6/15/10

There are approximately more than $30 billion dollars in unused gift cards or cards with balances hiding in our wallets, according to Plastic Jungle, a company that helps consumers "sell, buy, exchange or donate gift cards on the Internet." So if you're a local charity looking to raise money, collect gift cards from your family, friends and supporters and sell them online at plasticjungle.com. The company will pay you up to 92 percent of the value of the cards in cash, which can be used for your charity's good works.

6/14/10

The next time you get your nails done at a salon, see if the manicurist will toss your wristwatch into the ultraviolet light box they use to disinfect their tools. The UV light safely irradiates germs and bacteria away from tools and can do the same to your watch. If they won't, stores are now selling UV light wands that you can wave across your jewelry to safely kill germs and bacteria.

6/13/10

Summer months are a great time to hold a yard sale to unload unwanted stuff and make a little cash. But if you're time-restricted or don't want people rummaging through your stuff at the crack of dawn, then see if you can partner with an existing yard sale in your neighborhood. The rule of thumb: If you have more merchandise at a sale, it's likely that more people driving by will stop and take a look at it.