The Best Place to Shop During a Recession

[Ed. note: Shine user Maggie makes a really good point about rediscovering the wealth of items you have in your house that you may have forgotten about. Sometimes reorganizing a closet or drawer is all it takes to feel like you have a whole new wardrobe. What do you think? Have you ever gone "shopping" in your own home?]
I made this discovery about a year ago. Nearly all the things that I needed were in one spot. Small appliances, software, clothes, shoes, accessories, even cosmetics. Best of all, these items were free! Where is this magical store? Closer than you think.

My secret store...inside my own house. If you look hard enough, you will find your secret store in your own house too.

Think of buried treasure. Rediscovering all those things you bought over the years and stored away is a treasure box of savings or income possibilities. The beauty is, if you can't use it anymore, someone else certainly could. Put your personal inventory on display by having a yard sale. If you don't have the luxury of spending an entire day of your life waiting for browsers consider listing on eBay, Craig's List, or Amazon.

Another way to earn cash is to take your clothes to a consignment shop. Consumers are rediscovering consignment stores, especially now while the economy continues to hover over uncertainty. Baby and children's clothes are high-demand items. Be sure your clothes are gently used meaning they are clean and stain-free, hems are mended and all buttons are attached and there are no holes or tears. For unneeded furniture, there are consignment furniture stores. If you have not visited such a store, you would do yourself a service by stopping in to browse.

Donating your goods to charity, the Salvation Army , Goodwill and Vietnam Veterans are excellent repositories for used items and your donations are tax deductible. Vietnam Vetarans will also pick up your items from your home.

Shopping from home will give you a boost in your income by reducing duplication (buying what you already have), saving fuel (no need to drive to the stores), credit card debt management (no spending), giving to those in need, earn some extra cash or simply revamp your current wardrobe.

Happy Shopping!