Women in Red Savers 2016

[teachermom]

Question for everyone......I am and have been really struggling financially since I lost my part time job a few years ago ($25k+)....lived through my savings and now I really have none except what I just put in there. Looking for a 2nd job but not sure if that will pan out or not or how soon.

So my question is.....what are some things that you have done to bring in extra money? I have sold on FB and need to do that again but what else. Budget is bare bones as it is so nothing really to "squeeze" out of there.....right now $300 for food and gas after bills. No cable or home phone, just internet (bare bones) and cell. Cook meals at home, bring lunches already.....so looking for other options.

Thanks!
Teachermom

[forwardwego]

Jan 11, 2016 13:45:09 GMT -5 teachermom said:

Question for everyone......I am and have been really struggling financially since I lost my part time job a few years ago ($25k+)....lived through my savings and now I really have none except what I just put in there. Looking for a 2nd job but not sure if that will pan out or not or how soon.

So my question is.....what are some things that you have done to bring in extra money? I have sold on FB and need to do that again but what else. Budget is bare bones as it is so nothing really to "squeeze" out of there.....right now $300 for food and gas after bills. No cable or home phone, just internet (bare bones) and cell. Cook meals at home, bring lunches already.....so looking for other options.

Thanks!
Teachermom

First commendations for what you have accomplished. You have cut the fat from your budget, and are energetic and active in turning the excess "stuff" back into $$. Personally I supplement my basic income by being on the overtime list at work, and by petsitting (and occasionally childsitting though that can wear me out.) Since you are a single mom, I would definitely recommend petsitting or even "elder sitting". Your boys could partner with you earning some of their own money and learning about working, care & compassion. And it wouldn't have to cut into your time with your kids if it were a joint venture. Also, you have such a skill for cleaning out and organizing. I believe a lot of people pay good money for help with those tasks.

[Ombud]

teachermom, nothing to add but will be lurking to see how I can replace income as well. My PT job (was FT b4) will drastically cut back 4/15/16. So then I'll be trying to replace at least 1k per month

[teachermom]

Sorry to hear that Ombud! It has been a struggle for sure....hope you get some things that help you too!

Teachermom

[gracendignity]

Ooohh! More quilters in the bunch. Next thing you know we'll have our frame set up in the middle of the board and everyone will have to squeeze around us to get to the other side. lol!

I personally prefer 100% cotton.  Not a thing in the world wrong with blends or other fabrics; the 100% is my personal fave. You can definitely find fabric other places than the quilt store.  And no one said it has to come off the bolt to be 100% cotton.  Goodwill, and the like are excellent places to find clothes of 100%.  Men's shirts are a hot commodity at many thrift stores for that very reason.  This isn't a quilting thread so I won't share other tips, but I could talk quilts all day long. 

I just had my first paycheck of 2016.  Really a pathetic amount thanks to low work volume but this current pay period is looking better, thank goodness.  I made my payments to my listed savings and will update the end of January when I've had my 2nd paycheck of the month.  Work volume is picking up in general and I got a new account in particular, so that will help make a difference.

 My divorce lawyer had told the DH's lawyer that today was the time to be hearing back and moving this  forward or we would be petitioning the judge to make him sit in time out, and wonder of wonders!! My lawyer received faxes from his lawyer providing a counteroffer of a settlement.  Yay!  This should have all been wrapped up with a bow on it 6 months ago but I (and my checkbook) am thrilled we are finally moving forward.  My house should be ready to move into in the next couple of weeks.  I have been hearing that for 2-1/2 months now, but it's just about done, so....soon!  And I finally got the paperwork for a grant for my upcoming online course expenses.  I was first nominated to a local chapter by a fellow quilter.  Her chapter accepted it and sent it on to the national chapter, who agree I meet the criteria.  Now to fill out the final work, send it in and cross my fingers.  I will find a way to pay for this course no matter what, but it is lovely to think I may receive some of the money to help out!

Oh, and it turned really cold and snowed 4" Saturday, so I'm a happy camper!   

[gracendignity]

Teachermom, you have my sympathy. My own income has dropped by about 50% because of recent changes in the medical industry. It is not a good feeling.   

What about a McJob for the time being? I see someone mentioned you have children so that might not be a good choice.

 Can you babysit on the nightshift? Or maybe on the weekends. Many people, like nurses, work just weekends and it is hard to find childcare. One or 2 children at night might work. 

Craig's list is pretty much a fail in my semi-rural area, but many people seem to find free lance work there. 

Good luck with replacing the old part time job.  They seem to be scarce these days. 

[seriousthistime]

teachermom, your son who has the medical bills was student teaching, last I heard.  Did he get a full time teaching job with benefits, or am I confusing things with your kids (or even a different poster)?

We all suggested you sell things for others for fun and profit.  I imagine time is an issue, but why not at least venture out into that area?  Put an ad on Craigslist that you offer that service, and if you ever have to go to someone's house, make sure you take someone along.  I notice too that folks here will take stuff that other people don't want, no questions asked.  I assume they're accumulating stuff for their own garage sales when the weather gets nice.  

Another part time gig could be errand runner.  Housebound individuals need prescriptions picked up, grocery stops, and so forth.  Another could be helping people to and from doctor's appointments and outpatient surgery such as colonoscopies. The hospitals want people to bring you in, stay there during the procedure, and then stay with them during the night.  You'd have to be careful, but I think those sorts of things do not require medical training; just common sense.  Hey, if my 18 year old qualifies to be that warm body for me, you could certainly be that warm body for someone.  Just make sure you vet the situation carefully for your own personal safety.  Have you read Together Again's posts about her DD and MIL?  They needed overnight help for her MIL, to make sure she didn't sneak out of assisted living. 

Another thing that seems to be in demand is helping elderly people to write out checks to pay their bills.  If you delve into that area, I'd investigate becoming bonded.  If you are good at tracking money, you might also assist guardians with their court-ordered reports of how the money was spent.  

Here's another service.  How about being a special occasion reminder for the elderly?  Lots of housebound elderly still want to send birthday, anniversary, graduation and holiday cards, etc.  Offer your services to buy the cards, address them if needed, and put postage on the envelope and mail them.  Charge double the cost of the cards and postage.    

Obviously I'm grasping at straws so take all this as just ideas, not suggestions. I'm brainstorming!

[seriousthistime]

gracendignity, good for you on the divorce.  That's a rough time.  Been there, done that. People seem to think that no-fault or uncontested divorce means things will be over quickly.  Not so.  Property issues can take a lot longer. And custody, wow.  That can add a LOT of time to a divorce. Being able to move on does feel wonderful though.  You go for so many months when someone is controlling your life to ... other things ... controlling your life, like finances, time and location constraints, and so on.  But the worst is when someone else is controlling it and won't be reasonable. 

Can't wait to see what 2016 brings for you!

[gracendignity]

Another suggestion for you Teachermom--Swagbucks.com.  I've been a member there for several years.  I don't do half the things they offer but I still get about $30/month.  If I did more online shopping I would earn even more, but I put the money I earn from SB into amazon gift cards.  Half my family lives 1000 miles from me so for their birthdays and Christmas it is handy to order via Amazon, pay for it with gc and ship it directly to my daughter's house.  I have enough for them, plus an occasional inexpensive book for my kindle.  You won't be buying that retirement home in mountains, but it does help ease just a little bit of stress in the budget.

There are other, similar sites out there, too, but SB is the only one I do because of lack of free time.

Grace.

[seriousthistime]

I do ibotta.  If it put my mind to it I could earn about $30 per month. 

[gracendignity]

Jan 11, 2016 20:55:20 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I do ibotta.  If it put my mind to it I could earn about $30 per month. 

I use Ibotta, too. And Snap, although not as much as Ibotta. (Not the same as food stamp).  I like the Wal-Mart savings catchers program. My daughters like Shopkick, but I don't ever think to use it so, obviously, I don't earn much there. lol!

I liken these programs to saving coins in a jar. Individually they don't look like much but eventually, almost by magic, they add up to a noticeable amount of money.

[teachermom]

Jan 11, 2016 20:40:44 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

teachermom, your son who has the medical bills was student teaching, last I heard.  Did he get a full time teaching job with benefits, or am I confusing things with your kids (or even a different poster)?

We all suggested you sell things for others for fun and profit.  I imagine time is an issue, but why not at least venture out into that area?  Put an ad on Craigslist that you offer that service, and if you ever have to go to someone's house, make sure you take someone along.  I notice too that folks here will take stuff that other people don't want, no questions asked.  I assume they're accumulating stuff for their own garage sales when the weather gets nice.  

Another part time gig could be errand runner.  Housebound individuals need prescriptions picked up, grocery stops, and so forth.  Another could be helping people to and from doctor's appointments and outpatient surgery such as colonoscopies. The hospitals want people to bring you in, stay there during the procedure, and then stay with them during the night.  You'd have to be careful, but I think those sorts of things do not require medical training; just common sense.  Hey, if my 18 year old qualifies to be that warm body for me, you could certainly be that warm body for someone.  Just make sure you vet the situation carefully for your own personal safety.  Have you read Together Again's posts about her DD and MIL?  They needed overnight help for her MIL, to make sure she didn't sneak out of assisted living. 

Another thing that seems to be in demand is helping elderly people to write out checks to pay their bills.  If you delve into that area, I'd investigate becoming bonded.  If you are good at tracking money, you might also assist guardians with their court-ordered reports of how the money was spent.  

Here's another service.  How about being a special occasion reminder for the elderly?  Lots of housebound elderly still want to send birthday, anniversary, graduation and holiday cards, etc.  Offer your services to buy the cards, address them if needed, and put postage on the envelope and mail them.  Charge double the cost of the cards and postage.    

Obviously I'm grasping at straws so take all this as just ideas, not suggestions. I'm brainstorming!

Wrong son....my oldest was student teaching and has moved about 2 hours away with a full time job. My youngest is the one with the medical bills. He graduated with his AA degree but is still taking some classes and working part time in the tutoring center at the CC. He is no starting to help with some things, but also paying his full tuition so that is a relief for me.

Thanks for the suggestions! I am going to look into them.

Teachermom

[bankergurl]

Things I do to reduce expenses/bulk up income:

-Work Overtime

-Buy clearance items/coupon and resell on FB.  I make anywhere from $30-$300 a week doing this.  It varies a lot on how many items I am posting and the $ of the items.  This does require space to store the items and some start up $ to do the initial buying.  I have lot of tips on this and if you are interested feel free to check out my blog or message me!

-Recycle cans

-Turn down the heat to a reasonable temp.  Use blankets and sweaters.

-Cancel home phone lines, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, monthly orders (bountiful baskets, etc.)

-Reduce cell phone plans and cable/internet packages

-Work for friends and family members.  Many of us have things we need done that we can't do, or are not comfortable doing on our own, and I would rather pay a family member to help me then getting a professional, especially if it is something that really doesn't require a professional.  Mow lawns, shovel, organize closets/basements/garages/attics, clean, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, watching children/pets, so many things!  If you aren't comfortable taking money from family for helping out, maybe you can do an exchange of services, and in that way maybe free up some more time for you to do other things?  Also they may be looking for someone to help them and be happy to pay for the work.  I do cleaning, painting and repairs for my parents rentals when they need help and they are happy for the extra hands.  Even a few hrs of work adds up in the checkbook!

-Do Taxes

Those are some quick ideas, there are so many options.  Think outside the box!

[teachermom]

Jan 12, 2016 14:41:50 GMT -5 bankergurl said:

Things I do to reduce expenses/bulk up income:

-Work Overtime

-Buy clearance items/coupon and resell on FB.  I make anywhere from $30-$300 a week doing this.  It varies a lot on how many items I am posting and the $ of the items.  This does require space to store the items and some start up $ to do the initial buying.  I have lot of tips on this and if you are interested feel free to check out my blog or message me!

-Recycle cans

-Turn down the heat to a reasonable temp.  Use blankets and sweaters.

-Cancel home phone lines, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, monthly orders (bountiful baskets, etc.)

-Reduce cell phone plans and cable/internet packages

-Work for friends and family members.  Many of us have things we need done that we can't do, or are not comfortable doing on our own, and I would rather pay a family member to help me then getting a professional, especially if it is something that really doesn't require a professional.  Mow lawns, shovel, organize closets/basements/garages/attics, clean, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, watching children/pets, so many things!  If you aren't comfortable taking money from family for helping out, maybe you can do an exchange of services, and in that way maybe free up some more time for you to do other things?  Also they may be looking for someone to help them and be happy to pay for the work.  I do cleaning, painting and repairs for my parents rentals when they need help and they are happy for the extra hands.  Even a few hrs of work adds up in the checkbook!

-Do Taxes

Those are some quick ideas, there are so many options.  Think outside the box!

Thanks Bankergurl....will check out your blog. OT isn't an option for me as I am a teacher....salary.

[midjd]

I'm lurking... I may set some savings goals later but wanted to jump in on the extra income suggestions.

Freelance writing -- Constant Content is a good site for this. Your articles may sit for a bit before selling but the rates are very fair.

Apps -- I like ibotta and shopkick. Also, Field Agent, Gigwalk, and Easy Shift can be a great way to earn some extra money at stores you were visiting anyway. Each of them will require you to answer a few questions or take a pic inside a store (kind of like secret shopping). Sometimes they'll also send you products for review... I've gotten a few $30ish kitchen gadgets for free that way.

Another app is WeGoLook. It's basically a camera for hire -- you'll go take 20-25 pics of an accident scene, car for sale, or whatever else the out-of-state client/customer needs to see. These pay around $25 per "look" and usually don't take more than 15-20 min.

(On my very first one, I was taking some pictures of an antique car that someone in another state wanted to buy. The car's owner was moving at the end of the week and trying to get rid of all of her big stuff. I asked her how much she wanted for the nice sit-on-top kayak hanging above the car. She said $25 at first and I must have had a funny look on my face because then she quickly said $50...but I ended up selling it on Craigslist for $400!)

[speechchick71]

teachermom :  have you checked out teacherspayteachers.com?  You submit lesson plans, activities, etc and people pay you for them.

What about tutoring?  I'm always a fan on not straying too far from what I know to make extra money.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 12, 2016 17:58:32 GMT -5 midjd said:

I'm lurking... I may set some savings goals later but wanted to jump in on the extra income suggestions.

Freelance writing -- Constant Content is a good site for this. Your articles may sit for a bit before selling but the rates are very fair.

Apps -- I like ibotta and shopkick. Also, Field Agent, Gigwalk, and Easy Shift can be a great way to earn some extra money at stores you were visiting anyway. Each of them will require you to answer a few questions or take a pic inside a store (kind of like secret shopping). Sometimes they'll also send you products for review... I've gotten a few $30ish kitchen gadgets for free that way.

Another app is WeGoLook. It's basically a camera for hire -- you'll go take 20-25 pics of an accident scene, car for sale, or whatever else the out-of-state client/customer needs to see. These pay around $25 per "look" and usually don't take more than 15-20 min.

(On my very first one, I was taking some pictures of an antique car that someone in another state wanted to buy. The car's owner was moving at the end of the week and trying to get rid of all of her big stuff. I asked her how much she wanted for the nice sit-on-top kayak hanging above the car. She said $25 at first and I must have had a funny look on my face because then she quickly said $50...but I ended up selling it on Craigslist for $400!)

Some good ideas, need to look into that!

[teachermom]

Small update.....had "loaned" someone $50 a while back....figured on my end it was a gift and if I got paid back.....great! Well, I did!!! Whoop!! Going straight to savings since that is kind of like "found" money.

Saving 2016
Fund	Goals	Beg Bal	Jan 2016	YTD	Spent	End Bal	% Met
Savings
Emergency Fund - Minor	$1,000.00	$0.00	$250.00	$250.00	$0.00	$250.00	25.00%
Insurance - Deductible	$200.00	$0.00	$200.00	$200.00	$0.00	$200.00	100.00%
Roof	$2,000.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	0.00%
New Tires	$800.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	0.00%
Car Maintenance	$300.00	$0.00	$300.00	$300.00	$0.00	$300.00	100.00%
Plumbing updates	$3,000.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	0.00%
Gifts	$1,200.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	0.00%
Spring break trip	$500.00	$0.00	$500.00	$500.00	$0.00	$500.00	100.00%
Summer trip	$1,000.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	0.00%
Total Savings	$10,000.00	$0.00	$1,250.00	$1,250.00	$0.00	$1,250.00	12.50%

Brings my total to:

Teachermom 1/13/2016 $1250.00 (1/6/2016 $1200.00, Goal $10,000)

Starting to feel a bit more secure and not so stressed out about emergencies. Going to check out some of the suggestions people have given me this weekend. Also, hoping to get some stuff posted and start making some money!!!

Anyone ever been an UBER or LYFT driver? How is/did that work for you? Were you frighten that you would get some weirdo? Ever have any issues? Was it profitable? Going to check them out too.

Teachermom

[Deleted]

Teachermom, no I've never been an UBER/LYFT driver and yes, as a female I'd be reluctant to be in a locked automobile w/a complete stranger.  #scaredy-cat. lol! If the automobile has a secure separation between myself and client I'd feel more safe, but still just the thought of always having complete strangers so close behind me, would make me nervous so no, I don't think it'd be for me. Sorry, I'm not being too helpful, am I?      Lol!

Posters have shared tons of fantastic/wonderful/great suggestions! Reading them gets me wanting to go back to work,  lol!

 Good Luck, the world's your oyster!

[forwardwego]

teachermom yea for $50! (Good approach considering it a gift, but always nice to get it back). And straight to savings is awesome. You are a woman of action, and laying the groundwork as you are right now is good for reducing stress. BTW do you sew? I can hem and do a button, but don't have a machine, so I pay $14 per shirt to have my work uniforms altered. My sis has taken over from a paid alterations company. I have to mail them to her and back. She would do it for free but I pay her $10 per shirt which is usually $50. She is on a fixed income, and it is a nice mutual benefit.

Being an UBER person scares me. I think the world gets crazier all the time, that it wouldn't be if you get a weirdo, because eventually you would. But maybe you could seek out your own clientele like at an assisted living facility. One of the stops on my work route is a large upscale condo with residents mostly retired. A lot of residents there will go to an assisted living facility in the future but manage to stay where they are & independent longer because they have paid helpers.  

[gracendignity]

Teachermom,

Congrats on starting to meet your 2016 goals! Just creating a plan and starting to implement makes for a more restful night's sleep, doesn't it?

Keep us updated on how it goes with the attempts to bring in extra cash, will you? I am particularly interested in selling on facebook that you and others have mentioned.  Maybe that is something I should explore more for myself.

[lund]

Teachermom,
One of my friends did "night care" for an older kid for three years, until it was legal for her to be at home alone when the mother was working nights. The mother was a nurse who had to work some nights each month. (Long divorced, father not interested in the kid.) Kid went home after school, was dropped off by her mom when going to work, went to bed, then had breakfast and went to school in the morning. Sometimes if the mother worked several nights in a row, the kid came directly to my friends' and ate, showered and sometimes did homework (without nagging) there in the evening. It was not difficult since this kid was an easy one, their own kid was approximately the same age, kids got along, and even went to the same school. The kid liked having a routine and not needing to be sent around among various relatives or having forced overnight play-dates with children of the mother's friends.
I think that areas close to hospitals or similar facilities with a lot of night and weekend work may offer the best opportunities. Any needs for licensing and insurance plus the fact that you have a young adult male in the household may work against this idea.

Proofreading student papers if you are good at it could be an idea.

Tutoring...

Would your school district need teachers for detention hall, Saturday school or remedial classes, assistant coaching, summer school, tutoring a sick kid at home, or similar and be prepared to pay extra for it? (If they do, it might also have a positive effect on your pension.)

If you have summers free, a camp counselor, summer child care - perhaps with tuition?

With your children being young adults and your finances on the edge, even a McJob would probably make such a difference for you that it is worth it, even if it is not at your level of education at all. 

Is there a parcel delivery company near you? Do they need people to sort and deliver evenings or weekends? (There was somebody on the old MSN boards who worked PT for one of those companies sorting parcels, and wrote that the pay was fairly good but the job physical, so needing no gym.)

Shelf-stocking at the supermarket (usually nights), preferably summer or weekends.


I admire you for really knowing your expenses and having them cut down!

[Ombud]

Copying from WIRR:

Jan 13, 2016 9:59:20 GMT -5 bankergurl said:

So last week my Mom stormed CVS after Christmas clearance and got 8 carts (keep in mind they are tiny CVS carts) of toys and gift items for 75% off. I picked them up this weekend, unpacked them Sunday and have already had $70+ picked up, and have about $310 worth of items bagged, tagged and waiting to be picked up in the next few days! We don't get items unless we can sell them for at least double what we bought them for, so at least 50% of that is profit. Lots of items we sell for more then 50% too. We got some toy emergency vehicle sets for $2.65 after tax, and sold all 10 of them for $6.00 each (reg price was $9.99), so just those was a profit of $33.50!  Very excited to get a boost in savings, the more we sock into savings the faster we can pay of the "Mom Loan"!

Waiting for explanation as to how she finds buyers but could definitely be profitable

[Ombud]

teachermom, bankergurl has a interesting way to make $$ posted on WIRR:

Jan 13, 2016 9:59:20 GMT -5 bankergurl said:

So last week my Mom stormed CVS after Christmas clearance and got 8 carts (keep in mind they are tiny CVS carts) of toys and gift items for 75% off. I picked them up this weekend, unpacked them Sunday and have already had $70+ picked up, and have about $310 worth of items bagged, tagged and waiting to be picked up in the next few days! We don't get items unless we can sell them for at least double what we bought them for, so at least 50% of that is profit. Lots of items we sell for more then 50% too. We got some toy emergency vehicle sets for $2.65 after tax, and sold all 10 of them for $6.00 each (reg price was $9.99), so just those was a profit of $33.50!  Very excited to get a boost in savings, the more we sock into savings the faster we can pay of the "Mom Loan"!

I've done this to build a gift stockpile (inc mfg marked candles @ $10 discounted to 59c, nerf footballs in local NFL colors for $1 instead of $10) but not to sell. Asked bankergurl how she finds buyers

[teachermom]

Jan 14, 2016 12:13:25 GMT -5 Ombud said:

teachermom , bankergurl has a interesting way to make $$ posted on WIRR:

Jan 13, 2016 9:59:20 GMT -5 bankergurl said:

So last week my Mom stormed CVS after Christmas clearance and got 8 carts (keep in mind they are tiny CVS carts) of toys and gift items for 75% off. I picked them up this weekend, unpacked them Sunday and have already had $70+ picked up, and have about $310 worth of items bagged, tagged and waiting to be picked up in the next few days! We don't get items unless we can sell them for at least double what we bought them for, so at least 50% of that is profit. Lots of items we sell for more then 50% too. We got some toy emergency vehicle sets for $2.65 after tax, and sold all 10 of them for $6.00 each (reg price was $9.99), so just those was a profit of $33.50!  Very excited to get a boost in savings, the more we sock into savings the faster we can pay of the "Mom Loan"!

I've done this to build a gift stockpile (inc mfg marked candles @ $10 discounted to 59c, nerf footballs in local NFL colors for $1 instead of $10) but not to sell. Asked bankergurl how she finds buyers

I have read her blog....great ideas! Wish we had CVS but I am going to look into it. She sells on FB groups. I sell stuff I have there but not stockpiled stuff to sell there.

Teachermom

[Ombud]

Beware rant:

I was supposed to work today for the 1st day since 11/18/15. Went in. She wasn't there. My terminal is shut off. Wish I has applied for UIB 11/18/15. Then I leave and she asked if I was still there. You tell me ... physically or employed

[teachermom]

Ombud.....so sorry! Why did you not file UIB then? Hope you get it all figured out.

Teachermom

[Ombud]

Now I'm supposed to start 2/1 in a new office being built out. We'll see

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

teachermom How about a gig cleaning houses or offices? I've done this before and it's hard work, but if you do it on your own, you can make a decent hourly rate. One or two houses weekly or bi-weekly could easily net you at least a couple hundred a month. Offices are usually easier to clean than houses and often allow more flexibility for cleaning at odd hours. 

[bankergurl]

Jan 14, 2016 12:13:25 GMT -5 Ombud said:

teachermom , bankergurl has a interesting way to make $$ posted on WIRR:

Jan 13, 2016 9:59:20 GMT -5 bankergurl said:

So last week my Mom stormed CVS after Christmas clearance and got 8 carts (keep in mind they are tiny CVS carts) of toys and gift items for 75% off. I picked them up this weekend, unpacked them Sunday and have already had $70+ picked up, and have about $310 worth of items bagged, tagged and waiting to be picked up in the next few days! We don't get items unless we can sell them for at least double what we bought them for, so at least 50% of that is profit. Lots of items we sell for more then 50% too. We got some toy emergency vehicle sets for $2.65 after tax, and sold all 10 of them for $6.00 each (reg price was $9.99), so just those was a profit of $33.50!  Very excited to get a boost in savings, the more we sock into savings the faster we can pay of the "Mom Loan"!

I've done this to build a gift stockpile (inc mfg marked candles @ $10 discounted to 59c, nerf footballs in local NFL colors for $1 instead of $10) but not to sell. Asked bankergurl how she finds buyers

I sell on FB like madness.  I buy items that I think would sell based on popularity or previous sales I have made.  Common items are health & beauty items (bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, razors, lotion, make-up, nail polish, etc.), toys, gift items, cleaning supplies, etc.  I try to stay away from perishable items or items that may "go out of style" if I have to hold on to them for awhile, (medicine, food, clothes, electronics) - unless they are FREE .   I also usually stay away from high priced items unless I am sure I can move it quickly, so most items I get are $5 or less OOP for me, but comfortable going up to about $20.  I also don't usually buy items unless I can at least double my money on them.  I also sell for about 50% of the store cost, which makes the items desirable to buyers.  It helps a lot that I live in a small town of about 3000 and there is NO stores here.  No Target, no Walmart, no Kmart, the closest drug store is 8 miles away.  The closest retail outlet other then Shopko is an hr away.  So my community welcomes a shopping alternative at fair prices!

I usually post items on FB soon after I buy them, if they don't all sell then I put them in my "store" room (pics on my blog!) and then I try to regularly post items from my inventory to keep older items moving out of there too.  We will have a rummage sale in May, this is the first one in my new town, but previously whenever we have rummage sales that basically wipes out our inventory.   The stores I frequent the most are CVS, Walmart and Target.  But I have scored some awesome deals at Famous Footwear (Dearform slippers $28, clearance to $1!), Hot Topic (Bras clearance to .50!), also JCP and Claires.  I also get a lot of items free after rebate from Menards.

Since I moved here in April, my Mom does most of the shopping, and I do most of the selling.  We split costs and profits.  It's a good balance.

Here is the totals from the items we got last week:

Total spent (including tax) = $389.64
Total potential sales = $869.50
Total potential profit = $479.86!!

I have already sold about $250 worth of this, and have about another $75 waiting for pickup right now.