Seattle Family Calendar
Subscribe
So many ways to save
With inflation on the march and prices going up every day, stretching that dollar feels more important than ever.
Scroll through the arrows above and discover some ideas and resources that may help you earn a few extra dollars, or help your money go a little further.
Consign all you can
What’s easier than a garage sale and brings in more money than a Goodwill run? Consignment! Clean out those drawers, closets and attics today and consign all the things your kids have outgrown or are no longer worn or used. Let the consignment store do that hard work of pricing, selling and tracking items while you simply pick up your check or store credit.
Wondering where to consign in the Seattle area? Check out our list of consignment stores for Seattle-area families. Be sure to pay attention to each store’s consignment requirements, such as how and when to drop off items to consign, and what they accept and when.
Get your own money back!
Check out the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property Website and see if the state is holding any money you may be owed. Believe it or not, this is not a scam! Read more about claiming your abandoned cash or property on the website. Then enter your name and address to see if you have any unclaimed money. I recently got $50 back.
Sell, sell, sell!!
Now that you’ve consigned all your clothes, time to get rid of that empty dresser and armoire. Sell your stuff on Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace, or even go old-school and use Craigslist. I recently sold some old Ikea furniture and put the cash in my babysitter fund.
Make a few mystery purchases
This may seem counterintuitive to saving money, but hear me out. The app Too Good To Go works with restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores to sell food at a discount that might otherwise go to waste. Download the app, enter your location and check out all the deals near you. When you find one you want (such as a $6 bag of chocolates and treats from Theo Chocolate. Yes, please!) click on “reserve a bag” and pick it up during the availability hours. Be sure to pay attention to the details; some places ask that you bring your own container or bag to haul your treasures home.
Get it for free
Buy Nothing just might be the best reason to use Facebook. Join your local Buy Nothing group (based on where you live) and discover all the treasures your neighbors are passing along. I love Buy Nothing and use it all the time. I’ve gotten everything from a queen size mattress to a baby gate to keep my dog out of our pantry, to a bag full of yarn for my next knitting project. You can also list things you’d like to pass on, you never know who has been searching for exactly the thing you need to get rid of. As an added bonus, this service can be a good way to get to know your community.
