How To Sell Gold For Cash

In times of economic hardship it can be difficult to find ways to feel more financially stable. Investing in a physical commodity like gold and selling when the time is right can be one way to feel more financially secure in tough economic times.

Used for thousands of years for coins, jewellery and artefacts gold is a precious metal that has a history of high value. Unlike other currencies that tend to lose their value because of evolving fiscal policies or inflation, gold is still considered to be as valuable now as it was when it first came into use.

There are countless gold-buying companies around today who will offer you cold hard cash in return for your valuable jewellery. However, many will offer a low price then sell it on at a much higher price.

Some gold items that you might consider selling for cash could include:

• Wedding and engagement rings
• Necklaces 
• Miscellaneous jewellery 
• Tooth fillings that have fallen out 
• Bullion bars 

Understanding the value of gold

In order for you to get an idea of what your precious jewellery might be worth it’s important to consider the following:

1. Gold market price

Gold price usually remains high, but fluctuations do occur, so being aware of its value should stop you from selling your gold at what might be considered an unfavourable time.

2. Know the true value

The karat reading of your gold refers to the parts of gold contained in the piece of jewellery. Karat or carat is the way in which the purity of the gold is measured which ranges from 1 carat to 24. 

If karat readings are low, this means that other metals are included in the jewellery. So, the higher the percentage of gold, the higher price you can demand for your jewellery.

3. Factors affecting value

Condition plays a big part in determining the monetary value of your jewellery. If the jewellery is in a poor condition the cost of restoration might make selling the item a pointless exercise. 

Jewellery looks at its best when it has been cleaned. If you are not confident you can make a proper job of it, then let a professional jeweller clean it for you. 

Other factors affecting the value of the item include the materials used, where the item was bought originally and also rarity and beauty. 

Where to sell your gold

1. Jewellers

Many online jewellers offer a free, no-obligation valuation so you know exactly how much you might get for your treasured item.

2. Pawnbrokers

Pawnbrokers are unlikely to give you anything close to what you’ll get at jewellers or online, but if you need cash extremely fast, then this is probably your best bet.

3. Cash for gold companies

Many of these companies have came out of nowhere in the last few years. Before sending your treasure items to these companies, research their reputation online. If you discover that 15 out of 20 online reviews are negative then it’s probably best you take your valuables elsewhere.

4. Car boot sale

Car boot sales are a popular way to sell second hand goods such as gold, and it is somewhere where you are in control of the price. However you could be waiting around for a long time on a sale - that’s even if you make a sale at all.

5. Antique dealers

If your item is classed as an antique then you have a good chance of selling to an antique dealer, which you can either find on your high street or through searching trade association websites.

6. Auction

An auction can be one of the most thrilling ways to make money on your gold. If rival bidders get into a competition over your gold, you could potentially be looking at a better price when selling elsewhere. 

However, the fees of using an auction can be fairly high and there’s no guarantee of a sale either.

7. Gold party

Modelled on traditional Tupperware parties at gold parties, guests are invited to bring their unused gold jewellery and sell without having to go to a jewellers or a pawnshop. 

You won’t always receive a fair deal but attending a gold party can be a good testing ground to see what your item might actually be worth. 

Before accepting an offer

Before you make your final decision about where to sell and how much for, always check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau or your country’s equivalent. 

There are lots of companies that have terrible reputations when it comes to treating people fairly, so do your homework before you part with your precious item.

Investing in gold

Rather than just selling off a few items in order to make an extra bit of cash, you could always take things up a level by regularly investing in gold. Investing in gold jewellery is the best starting point for those who are new to the game. 

You can find well-priced gold jewellery by keeping in touch with local pawnbrokers, searching on websites like eBay and by simply asking around.

Some final thoughts

The key thing to remember before selling your gold jewellery is not to act on impulse and carefully evaluate every piece of jewellery that you are going to sell. Remember not to let your emotional attachment cloud your judgement on how much your item should worth. 

 Don’t forget too that selling gold jewellery will not make you rich overnight - but it can however place some extra cash in your pocket.

This is a guest post by http://lois-bullion.com/

How to Handle Hidden Costs When Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is an exciting time, and it is very easy for buyers to overlook things that in any other situation might give them pause. As with any purchase, price is a paramount consideration, and most people would be surprised to learn a considerable portion of any car dealer's profit doesn't come from the car itself. 

In fact, most of those additional sources of revenue are well-enough hidden that the buyer often doesn't recognize them until they are hours, days or even weeks into owning their new vehicle.

One of the keys to making sure you don't overpay for your new car is to spot these hidden costs as early as possible, evaluate whether they are tied to options or features you actually need and see if there are alternatives that might reduce the overall price of the vehicle. This has two major effects. 

First, it may reduce the amount you need to borrow. Second, it may eliminate options and features you don't really need. Here are some things to consider. 

Financing

Dollar for dollar, nothing is more expensive than borrowing money to buy a car. The easiest way to avoid overpaying for your vehicle loan is to try and get pre-approved. This will give you a chance to negotiate the cost of your financing separate from the purchase itself. 

Even a few percentage points will make a tremendous difference, so this should be at the top of your list.

Insurance

Your choice of vehicle will have an impact on your insurance premiums. Whether you are buying a Subaru, a Ford or a Bugatti, you will be required to carry insurance on the vehicle itself in addition to liability or other coverage. 

The more expensive the vehicle, the higher your insurance premiums. Since insurance is an open-ended expense, extra premiums can add up in a hurry. Make sure you evaluate your insurance costs before you buy. 

Fuel

Since there are now so many options for drivers to reduce fuel costs, this is a category that should certainly be considered before purchasing. Like insurance, fuel is an open-ended expense, so saving even ten to fifteen percent over the entire term of ownership could add up to thousands. 

Fuel economy also doesn't automatically mean hybrid or electric either. Some vehicles get considerably better gas mileage than others. Further, your driving patterns may help you find less expensive options for city vs. highway driving as well.

Extended Warranty

The extended warranty is likely the most complex category simply because of all the factors involved. If at all possible, you should make certain any warranty beyond the manufacturer's is backed by an authorized dealer or the manufacturer itself. 

Warranties by third-party companies can often be far more expensive and far more difficult to enforce than ones offered by a reputable provider. A good source of information on this subject is the Auto Club.

Knowing where additional expense is likely to be found is the first step towards avoiding overpaying for a new car. Driving it will be more fun too.

5 Cost-Effective Ways to Increase Your Home's Property Value

Getting a house ready to sell can be daunting. Property values are constantly changing and buyers can be fickle. It's a stressful undertaking, but if you are willing to put in a little work you can greatly increase your home's value and make sure that it sells quickly. 

Here are some of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can make in the days, weeks, or months leading up to your home's market debut.

1. Paint

Paint is by far the most inexpensive home improvement. High-quality paint only costs about $25 per can and you can easily do the work yourself. Neutral colors will appeal most to buyers while light colors will make a room look larger and more open. 

Accent walls painted a brighter color can also be an excellent choice, but make sure that you limit their use to one room.

2. Flooring

When you're looking to buy a home, seeing that you will have to replace floors right away is a pretty big turn off. If your house is sporting stained carpet or ripped vinyl floors, take the time to get them replaced before it goes on the market. 

If you can, opt for hardwood floors. These will retain anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of their value during a resale. If your budget doesn't allow for hardwood floors, you can always replace your flooring with carpet or engineered wood. Be aware that these other options won't hold their value as well during the sale.

3. Curb Appeal

If your house looks good on the outside, it encourages people to come in. Keeping the outside of your home in top shape is essential if you want to sell. 

It can also be one of the easiest ways to get a few more dollars out of your home. If you don't have a lot to spend on landscaping, make sure that your yard is mowed, your hedges are trimmed, and any flower beds or gardens are well-kept. 

If your budget allows it, consider adding a porch with a small sitting area to give the house a cozy feel. Replace the front door with a steel model. Add some shade trees. In addition to being beautiful, well-placed trees can lower cooling costs and provide a home for squirrels and birds. 

4. Minor Remodels

If you are going to go through with a remodel, make sure that you start with a kitchen or bathroom. 

These are the two areas of a house that consistently offer a high return. Bathroom remodels can be expensive, but following Hillary Farr’s Rules of Renovation will ensure that you get the maximum return on your investment. 

Repaint the bathroom and remove any outdated wallpaper. Dress up mirrors by adding inexpensive frames. Choose stone countertops and wood cabinets or upgrade vanities and pedestal sinks. 

If you are looking to splurge on one item in your bathroom, let it be the shower. Currently, walk-in showers and floor to ceiling steam showers are the most sought after bathroom amenities. 

Many people are even willing to forgo a bathtub if it means that they have access to a spacious shower.

Kitchens renovations tend to cost more, but many of the same basic rules apply. Opt for wood cabinets and stone countertops. 

Paint the kitchen with bright, neutral colors. Replace low-quality kitchen sinks with farmhouse sinks. Upgrade appliances or at least ensure that the ones present are fully operational. 

Avoid adding recessed lighting whenever possible. Instead, opt for classic and stylish lighting fixtures or light tubes. 

5. Fiberglass Insulation

Although adding insulation doesn't seem exciting, it does offer one of the best returns on investment. Adding high-quality insulation to the attic increases the market value of your home and lowers your heating and cooling costs all year long. 

This is one home improvement that you should definitely consider whether you plan to sell your home now or in a couple of years.

Use these simple upgrades to increase your home's market value before you put it up for sale. Buyers will be impressed with a home that looks cared for and their offers will reflect it. 

Try out some of the improvements on this list and see just how big of a difference they can make in your home.

Get the Most Money of Your Used Car with These 5 Improvements

The easiest way to sell a car is to be confident about the goods. Make your car easy to sell and at a good price by investing a little bit of your time and an affordable amount of money. This is what will help the new owner feel like they struck a good deal.

Do the minor repairs

Provided that the car you are selling is in a good general state what you need to do is have a look at your dashboard and see whether there are any unwanted lights on. 

 Your car is maybe signaling that there are still minor issues to be removed and this is something that you want to do before you sell it. Being honest about the issues with a customer is a right thing to do, but it is even better to have nothing to report.

Take it for regular maintenance

Once everything is repaired, check whether your car is due for regular maintenance. Have the oil replaced, check the battery and the wheels. 

This is something that the new owner would most likely do first thing after purchasing the car, but you having proof of it being done just recently will set them in a good mood and help them make the decision.

Make it pretty!

Make your car nice to look at. You want it to be a pretty sight so it can leave a good first impression and make the potential new owners feel great about it. 

Take your car to an auto body shop and ask them to fix any visible dents or scratches. Also, if there are signs of rust especially at the underbody, ask them to remove it and protect the car appropriately.

Check the inside

Give the inside of your car a detailed wash. Check whether paint started to peel off or is worn off and repaint it. Estimate the state of the upholstery and judge whether any of it needs replacing. 

If you cannot clean it so as to look as good as new, consider buying new car seat covers and new mats. Check the stereo and the speakers and make sure they are functioning properly as it will add to the entire experience of driving the car.

Deals on Wheels

One of the first things I have mentioned is checking the wheels. You can take your car to an auto service center and have a professional mechanic align your wheels or, alternatively, you can do it at home if you are generally ok with DIY stuff. 

Have a look at the tread on your tires and replace them if they are not in the best of shape. This is one of the things that a buyer will instantly spot as they are probably calculating in the expense of getting new tires. 

Get cool hub caps, make sure the style matches your car, polish them and spray the tires.

Depending on how quickly you need to sell, if it is an option, think about selling it yourself as you will get a better price without having a mediator. Any dealership will give you a lower estimate on the car as they need to earn from the transaction as well. 

Remember to provide the new owner with all car related paperwork and advise them on all the repairs and maintenance you have done.

Having done all of the above will make your car look brand new. Don’t forget to give it a good wash and a wax as people generally like shiny things. 

If it is not too much to ask, throw in some perks such as emergency equipment, the vest, triangle, a first aid kit etc. Let your old vehicle do you proud one last time.

Expert Expenditures: 4 Tips to Make Your Monthly Spending More Effective

Establishing yourself financially is a process that can take a fair amount of time and effort. Many young people struggle, especially during their first few years on their own, to manage their finances well and achieve stability. 

If you are currently in this situation, however, there are some excellent steps you can take to position yourself for better security down the road. In particular, you should be focusing on your monthly expenses, as limiting what you spend will give you more money to save or invest. 

Here are four ways to make your monthly spending more effective and free up more of your income.

Get Your Debts Paid Off

One thing many younger people struggle with is personal debt, often from credit cards. If you find that you're making monthly debt payments, your first focus should be to pay this debt off as quickly as possible and avoid taking on more in the future unless it is necessary. 

There are exceptions, such as student loan debts and home loans, but credit card and personal loans will do nothing to help your financial position. Be sure to pay down whatever debt carries the highest total balance first, as this will allow you to reduce your monthly expenses more quickly.

Buy Food in Bulk

Though it may seem like an insignificant expense on a day-to-day basis, most people spend a great deal more than they realize on food. An easy solution to this is to buy foodstuffs, especially meat, in bulk at the beginning of a given week. 

This will not only let you track your spending more easily, but also help you get better deals on the food you buy. A freezer is also useful, as it will let you save excess food for later consumption.

Stop Renting and Buy a Home

One of the best financial decisions you can ever make is to stop paying rent and purchase a home. On a month-to-month basis, your payments will often be lower than they would be for rent. 

In addition, you will be building equity in your own asset instead of paying for your landlord's equity. The only people for whom owning a home isn't advisable are those who plan on moving out of the area in which they live sometime in the near future. 

For these people, the advantages of home ownership are few.

For everyone else, however, owning a more makes vastly more sense than renting a house or apartment. 

Look for construction in the area you want to end up in eventually, like new homes in Utah County or build a house in Houston, to ensure that you end up where you want to be.

Try to Consolidate Bills

These days, most people have many more bills than an average person did in the past. Some, though certainly not all, of these bills can be consolidated. For example, many phone service providers also offer internet and television. 

The cost of bundling your services together with one company, rather than having multiple accounts, can be significantly lower. Keep in mind that even small savings on monthly recurring payments can add up over time.

If you save just $10 per month by bundling bills together, you'll save a total of $600 over the next five years. Such small changes can make a big difference when it comes to your finances, so be sure to take advantage of them when possible. 

Becoming financially stable will take effort on your part, but the rewards of it later in life are significant. The more money you can save and invest now, the greater your opportunities will be in your 40s, 50s and beyond. 

Be sure to explore all avenues that can save you money on your monthly bills, and you'll be on the path to basic financial security before you know it.

4 Ways Technology Has Impacted The Food Consumer Marketplace

Technology has impacted practically every area of our lives, and the food consumer marketplace is no exception. Because we all have to eat, the role technology plays in food production, distribution and ordering is something that affects everyone. 

The ways people shop for and buy food, as well as how they interact with food producers, have seen massive changes in just the last decade or so thanks to the advent of new technologies. 

Here are some of the ways technology has had a serious impact on the food consumer marketplace.

1. The Genetic Engineering Of Organisms

Whether you like it or not, genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMOs, are prevalent in food. Technology has played a huge role in crop production and the development of genetically modified organisms. 

As a result, technology continues to modify our food in order to make it bigger, more uniform and more pest-resistant than ever before. Wherever you stand on the ethical argument of GMO’s, it can be agreed that without technology this development would not have been possible.

2. Ordering Via Apps

This has become a major trend for fast food restaurants, pizza places and other casual dining chains. Other variants have included ordering online for pickup or delivery as well as using mobile pay options. 

But apps are where most of the new action is, as it combines it all (ordering, payment, pickup, delivery) into one. Food delivery is also being expanded upon by a number of chains thanks to the ease of remotely placing an order. 

This is leaving a lasting impression on the food consumer marketplace as many businesses begin implementing these services.

3. Finding Restaurants Online

Consumers largely search for and become aware of restaurants online now. They use their location finders on digital map programs to find restaurants near them, read customer reviews and peruse the menu to see if anything sounds good before even going to the restaurant. 

This is a vast departure from before in how food consumers choose where to eat. So if you own a restaurant and don't have a website with basic information about your establishment such as hours, contact information and a menu, you should set that up right away.

4. Wider Food Distribution Networks

Technology has made it easier for food to be distributed over wide areas, and even internationally. New tech from companies like Maximum Computer Systems Inc., especially quality wholesale distributors software, has also made it much easier to track shipments and keep a closer tab on logistics in general, making the entire process much faster and more efficient. 

There are companies developing even better methods of freezing produce in order to keep it fresher for longer and thus allowing people to purchase fresher foods from greater distances away. 

This can include foods consumers could get normally but are not in season and therefore have to come from another region or country, or even foods that are not native to a particular area, such as bananas and mangoes in the United States.

The impact of technology on the food consumer marketplace shouldn't come as a surprise to many. Most people know some of their produce is imported from other countries and have tried using apps to order their food. 

But it is truly a good idea to stay conscious about what we eat and where it comes from - technology has made that a lot easier as well and large food companies are now being forced to listen to their consumers if they want to remain in business. Who knows what directions technological innovations will take the food consumer marketplace next.