Imagine this scenario – there’s something that you really need but either can’t afford or justify the cost of. Now imagine getting it for free!

How? By utilizing the emerging second hand economy.

The marketplace for second hand goods has exploded in the past ten years with the arrival of not only eBay and Craigslist, but also with new players like Thred Up and Let Go. Or find a local Garage Sale using GSALR.com.

Selling your old stuff might take a little more effort than simply tossing it in the trash, but consider the fact that you’ll be monetizing your garbage and lessening your impact on the environment at the same time.

Then reward yourself by taking the cash you’ve just earned and buy something you need from the same second hand sources.