Let's Go Shopping -- At Yard Sales!
By Cyndi Roberts, Fri Dec 9th

In some areas they are mostly called garage sales, or rummagesales. Sometimes they are called yard sales. In Britain, Ibelieve they have what they call "car-boot" sales.

Whatever the name, it is a fun part of a frugal lifestyle. Hereare some of the ways I have found to save money by shopping yardsales.

Expecting your first child? Yard sales can be a great place tostock up on necessities. Everything from cribs to rocking chairsto bumper pads, blankets and clothing can be bought at much lessthan new prices.

Of course, you must use your good judgement as to safety andcleanliness issues.

If you have small children, be on the lookout for clothes in thenext size your child will need. We all know how quickly childrenoutgrow their clothes!

Clothes for older children can be picked up for a song, too.

Are your older children picky about brand names? Do what Idid--I told mine to think of these clothes as brand new, they'vejust already been washed a few times!

Found just the shirt or dress you need, but it has a stain onit? Here's a pre-soak trick to try: Dissolve 1/2 cup of drydishwasher soap in about a gallon of warm water. Add yourgarment and keep it submerged for 24 hours or up to 3 days. Doremember to test the fabric first.

Big money can be saved by buying toys and books for Christmasand birthday gifts at yard sales. Many

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sales will have brand newtoys and games in the box at a greatly reduced price. If theboxes are not sealed, always be sure to check carefully and makesure all the pieces are included.

Toys to be repaired or refurbished are a big money-saver. Areyour children ready for a bike? You'll finds lots of outgrownbikes at yard sales that just need a little cleaning up or maybea coat of paint.

If you are a reader, as I am, you can save big bucks by buyingbooks for next to nothing at yard sales. Even if you don't finda book you want to read yourself, if a book is very cheap, buyit and trade it for credit at the used bookstore!

Joke gifts for adults are another item to look for. Buying inthe spring or summer means you aren't running around in Decembertrying to find something suitable for that office Christmasparty.

Always watch for gift wrapping supplies. Use your imagination!Grab that partial roll of wallpaper with border to match. Wrap agift in the wallpaper and wrap a length of border around it; noneed for ribbon or a bow!

Sometimes, you will even find actual wrapping paper and ribbonfor sale at a yard sale. Never pass up a bargain.

Do you have a young adult going off to college next fall? Or onemoving into his first apartment? Help out by looking for smallappliances, sets of glasses, flatware, pots and pans orutensils. Then they won't be raiding your home for whatever theyneed!

Does your family love to work jigsaw puzzles? New puzzles can bepretty pricey--so just visit the yard sales. I've bought puzzlesfor as little as 50 cents and very seldom have I bought one thathad any pieces missing.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure" is certainly true atyard sales. Some people just do not have the imagination to seethe many uses of different items. Money-saving opportunitiesabound for those who are able to see potential in unlikelyobjects.

About the author:Cyndi Roberts is the editor of "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another"bi-weekly newsletter, bringing you creative, practical tips tohelp you with budgeting, cooking, shopping, parenting and muchmore as you strive to "live the Good Life... on a budget". Tosubscribe visit the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" website athttp://www.cynroberts.com