Ebay & Craigslist: Emptying The Attic To Pay The Bills
From MSN:
Earlier this decade, people tapped their inflated home equity and credit cards to fuel buying binges.
Now, slumping home values and a credit crisis have sapped sources of cash.
Meanwhile, meager wage growth hasn't kept up with soaring fuel and food prices.
Gas prices have already hit $4 per gallon in some places, and that could become more widespread this summer. The weakening job market is another worry.
Americans are selling their prized possessions online and at flea markets with rising frequency.
To meet higher gas, food and prescription bills, they are selling off heirlooms like Grandma's dishes, as well as other belongings.
"This is not about downsizing. It's about needing gas money. We've had bouts here and there, but we always got by. This time it's different.
I need the money for essentials -- to pay my bills and to eat."
Earlier this decade, people tapped their inflated home equity and credit cards to fuel buying binges.
Now, slumping home values and a credit crisis have sapped sources of cash.
Meanwhile, meager wage growth hasn't kept up with soaring fuel and food prices.
Gas prices have already hit $4 per gallon in some places, and that could become more widespread this summer. The weakening job market is another worry.
Americans are selling their prized possessions online and at flea markets with rising frequency.
To meet higher gas, food and prescription bills, they are selling off heirlooms like Grandma's dishes, as well as other belongings.
"This is not about downsizing. It's about needing gas money. We've had bouts here and there, but we always got by. This time it's different.
I need the money for essentials -- to pay my bills and to eat."
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