| Yard sales (or garage sales as we call | | | | out all that week's yard sales. So we |
| them in my part of Texas) | | | | had to depend on our signs. |
| are a wonderful frugal source for | | | | Put as many out as you can. Find out |
| almost anything you need. | | | | ahead of time what kind of |
| They can also be a wonderful, frugal | | | | ordinances your town has about |
| source of extra money | | | | placement.Take the time to make your |
| almost any time you need it.When | | | | signs...we bought ours and about |
| shopping at yard sales, it's important | | | | halfway through the first morning, we |
| to remember that | | | | noticed that we weren't getting |
| most things you buy are not going to be | | | | any customers. So we checked out our |
| in "new" condition, although | | | | signs--and they were gone! |
| there are times when you will find | | | | We put out more and the customers |
| items that are brand new, in | | | | started coming again. But it |
| the box. And at a much lower price | | | | was costly.And when you make your |
| than in the store.Most yard sales have | | | | signs, be sure to make them sturdy |
| lots of clothes for sale. But if you | | | | enough |
| are | | | | to stand up in the wind and also be |
| willing to take a closer look, you may | | | | sure your lettering is large enough |
| find tons of treasures. | | | | to be seen by people driving by in |
| The other day I found a shiny cookie | | | | cars. I think a large arrow pointing |
| sheet in a box of "freebies"! | | | | in the direction they need to go is |
| I was thrilled and so was my son, who | | | | helpful.Be sure to plainly mark your |
| didn't have one!My grandchildren have | | | | items. It will save you lots of time |
| tons of books, most of which have been | | | | during the sale if you don't have to |
| bought at yard sales. And all were in | | | | talk to each customer about the |
| great condition and didn't | | | | price of every item. If you aren't |
| cost over 50 cents apiece. I keep a | | | | sure what prices to ask, it might help |
| lookout for seasonal items | | | | to go out to some yard salesyourself in |
| for kids such as coloring books, little | | | | the weeks before your sale and |
| stuffed animals, etc. Then | | | | check out what others are asking for |
| when Valentine's, Halloween or other | | | | items.If you really want to get rid of |
| holidays roll around, we | | | | something, be willing to negotiate on |
| send the grandchildren a package filled | | | | the |
| with neat stuff for very | | | | price. By the same token, if you |
| little cash.This summer I am also | | | | really want to get a certain amount, |
| watching for "new-in-the-box" toys for | | | | be willing to say no when someone asks |
| children of all ages. In December, | | | | for a price reduction.When your yard |
| I'm going to send them with | | | | sale is over, if you are lucky, you have |
| my son (who is in the Texas National | | | | space to store the |
| Guard) to their annual | | | | leftovers until next time you need to |
| Toy Drive. But almost every community | | | | hold a sale. However, if you're not |
| has some sort of toy | | | | one of the "lucky" ones, consider |
| drive at Christmas time. This way, I | | | | donating your items to the local |
| will already have my contributions | | | | Goodwill box.Helping you live the good |
| and won't need to go out and spend more | | | | life...on a budget! |
| money during the holiday | | | | Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 |
| season.Yard sales are a great way to | | | | Frugal Friend 2 Another" |
| make some extra money, also. Plus, | | | | bi-weekly e-newsletter and founder of |
| you can get rid of unwanted items at | | | | the website of the same name. |
| the same time. My daughter | | | | Visit to find creative tips, articles, |
| and I recently held a sale and here are | | | | and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe |
| some of the things we | | | | to the e-newsletter and receive the free |
| learned.Put up signs. The newspaper | | | | e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery |
| goofed the weekend of our sale and left | | | | Bill". |