Lazy Man and Money

A Few Tips for Shopping at Estate Sales

by 5 Comments


As it we get deeper in the spring, I’m looking forward to one of my favorite past times – yard sales and estate sales. I’ve written about how to save money with yard sales and even gave you a peak at how I built a room on Craigslist and Yard Sales. However, I haven’t talked much about estate sales. In some ways they are often better than yard sales. What is being sold is typically what someone has owned, not just what people have decided they no longer need or want. Often they are held due to the death of a relative. I like pretend that the person may just be moving and downsizing to a smaller house.

Here are a few tips that have helped me:

  • When shopping an estate sale be thorough – Many times you will find that special treasure inside of a box or closet. Make sure they are selling these items before you go digging into their closets though. Don’t drive by and assume there isn’t anything that you want. Searching through bins may offer you an unexpected item.
  • Be on the lookout for things that need just a little work – I am well, Lazy, but there are benefit for those who aren’t like me. Those who are willing to clean can find some quality items that require a little scrubbing or fixing. Old furniture can be new again with a new coat of paint, or if you have the time stripping a piece of furniture and refurbishing it can become a great hobby. It is an inexpensive way to beautify your home.
  • Ask for a bargain – Just like yard sales, when you purchase items at an estate sale you can (and should negotiate). If you are purchasing several items, request a discount for all of your finds. If you have arrived at the end of the sale your bargaining power is greater as people are typically looking to get rid of things by the end of the day. However, I recommend showing up early – you want to be the bird and get that worm.
  • Keep a budget in mind – It can be easy to overspend when you find many treasures. If you are like me, you sometimes come home with a bunch of stuff that seemed like a good idea at the time.

In the end estate sales have some major advantages over buying new. It’s often much cheaper. You can find more unique products (as opposed to having the Ikea or Crate and Barrel bookshelf that everyone has). You give item another life – recycling and reusing is good for the environment. Finally, it’s fun to find a bargain.

Can You Fix California’s Budget?

by 12 Comments

It may sound like a Saturday Night Live skit, but an organization is asking for your help with assistance budgeting. Next10 has a fairly easy to understand budget calculator simulator that lets you do just that. You have a choice about 4 or 5 questions in much of the areas that impact the government’s budget. You have choices like adjusting the spending on Education, Health Care, Jobs, Environment, Criminal Justice, etc. You then have to make some tough choices on revenues like income tax, sales tax, corporate taxes, etc. Even if you aren’t from California, it’s very educational (although somewhat depressing) to play a big game of Would You Rather…? It only takes 5-10 minutes.

I gave the simulator a shot and I almost reduced the state deficit in half, while increasing K-12 education to the national levels. In order to do that I turned the state into a toxic waste dump and drove out every corporation with raised taxes. I think I also had to raise the sales tax from 9.25% (in my county at least) to around 78%. Oh and I had to let all the criminals go free. Maybe the companies that make bars for windows will stick around… not that anyone can afford them with the sales tax.

I’m making a big joke of the situation in California, but it’s no laughing matter. The state has some serious issues and people are going to be negatively affected (they already are). I need to commend Next10. I’ve always been a fan of crowdsourcing a solution and while that would be nice, the education that Next10 is giving Californians is a step in the right direction.

Did you try the simulator? Tell me the choices you made in the comments below…

Budget Fourth of July Activities

by 2 Comments

washington fireworks.Fourth of July is the ultimate holiday weekend. Summer time, parades, fireworks. What more could a person ask for? Having fun on Fourth of July is an American tradition! The Fourth of July weekend can quickly get expensive… especially if you are hosting a BBQ. All the food and beer can add up quickly.

Fourth of July weekend does not have to be expensive. There are ways to cut costs. It usually just takes a little bit of imagination and some self discipline, but that’s nothing new when you are trying to save money. Here are a few ideas on how to make sure you and your family have fun on Fourth of July and do it all on a budget:

Join the Rest of the Nation

Rather than hosting some big backyard barbecue, find out what city or state events will be in your area. From the tiny country town to the large metropolis areas, most places have Fourth of July events planned for everyone to enjoy. Some of my fondest Fourth of July memories come from picnicking on the Boston Esplande. However, you may find that fairs, fireworks, parades in your community are free. Find what local events will be happening and plan on enjoying your Fourth of July with everyone else.

Have a Block Party

If you live in a friendly neighborhood, consider having a block party. Even if you live in a tiny town on a small street, everyone can still get together making for a fun time. Everyone can pitch in on the cost of food and beverages. Or perhaps they each bring a dish for everyone to enjoy. Games can be planned for both the young and the old to enjoy that won’t cost any money. While sack races never get old, I prefer to take on someone in badminton. If you must have fireworks for your Fourth of July weekend, have everybody chip in and buy them together. Just make sure that it is legal in your area and you are safe with them. With everyone pitching their pennies together, you can get a pretty good amount of fireworks to set off that everyone can enjoy.

Head to the Water

Everyone loves the water, right? Beaches, lakes, rivers… it doesn’t matter. I think that’s one of the keys to the why the Boston fireworks work so well. If there is a body of water near by, chances are people are going to be flocking towards it on a holiday weekend. Most places will have a great deal of activity planned, including those necessary Fourth of July fireworks. You can spend the day, or camp out and spend the whole weekend. Not only will it save you a lot of money, but it’s sure to be a fun time that the whole family can enjoy. It may even become a family tradition.

Photo Credit: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

Ask The Readers: Did You “Staycation” to Save Money on Gas?

by 28 Comments

gas-pump.jpgMemorial Day weekend is over… *Sigh*… back to work. The local news last night interviewed a number of people about how they spent their Memorial Day weekend. I was surprised by the number that were really cutting down their driving to save money on gas. One family decided to cut down their vacations from 3 to 1.

My wife and I don’t drive very much for vacations. We might go 45 miles north to Napa for some wine tasting this summer. When/If we do, we’ll hopefully find a cheap motel or perhaps even camp out. We also might look into more activities in the nearby San Francisco. Even thought we’ve lived here almost two years, there’s still so much we haven’t seen.

So let’s turn the questions back to you… are you reducing your driving this summer? What is your budget for travel this summer? Do you want to punch me in the face for using a cutesy term like “staycation” in the title? Let me know in the comments.