Downsizing? Determined to get rid of stuff you no longer need? Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop! Know Before You Throw.
Oh the weather outside is frightful…
Ah, it’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to holiday parties and gift giving. While the weather is really not that frightful, the specter of holiday gift shopping has some of us shuddering in our boots.
Last month, I talked about ways to find secret money hidden in our homes. Namely, items we no longer need or use but still have value to someone. Such items can be sold to generate some extra holiday cash. One of the best ways is by scouring the dresser drawers for broken, outdated and unwanted fine jewelry items. You always get the most bang for your buck with those items, and many of you who called last month enjoyed that windfall.
Another option is to pass on or re-gift those items, which may no longer be important to you, but may have meaning to your recipient. You have probably had a friend or relative, maybe one of your kids, say, “I really like that antique do-dad you got from Grandma, and I would love to have it someday.” Well, maybe that someday is this holiday season.
Maybe you have some gift cards you aren’t getting around to using. They might be a welcomed gift to someone. To be safe, check with the retailer to make sure they are still good, so you aren’t giving a dud gift. If you have questions about the laws governing retailers expiration dates on those gift cards, you can visit consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0182-gift-cards for additional information.
Just remember the old adage—One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Here’s wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season.
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.