Be careful not to hang up flyers in areas where advertising is prohibited.
Options for Buying and "Getting By"
During tough times people do not want to purchase anything even mildly excessive, so another option on the flipside of the garage sale (making money) is to be the purchaser or buyer (person going to the sales). Garage sales afford a person the opportunity to buy practical, household items at a generally cheap price. Typically, there are items that everyone can use at garage sales. Flea markets are another avenue for buying inexpensive goods. Some flea markets are more pricey than others and it depends on what the buyer is seeking. Food, household items and clothing are practical items to put on a list when shopping at flea markets.
Then there are individuals who decide to give away their "unsold" items after a garage sale and put the items at the curb. In popular online advertisement lingo this is generally referred to as a "curb alert." This means the party who wants to give the items away for free is advertising where and when the "free" items will be placed at the curb for the taking.
Expectations for curb alerts must be reasonable. If an item is questionable either take the chance with it or decide to throw or give it away if it doesn't meet expectations. The party giving the items away does not want to be bothered with questions about if the item works or how old it is, as it is free; also the party who is taking the items should have the common sense not to choose an item that is questionable and then has to be discarded because it didn't operate or was missing a piece. This is just a waste of time.
Adventuresome people like to do what is called "dumpster diving." Dumpster diving actually involves looking through rubbish in a dumpster or garbage container of different types. There are places that allow dumpster diving and places that do not. People that dumpster dive want to collect goods such as produce, canned and baked goods that have been thrown out due to expiration, lack of freshness, or new stock.
Manufacturer and Online Coupons
Coupon clipping never goes out of fashion. There are manufacturer coupons which can be found in newspapers, magazines, and mailers. There are also online coupons which can be found on coupon sites or in coupon listings on various money saving sites. Coupons may be downloaded and printed. Be careful to find out if an establishment accepts the coupons before attempting to use them. There are many online scams and misleading advertisements. A call may be placed to inquire about acceptance. This will save time and gas.
Sales and Savings
Many establishments try to pull the hesitant recession consumer in with price cuts and "going out of business" sales. It is a good idea to take advantage of these offers as the establishment is losing money and wants to generate more business. Red tag sales, markdowns, reduced bulk items and free promotions are all good deals to be mindful of when shopping during the recession.
Going Without
Make a list of things or services that can be "cut out" of a daily routine. Is there an extra phone, magazine subscription, activity, hobby or hair product that can be done without? If so, take the opportunity to scale back and live more frugally.
Common Sense and Saving
Overall, saving money requires good common sense and a lifetime of built-up saving and survival skills. The good news is-it's never to late to learn. It is also never to late to pass along the "valuable" information.
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