Running short on cash? Maybe you like the thrill of making a few dollars from almost nothing? You could be a shopohilic looking for a little financial relief. In my case it is sometimes a combination of all three! Whatever your reasons, if you would like to make extra money it is relatively easy if you know what you are doing.
Here are some ideas for making cash from old items you might have around the house and tips on how to buy right to resell and make money.
Books: Look around your house. Do you have books that you honestly are not going to read? Turn them into cash!
Bookscouter is a phone app that allows you to scan books to see if any book buyers will purchase them. There are several companies who will buy books - mostly textbooks - and pay the shipping as long as you have at least $20 worth of books. I made over $100 on one shopping trip to Goodwill!
Chamblin's Bookmine buys your books. They have two locations: 4551 Roosevelt Blvd and Chamblin's Uptown 215 North Laura St. They will scan your books and evaluate the books based on past sales and select some to "purchase". They then offer you either a trade for other books or cash. They also buy some DVD's and audio books. It is a fun place to just poke around in even if you are not selling.
You can also turn a profit buying and selling books to Chamblin's. Example: Yesterday I went to Goodwill where the books are 10 for $2. (They have recently lowered their prices in most of their stores so this is the best place to buy used books). I purchased 20 books for $4, mostly nonfiction and some Manga and children's books, took them to Chamblin's, and was paid $21 for all but two of them. Nice profit and a fun hour of shopping.
What do you with the books they don't take? Ebay has made it very easy to sell books. Simply enter the ISBN or UPC code and most books are already in their system. They allow 50 free listings every month and now automatically renew the listings three times when they end. You post the book, start the pricing at $1.29, use the maximum allowed flat rate shipping of $3.99, and wait for someone to buy your book...remember, you only paid $ .20 at Goodwill for this book. When they purchase, you can place the book in a large envelope (dollar store or save and recycle whenever you receive any packages) you can actually purchase postage - inexpensive media rate - print the label from your computer, tape it to the package and place in the mailbox. The only thing you will need to purchase is a scale - on sale on Ebay for about $20. The other alternative is to periodically have a yard sale and sell the book for $ .50. Again, your cost was $ .20.
DVD's & CD's: DeCluttr buys your used DVD's and CD's. They tend to pay the most for trending DVD's/CD's and obscure items. Simply register at DeCluttr.com and use the referral code D10KJN6X4B when you join and you will earn an extra $10 on your first shipment. They pay you for the media and they pay the shipping!
Chamblin's might buy your DVD. Plato's closet might buy your DVD. If neither want it, try Ebay. CD's sell well on Ebay and with DVD's it is hit or miss. Flat rate shipping for DVD's should be $2.99 or $3.49 but the actual cost usually around $2.60. Both sell extremely well at garage sales.
I look for DVD's at garage sales, thrift stores and Goodwill. Never pay more than $1 unless you know DeCluttr will pay more. I watch the movie and then resell it. Better than Redbox because I can keep it if I want! TV series sell really well and Goodwill doesn't always charge extra for those 3-disc series. I just purchased a Doctor Who early years set for $2, watched it, and resold it for over $20.
Clothing: Do you still have items in your closet with tags that you have never worn? It might be time to make some money back on those purchases. Plato's closet buys trendy clothes geared towards teens, DVD's, jewelry, purses and shoes in good condition. They do not want the items on hangers so simply place your more trendy items into bags and head to one of their several locations. Hint...just because they don't take something this month doesn't mean they won't in the future. I have had items rejected at one Plato's closet and have taken it to another a month later where it was purchased. Also keep in mind that they buy seasonal so save your winter items until the fall. What Plato's closet does not purchase I take to a consignment store. These stores sell your product and write a check monthly for a percentage of the items they sell for you. I like Fifi's as you do not need an appointment to take your items in. They will want your items pressed and on hangers, prefer designer labels,and also consign some jewelry, purses and shoes. What Fifi's does not take will be great at a yard sale...and then donate to a local charity. You have cleared out your closet, made some money and helped the community!
Again, if you know what is trendy and in style, you can purchase items at garage sales and thrift stores and resell at Plato's closet and consign at a Consignment shop. Plato's closet especially likes to purchase jeans and young men's clothing, such as cargo shorts, name brand shoes and shirts. I spent $30 one day at a thrift store in mostly young men's clothes, they only took half of what I bought, and I walked out with $80. Goodwill is too expensive to make much money, but several thrift stores offer discounts and deals on clothing. I love the Betty Griffen Thrift store which often offers a "10 items for $10" deal.
Surprisingly enough some clothing items sell well on Ebay as well. I find sports jerseys do well, as do clothing that could be used as costumes. Shipping is a little trickier with these items so make sure you know what you are doing before you sell or you could be losing money instead of making it.
I know...this seems like a lot of time and effort to buy and sell. I have always loved to shop. At some point I realized that this was not financially the best hobby for me. My options were to give up shopping or find some way to feed by habit without going into debt. Now I make money when I shop. Plus sometimes I find items that I love keep them for myself!
So get out there and sell the items you already have. If you are a "treasure hunter" hit the local thrift stores and try your hand at reselling these items. Look for Goodwill Outlets or pound stores. It really is a lot of fun and you can make a little extra cash.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Saving Big at Target
Target probably has more savings options than any other store which is great for your wallet but can be difficult to keep track of them all. I'm going to share the savings and a few tricks to help you maximize your savings the easy way!
Target allows you to "stack" coupons, which means you can use a printed Target coupon, a Manufacturer's coupon and their digital savings on the same item! If the item is on sale this can result in a very low price or even a free product. If you add the cash back sites we talked about in our earlier blog, you can save even more and sometimes make a profit when buying an item!
So how do you find these coupons and deals? There are three types of Target Coupons
Target has printable coupons that you can print from their website www.coupons.Target.com. You are allowed to print each coupons twice from your computer.
They also have digital coupons that are sent to your phone via text. You only have to show the barcode on your phone to the cashier in order to receive the savings. Sign up for digital target coupons at http://www.target.com/spot/mobile/landing.
The third option to save at Target is Cartwheel. Cartwheel is Target's new social coupon program.You can log on at https://cartwheel-secure.target.com and/or download the Cartwheel App at the Google Playstore/Apple store. Simply Choose the coupons you want and Cartwheel shares this with your Facebook friends. You have the option to print out a barcodeor use the app on your phone and show it when you check out.
Don't forget your manufacturer's coupons which are found in the Sunday newpaper insertsand online at Coupons.com, Smartsource.com and other coupons sites.
Sounds confusing, right? There is a very easy way to find all of these savings and organize them. I personally use SouthernSavers.com. You will find the Target page under the "National Stores" Tab. I like the fact that you can check off the items you want to purchase and print a shopping list with all the coupons so you don't forget any of them when at the checkout. Another great site is AllThingsTarget.com. These sites will tell you all the Target coupons available, all the manufacturers coupons available, and give you links to all printable coupons.
Let me give you an example of how these all work together. I visited my local Target last night and bought several items.
Dozen Eggs: Store cost $1.24 My cost $.20 Texted GRILL to Target (827438) for $.50 off and used Cartwheel for 5% off. Then scanned my receipt onto the Checkout51 app for a rebate of $.50.
Finish Dishwasher Detergent: Store Cost $3.99 My Cost $.99 $1.00 printable Target Coupon + $2.00 printable manufacturer's coupons at coupons.com.
California Kitchen Frozen Pizza: Store Cost $5.49 My Cost $.49 each All frozen Pizza's are buy one/get one free. Buy two, use $1.50/2 two printable Target Coupon + $1.50 California Kitchen Coupon
So now you have an idea how these all fit together to help you save and you have a couple of websites to help keep you organized.
You can save even more by using your Target Debit card for an additional 5% off your entire purchase. And remember, print your manufacturer's coupons from a "point site" such as Inbox Dollars or Mypoints and earn additional points/dollars for printing and using the coupons!
So happy savings at Target!
Target allows you to "stack" coupons, which means you can use a printed Target coupon, a Manufacturer's coupon and their digital savings on the same item! If the item is on sale this can result in a very low price or even a free product. If you add the cash back sites we talked about in our earlier blog, you can save even more and sometimes make a profit when buying an item!
So how do you find these coupons and deals? There are three types of Target Coupons
Target has printable coupons that you can print from their website www.coupons.Target.com. You are allowed to print each coupons twice from your computer.
They also have digital coupons that are sent to your phone via text. You only have to show the barcode on your phone to the cashier in order to receive the savings. Sign up for digital target coupons at http://www.target.com/spot/mobile/landing.
The third option to save at Target is Cartwheel. Cartwheel is Target's new social coupon program.You can log on at https://cartwheel-secure.target.com and/or download the Cartwheel App at the Google Playstore/Apple store. Simply Choose the coupons you want and Cartwheel shares this with your Facebook friends. You have the option to print out a barcodeor use the app on your phone and show it when you check out.
Don't forget your manufacturer's coupons which are found in the Sunday newpaper insertsand online at Coupons.com, Smartsource.com and other coupons sites.
Sounds confusing, right? There is a very easy way to find all of these savings and organize them. I personally use SouthernSavers.com. You will find the Target page under the "National Stores" Tab. I like the fact that you can check off the items you want to purchase and print a shopping list with all the coupons so you don't forget any of them when at the checkout. Another great site is AllThingsTarget.com. These sites will tell you all the Target coupons available, all the manufacturers coupons available, and give you links to all printable coupons.
Let me give you an example of how these all work together. I visited my local Target last night and bought several items.
Dozen Eggs: Store cost $1.24 My cost $.20 Texted GRILL to Target (827438) for $.50 off and used Cartwheel for 5% off. Then scanned my receipt onto the Checkout51 app for a rebate of $.50.
Finish Dishwasher Detergent: Store Cost $3.99 My Cost $.99 $1.00 printable Target Coupon + $2.00 printable manufacturer's coupons at coupons.com.
California Kitchen Frozen Pizza: Store Cost $5.49 My Cost $.49 each All frozen Pizza's are buy one/get one free. Buy two, use $1.50/2 two printable Target Coupon + $1.50 California Kitchen Coupon
So now you have an idea how these all fit together to help you save and you have a couple of websites to help keep you organized.
You can save even more by using your Target Debit card for an additional 5% off your entire purchase. And remember, print your manufacturer's coupons from a "point site" such as Inbox Dollars or Mypoints and earn additional points/dollars for printing and using the coupons!
So happy savings at Target!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Freebie Websites and Offers
I love free stuff!
Every day I eagerly check my mailbox and very often there is a package waiting for me. This week alone I received a coffee sample, a laundry detergent sample, a dog food sample and a box full of Citrus Fun!
Every day I eagerly check my mailbox and very often there is a package waiting for me. This week alone I received a coffee sample, a laundry detergent sample, a dog food sample and a box full of Citrus Fun!
Would you like something other than bills in your mailbox? Receiving free samples is relatively easy and does not take a lot of time.
The easiest way to start receiving goodies in your mailbox is to subscribe to free sample newsletters. They do all the work of seeking out the best free items available and placing all the information and links into a daily email. They will list all the best of the free samples and items that you can receive via online requests as well as in local retail stores with coupons or on special occasions.
If you are like me you already get more than enough emails in your inbox everyday and the thought of more can be a little disturbing. Plus receiving these free samples usually means signing up on a company website. I have set up a separate email account just for these emails and I check it when I have time. You can always unsubscribe to these later.
There are multitudes of Freebie sites and newsletters. Here are a few of my favorites:
Several of these have Facebook Pages that will also show you the newest Freebies so you can choose between Facebook or emails to find out about these great deals.
There are other Freebie sites out there as well. This is just a sampling of the ones I use. A quick warning - beware of free sample offers that end up taking you through countless pages of surveys and offers to approve or skip. These Freebie sites I have listed sift through all the "scams" and only post legitimate offers.
So sign up and take a few minutes each day to see what's available and start scoring items for free!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Cash Back Sites
There are a multitude of "Cash Back" sites out there. Are they safe? How can you use them?
To be honest, I am not a big online shopper. I like to see what I am buying in real life. I am more of a tactile buyer versus a visual buyer. This might be why Speed Dating appeals to me more than Online Dating! Plus I "extreme coupon" which you can not do online.
But there are some products I do purchase online and if I am buying them anyway...why not make a little money back!
Here are a few of the sites I use:
Top Cash Back: Make a purchase by going directly to the stores website through Top Cash Back and earn a rebate. They periodically offer a rebate that makes an item free - or even allows you to make a profit. Today I went to the Walmart site through Top Cash Back, purchased Disney's Frozen Blu-Ray, paid $21 to pick it up in the store, and will receive $22 cash back. Last month I made $8 on a $6 dog food purchase at K-Mart. Cash Back is available when the retailer confirms the sale so it can take as little as 2 days or as much as 90 days to become available for withdrawal at which point you claim the refund and it is paid to you via direct deposit, Paypal, or with an Amazon Gift Card (which earns a 5% additional bonus).
Ebates: Another site offering Cash Back for online purchases. While it does not offer the big cash back deals that Top Cash Back randomly offers, I find it easier to use. Your cash back is automatically sent quarterly in form of a check or Paypal deposit. I use Ebates when I purchase contact lenses, use Groupon, purchase Christmas gifts, office supplies, etc.
Inbox Dollars: Make money reading emails and clicking on the link. Inbox Dollars also gives cash back for shopping, surveys, printing grocery coupons and participating in offers. When you reach $30 they will mail you a check (which I have done several times). I suggest you create a second email account for these type of websites so you can participate when you have time without clogging up your main email with offers.
So the next time you want to purchase a product online visit one of these sites first and enjoy a little cash back!
To be honest, I am not a big online shopper. I like to see what I am buying in real life. I am more of a tactile buyer versus a visual buyer. This might be why Speed Dating appeals to me more than Online Dating! Plus I "extreme coupon" which you can not do online.
But there are some products I do purchase online and if I am buying them anyway...why not make a little money back!
Here are a few of the sites I use:
Top Cash Back: Make a purchase by going directly to the stores website through Top Cash Back and earn a rebate. They periodically offer a rebate that makes an item free - or even allows you to make a profit. Today I went to the Walmart site through Top Cash Back, purchased Disney's Frozen Blu-Ray, paid $21 to pick it up in the store, and will receive $22 cash back. Last month I made $8 on a $6 dog food purchase at K-Mart. Cash Back is available when the retailer confirms the sale so it can take as little as 2 days or as much as 90 days to become available for withdrawal at which point you claim the refund and it is paid to you via direct deposit, Paypal, or with an Amazon Gift Card (which earns a 5% additional bonus).
Ebates: Another site offering Cash Back for online purchases. While it does not offer the big cash back deals that Top Cash Back randomly offers, I find it easier to use. Your cash back is automatically sent quarterly in form of a check or Paypal deposit. I use Ebates when I purchase contact lenses, use Groupon, purchase Christmas gifts, office supplies, etc.
Inbox Dollars: Make money reading emails and clicking on the link. Inbox Dollars also gives cash back for shopping, surveys, printing grocery coupons and participating in offers. When you reach $30 they will mail you a check (which I have done several times). I suggest you create a second email account for these type of websites so you can participate when you have time without clogging up your main email with offers.
So the next time you want to purchase a product online visit one of these sites first and enjoy a little cash back!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Free Magazine Subscriptions
I currently receive over a dozen magazines each month...and I don't pay for any of them! Honestly, I can't really read this many magazines but they are free! I look through them and then post them on Ebay*. So not only do I receive free magazines, I actually make a couple of dollars on them when I am done! You can also donate these to a nursing home or charity.
So how can you get free magazines? There are three sites that offer free subscriptions. Once you are on their mailing list you will receive future offers for more free magazines.
Rewards Gold offers magazines. Today's free offer: Rolling Stones Magazine
They have limited quantities so don't wait too long!
The other is Mercury Magazines. This site offers free magazines on a regular basis but also features business magazines and is geared towards businesses. It will ask you about information on your business and you may have to answer some questions about your business. If you don't have a business, create one...at least for this site! While typing this blog I just registered for Sports Fishing Magazine.
The third is FreeBizMagazines. This site also is geared towards businesses and today's free magazine is Ladies Home Journal!
*How to sell Magazines on Ebay: I usually group three or four issues together when I post on Ebay for $1.49 to $1.99 plus $4.99 shipping in a priority flat rate envelope. You can print the postage on Ebay, tape to the priority mailer, and place it in your mailbox. Super easy to do.
Here is a list of my current subscriptions:
Rolling Stones
INC.
Forbes
Car & Driver
Maxim
Sports Rider
Motorcyclist
Cycle World
W
Martha Stewart Living
Glamour
Popular Science
Smithsonian
Outdoor Life
Elle
Boating Magazine
So register and enjoy!
So how can you get free magazines? There are three sites that offer free subscriptions. Once you are on their mailing list you will receive future offers for more free magazines.
Rewards Gold offers magazines. Today's free offer: Rolling Stones Magazine
They have limited quantities so don't wait too long!
The other is Mercury Magazines. This site offers free magazines on a regular basis but also features business magazines and is geared towards businesses. It will ask you about information on your business and you may have to answer some questions about your business. If you don't have a business, create one...at least for this site! While typing this blog I just registered for Sports Fishing Magazine.
The third is FreeBizMagazines. This site also is geared towards businesses and today's free magazine is Ladies Home Journal!
*How to sell Magazines on Ebay: I usually group three or four issues together when I post on Ebay for $1.49 to $1.99 plus $4.99 shipping in a priority flat rate envelope. You can print the postage on Ebay, tape to the priority mailer, and place it in your mailbox. Super easy to do.
Here is a list of my current subscriptions:
Rolling Stones
INC.
Forbes
Car & Driver
Maxim
Sports Rider
Motorcyclist
Cycle World
W
Martha Stewart Living
Glamour
Popular Science
Smithsonian
Outdoor Life
Elle
Boating Magazine
So register and enjoy!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Use Your Phone To Get CASH Back When You Buy Groceries
We all like to save money on groceries, but the one thing I hear over and over is that you just don't have the time to clip and organize coupons for your weekly grocery store trip.
There are some exciting new phone apps that pay you cash when you buy certain grocery items! No paper coupons to clip or digital coupons on your phone. Nothing to click or tag before you shop. No loyalty cards to dig out of your purse or pocket. Just shop and scan the upc and receipt and you receive a rebate. Request a cash out and the money goes right into your Paypal account. It is that easy!
There are four of these sites I use for cash back on groceries. These four have new offers weekly and include practical items that you use daily. Examples of this weeks offers include milk, orange juice, carrots along with brand name items such as cereals, shampoos, frozen foods, etc. Often more than one of these four will have rebates on the same product so you can request two rebates from two companies on the same product. Since these are rebates you can still use your paper and digital coupons in the store in addition to these offers.
The easiest to use is called Checkout 51. With this app you simply take a picture of your receipt and submit. When you reach $20 you can request a payout.
Shopmium is a new app. To encourage referrals they have a special referral program running. Simply sign up for Shopmium using the referral code GMYKFAPE and receive a free Lindt Chocolate Bar. I purchased mine today for $3.49 and submitted for $3.49 cash back. To request your rebate you scan the upc code and take a picture of your receipt and submit.
Ibotta works similar to the others but includes offers on restaurants, movie theaters, pet supplies and more. To receive you cash back you usually have to complete a step, such as read a short sentence to learn about the product. Then scan the code, take a picture of the receipt and submit. Once you accumulate $5 you can cash out via Paypal. They offer a referral bonus as well, so if you join using my link http://ibotta.com/r/dwbHA you will receive a $2 bonus!
The last site is SavingStar. The ecoupons at SavingStar are tied to your loyalty cards. Simply register your cards for your grocery stores and drug stores, click to activate the offers you want, and when you purchase the items you automatically receive the credit. Once you reach $5 you can cash out. SavingStar deals will be limited to the stores with loyalty cards - in Jacksonville CVS, Winn Dixie and Harveys.
So now that you know how easy it is to save money, register from your computer or through your phone and start saving today!
There are some exciting new phone apps that pay you cash when you buy certain grocery items! No paper coupons to clip or digital coupons on your phone. Nothing to click or tag before you shop. No loyalty cards to dig out of your purse or pocket. Just shop and scan the upc and receipt and you receive a rebate. Request a cash out and the money goes right into your Paypal account. It is that easy!
There are four of these sites I use for cash back on groceries. These four have new offers weekly and include practical items that you use daily. Examples of this weeks offers include milk, orange juice, carrots along with brand name items such as cereals, shampoos, frozen foods, etc. Often more than one of these four will have rebates on the same product so you can request two rebates from two companies on the same product. Since these are rebates you can still use your paper and digital coupons in the store in addition to these offers.
The easiest to use is called Checkout 51. With this app you simply take a picture of your receipt and submit. When you reach $20 you can request a payout.
Shopmium is a new app. To encourage referrals they have a special referral program running. Simply sign up for Shopmium using the referral code GMYKFAPE and receive a free Lindt Chocolate Bar. I purchased mine today for $3.49 and submitted for $3.49 cash back. To request your rebate you scan the upc code and take a picture of your receipt and submit.
Ibotta works similar to the others but includes offers on restaurants, movie theaters, pet supplies and more. To receive you cash back you usually have to complete a step, such as read a short sentence to learn about the product. Then scan the code, take a picture of the receipt and submit. Once you accumulate $5 you can cash out via Paypal. They offer a referral bonus as well, so if you join using my link http://ibotta.com/r/dwbHA you will receive a $2 bonus!
The last site is SavingStar. The ecoupons at SavingStar are tied to your loyalty cards. Simply register your cards for your grocery stores and drug stores, click to activate the offers you want, and when you purchase the items you automatically receive the credit. Once you reach $5 you can cash out. SavingStar deals will be limited to the stores with loyalty cards - in Jacksonville CVS, Winn Dixie and Harveys.
So now that you know how easy it is to save money, register from your computer or through your phone and start saving today!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Free Movies
I love movies. I prefer them to television shows. And while there is something to be said for watching a DVD in the comfort of your own home, it just can't quite compare to watching a new film on the big screen.
There are several websites that can help you find these passes. Gofobo.com, 43Kix.com, getscreening.com, morachentertainment.com, sonyscreenings.com, and cinemit.com are the best online sources for passes. Create an account and you’ll occasionally receive invites by email. Advancescreenings.com does a great job of cataloging screenings by city. Follow these sites on Twitter and like them on Facebook for the latest info. In my experiences, most of these sites are not overly spammy. The more often you check them, the more likely you are to get passes.
Some of these sites require codes to receive the passes which you may or may not find on the advancescreenings.com website. You may also find contests on gofobo.com and redcarpetcrash.com. I find that I win these passes through these contests about 50% of the time so they are worth entering. Our local EU Magazine will list upcoming screenings with retail locations which have passes. Sign up for their newsletters and you may receive a free screening email.
I sometimes receive passes for two or three screenings a week! So now that you know how to receive the screenings, what do you need to know about attending these events?
What if I told you that not only could you watch movies at various movie theaters around Jacksonville for free, but that you can watch them before they are publicly released?
These free screenings are put on by studios in major metropolitan markets to show the film to members of the press (who in turn provide free coverage of the film) and to create positive word of mouth among moviegoers. Audiences are much more likely to recommend a film to others if they didn’t pay to see it.
There are several websites that can help you find these passes. Gofobo.com, 43Kix.com, getscreening.com, morachentertainment.com, sonyscreenings.com, and cinemit.com are the best online sources for passes. Create an account and you’ll occasionally receive invites by email. Advancescreenings.com does a great job of cataloging screenings by city. Follow these sites on Twitter and like them on Facebook for the latest info. In my experiences, most of these sites are not overly spammy. The more often you check them, the more likely you are to get passes.
Some of these sites require codes to receive the passes which you may or may not find on the advancescreenings.com website. You may also find contests on gofobo.com and redcarpetcrash.com. I find that I win these passes through these contests about 50% of the time so they are worth entering. Our local EU Magazine will list upcoming screenings with retail locations which have passes. Sign up for their newsletters and you may receive a free screening email.
I sometimes receive passes for two or three screenings a week! So now that you know how to receive the screenings, what do you need to know about attending these events?
1) Expect to stand in line. You must arrive at least an hour early to avoid sitting in the front row. Two hours for higher profile releases. Screenings are intentionally overbooked, so it is possible to be turned away if you’re not there early enough.
2) Get a seat before you make your way to the bathroom or concession stand. The theater will fill up quickly.
3) Leave your cell phone in the car. Since the films have not yet been released, most screenings prohibit cell phones in the theater. And yes, they will check your pursed and use a "wand" to make sure you do not have any electronic devices in your pocket.
So now you know the secret! Maybe I will see you at the movies!
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