10.13.2009

Golden Rules

OK...today I'm eliminating more stuff. I was going to focus on getting rid of shoes, but I heard on the news this morning that the price of gold is now more than $1,000.00 an ounce. Its time to "release" in exchange for money....

About a year ago, I took several old pieces of jewelry to a gold exchange shop and ended up with enough money to go on vacation. So, I spent this morning sorting through one of my drawers with gold chains, single earrings who have lost their partners, a couple of rings and my old charm bracelet from high school.

I spent a moment with each piece recalling good memories and then wrapped them all up and took them to the gold guy. If you find a reputable dealer, you'll get a fair price and you will definitely be surprised with how much you get in exchange.

Look for a local business that has been around for a while. And, shop around. There's nothing wrong with bringing your jewelry to several places and have it appraised. It's also OK to tell them you are shopping for a good price. My experience has been very positive and I feel that I was treated fairly.

Don't forget that gold content and quality differs from one piece to another. Most gold is 14 or 18 Karat. Ask them to tell you how they determine the value. Gold is appraised according to that day's value. Also, ask for a price for "insurance replacement" as well as the "sell" price.

If you want to send it away to a gold buyer, just really check it out with the Better Business Bureau, first.

So, my minimalist friends, I now have a very nice sum of money in the bank energizing my account. My drawer is cleaned of excess stuff and I'm on my way to finding the 100 Things I really want to own.

Day 3: Out of the Closet

Whew! Yesterday, for my 100 Things Challenge action, I went through two closets and just started pulling clothes off the hangers throwing them onto the floor. I started with work clothes. I mentioned that I was retired. I was a teacher. So, good-bye teacher clothes. I really don't need these anymore and more importantly, its a good idea to give them away now so that someone else can use them before they go out of style.
(I retired two years ago! What am I waiting for???).

I ended up with two large bags of pretty decent clothes and I drove them over to our local City Mission. They have a program where women who are entering the workforce can shop for work clothes for free. These are women who come from very disadvantaged situations and really need a hand getting started. This is connected to a community training program for work skills development.

Well, that was easy. I think I'll take a pic of the two closets with the empty hangers and post it here. I can't believe I wasted all that space holding onto to those clothes for two years.

I'm not finished "releasing" clothes yet, but this was a good start. Once I get them down to a managable amount, then I'll add the keepers to my 100 Things Challenge list.

What do you do with your unwanted clothes?