Downsizing? Determined to get rid of stuff you no longer need? Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop. Know Before You Throw.
It’s hard to believe Black Friday is just around the corner. For most of us, this signals the start of our annual holiday gift shopping. If our pockets are flush with cash, we’re in good shape. If not, we tend to fall back on our credit cards, which can be a setup for a Blue Friday come January.
Last spring, I wrote about the Secret Money many of us have hidden throughout our homes. That writing centered around funding the summer vacation. As I wrote then, we all seem to have stuff we no longer need or use, which can be liquidated to fund other things, like holiday shopping.
I often get the question, “What unused items in my home might have the most value for resale?” The best answer is always old jewelry. I’m talking about jewelry that is damaged, broken or outdated. There also may be jewelry you simply no longer care for. The stuff that has settled to the bottom of your dresser drawer, which you may not even be aware of any longer—that’s the stuff.
A great example is that of a woman who contacted me last November. Having some unexpected expenses come up, she was wondering what she might dispose of to fund the holidays. We sat down and went through some old jewelry she had accumulated over time. Between some orphan earrings (one is missing), broken rings and bracelets, as well as a few Herringbone and Omega necklaces she no longer wore, she easily realized more than $2,800. She was shocked to have had that much money in what she had cast off as junk. Needless to say, she had a very Merry Christmas last year.
If you need advice on generating some extra holiday funds this year, consider the advice of a professional. If I can be of assistance, call me today.
Jon Englund has more than 25 years of experience in appraising and liquidating personal property, jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, furniture, printed items and more. A Midwest transplant, Jon trained at New York University in appraisal studies.
For more information, call (480) 699-1567. You also can send an email to Jon@KnowBeforeYouThrow.INFO.