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5 yard sale buys to ease the budget

By Genevieve Hinson, Source: MCT News Service

In today's economy it's time to move past the "used" stigma and save some bucks.

So here you have it: five ways yard sales can help ease your budget. Get out this weekend and SHOP.

1. BREAD MACHINE

Remember the bread machine craze? You dump in the ingredients, push the button and two hours later a piping hot loaf was ready?

With today's climbing grocery prices, it's time to start looking at more homemade, price-saving options. Recently, I paid $5 for the indulgence of buttered carbohydrate bliss.

But as much as I love the flavor and cost of homemade bread, I just don't have the time (or inclination) to make it on a regular basis. The bread machine is a great fit for most busy moms and you can find recipes online.

Now that the fad is over, check your local yard sales and buy one on the cheap.

2. BICYCLE

Gas prices are staggering. It hurts to watch the dollar amount roll as the tank fills. The cheaper route is self-powered transportation. That means riding a bike.

If biking to work is unreasonable, think about regular, nearby destinations. Cycling to those will help reduce the amount of gas used each week.

Get the kids involved, too! Go on a family trip to the neighborhood grocery store. Use a bike trailer (another great yard sale find) to help haul home the bounty.

Just remember to keep it safe. Plan your trips during the cool part of the day, take along plenty of water, wear helmets and obey traffic rules.

3. COFFEE MAKER AND MUG

Oh coffee, glorious wondrous coffee! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Coffee is a morning must for many of us. If you work outside the home, chances are you're stopping by Starbucks way too often to be budget friendly. Buy a second-hand maker and take it into the office. Get your co-workers to take turns buying the beans, flavored syrup and creamer. It'll save everyone a bundle.

4. HAIRCUT CLIPPERS

Yes, I know what you're thinking, "Cut my kid's hair? You're nuts!" Now I'm not saying tackle your daughters and give them a buzz (though trimming their bangs with scissors could be cost-effective), this one is mostly for the boys.

Blogger Lisa Boyles mentions it's a great deal even if you buy the clippers new. They pay for themselves after two haircuts. Most clippers come with a how-to video, so you won't be totally hacking it.

5. CHILDREN'S CLOTHES

You can pick up children's clothes for a fraction of the cost at yard sales. Due to the fast growth rate of babies and toddlers, often you can find items that look brand new and sport the latest styles.

Donna Freedman, writer at MSN's Smart Spending blog, shares some advice:

"Many people who shop yard sales are looking for kids' clothes but surprisingly buy just one or two items. I tend to shop for them late in the day and offer a lowball price for everything in specific sizes."

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(c) 2008, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.).

Visit The Fresno Bee online at http://www.fresnobee.com/

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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