&v=2) Did you know that Swapping is the new Shopping? You can actually go shopping and break even or even make a profit - all it takes is some time, effort and any unused items in your home!
I think it's fair to say that most of us have items in our home or garage or indeed in storage that are now no longer required. Shopaholics will know exactly what I am talking about - horders will also relate to this statement. Having these things create stress in our lives that builds up over time. Stresses like "why did I buy that?" "what a waste of money.." "why do I have all these things hanging around the house or garage - I never use them?". We start to doubt our ability to make good buying decisions and then we use it as ammunition to beat ourselves up about it! All that can stop right now. There are many ways we can deal with unwanted items or purchases in our home that will not cost us more money! It will simply cost you your time and creativity.
There are a number of swap and giveaway websites where you can swap your items for items you need or simply take them away from those happy to give them. Remember, you are also looking after the environment when you take this approach.
A swap and giveaway website to visit is: http://recycleaustralia.swapace.com/
There's also the very popular bidding sites where you can list and sell your items. You also get the opportunity to purchase items well below their retail value - some are second hand and some are new – the beauty of it is you get to choose - and you get to do it from the comfort of your home!
Some of these sites operating in Australia are:
http://www.ebay.com.au/
http://www.bidsell.com.au/cgi-bin/Auction
http://www.bidmadness.com.au/
Garage sales and local markets are other great ways to buy or sell depending on the time you have available. Garage sales are a great place to find bargains for big items like furniture, gardening equipment, nursery items - a good clean and spruce up of of a second hand item may just do the trick - it's good for your budget AND you are doing people a favor by taking the items off their hands. Check out the local paper for the garage sales in your area or go online - it's that easy!
For Brisbane Market information visit: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/markets?ref=sem. You can also Google "markets" in your State or City to find all kinds of markets that may suit your requirements.
There are many ways you can "shop by swap". You don't have to spend big money to get the things you need. You just need a sense of fun and a good attitude to your money . Your can exchange your time to create surplus funds in your budget for investing that won't cost a cent from your pocket today - give it a go!
Here's a few tips for maintaining good swapping and shopping habits:
· Be clear about what you are offering, add photos and clear descriptions including measurements and weight and delivery costs
· Fess up to any problems or issues with the items you are listing or swapping
· Be a good vendor, reply promptly to questions, be helpful – it will help you to sell items and will build your reputation in the long run
· Review what’s working and what’s not and move with the times to get the best results - check out the competition for ideas
· Try not to get lost in the “virtual shopping paradise” – your intention is to make and save money or swap your goods – not spend more!
. If you are planning on attending markets, make sure it's weekend where there will be extra crowds ie. school holidays, public holidays and venues near other crowded places ie. shopping centres or sporting fields
. Garage sales work best when you have clearly marked $2 table or $5 shelves with items on them or OTO "open to offer" stickers on the bigger items - this will give you the chance to negotiate upwards or not sell at all
· Keep good records about how much money you are making and saving and spending - this will help you make better buying decisions
· Acknowledge yourself for good shopping and swapping behaviour and ensure the money you save goes towards your investments.
· Become motivated by learning something new and most of all enjoy the process!
Background information:
Wealthyfrog provides neutral, unbiased and independent expert financial coaching geared towards helping people achieve financial freedom for life. Wealthyfrog does not sell any investments and has no bias to any particular investment area or strategy.
For more information:
Claire Grlj - 0401 439 612 | 1300 852 664
claire.grlj@wealthyfrog.com.au
www.wealthyfrog.com.au
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