I admit it; I’m a total clutter fiend. Not proud of this fact, but the idea of throwing stuff out literally gives me a pang in my stomach. The season of spring cleaning is well underway and playing the shuffle game with the piles of old stuff that I love is getting tiring. So, as painful as it will be to part with my beloved karaoke machine and my collection of broken down computers, here are some places that will actually buy your old stuff and may leave you a few dollars richer.

Computers and laptops: You might be able to get a fair market price for your old computer gear from sites like Amazon, Craigslist or eBay. You could also do it the old-fashioned way and put an ad in your local newspaper—or check with computer repair shops.

Cell phones and electronics: If you’re hanging on to old cell phones that still work but that you don’t use, check out sites like BuyMyTronics, Gazelle and Simply Sellular that specialize in buying old cell phones and iPods.

Jewelry or a family heirloom: You can go through one of the online selling sites above or head to a pawnshop, consignment shop, antique dealer or swap meet. It might be worth getting the item appraised beforehand so you know its value before you negotiate.

Sports equipment: Do you have a treadmill or elliptical machine that has become a clothes hanger? If so, you might consider offering it to a sporting goods place like Play It Again Sports
or an online community like SwapMeSports where people sell, buy, trade and donate old equipment.

Clothes: Get together your best-looking unwanted clothes and consider selling them online or bringing them to your local consignment shop. Not only will the shop pay you, but your unwanted dress or suit could be a great find for someone else’s wardrobe.

If you end up making some money from your old stuff, consider using it to pay off some debt or invest for the future—this calculator can help you decide which to do.

Whether it’s been six disheartening months of searching, one month of half-hearted looking, or one day of cruising job sites in anticipation of graduation, you’re looking for a job and not sure if you’re at the top of your game. Looking for work takes dedication, confidence and strategy. You’ve read our tips on interviewing, job search resources, what employers want and asking for references. With the basics down, why not kick your search up a notch?

1.  Rule LinkedIn. (And any other social media or job search sites you use.) A solid profile doesn’t always cut it; instead, use the tools available to take networking further. One example is to join LinkedIn “Groups” in your field with “very active” statuses and contribute thoughtfully.
2.  Break into the field. It can be rough trying to break into many professions when you don’t have a lot of experience or you’re fresh out of school. The Intern Sushi site can direct you to open internships. Think of interning not as free work but an audition and investment.
3.  Find your weak spot. Why are employers not contacting you back? It could be that your resume or cover letter aren’t polished, you don’t seem to have enough experience in the field, or you aren’t interviewing well. Once you know your weak spot, you can fix it—with resume help, interview practice or an extra class.
4.  Know your target. Think you want to get into marketing? Research companies, choose your top three (whether or not they’re hiring) and send a carefully tailored resume, using any inroads on LinkedIn.
5.  Switch up your efforts to stay ahead. Could any of these give you a leg up? Create a website for your resume or portfolio using a site like WordPress. Take an online course on the hottest topic in your field. Reach out to friends via Facebook or Twitter and let them know you’re looking.

There are bound to be some faithless moments in any search. Lucky for all of us, there are awesome resources out there.

I’ve been lucky to have some really great teachers. One of them was Madame Michelle Respaut, my French professor in college. She had the ability to engage us in the most passionate conversations about great literature and history (when all we really wanted to do was make it through class without falling asleep). So, if you have teachers or professors who’ve made a real impact in your life, here are some cool ways to let them know.

1. Write a thank you note: Words of appreciation mean a lot. Think of ways in which your professor has helped you or taught you and let him or her know. It could be the energy she brings to a classroom lecture, extra tutoring during office hours, or even just being a good role model.
2. Make food or cookies: Give your professor a break with a simple, homemade meal like lasagna; get some fresh fruit, or bake a batch of cookies. You can also grab a few classmates and take your professor out to lunch one day.
3. Give a photo or video of your class: Frame a picture that your teacher can remember your class by. Or, make a videotape of you and your classmates saying a few words about why your professor makes such a difference.
4. Go with a charitable gift: In honor of your professor, get the class to donate books to a library or local nonprofit, or raise funds for his or her favorite charity.
5. Give a gift certificate: Find out your professor’s favorite place to eat, or get a certificate for an office supply store. Professors are usually busy people; so any gift that can give them a little break is great.

If you have had a teacher who’s made a difference in how you view and handle money, consider nominating him or her as an Innovative Educator at practicalmoneyskills.com.

I love my car. Besides my sister and  best friend, I don’t think there’s anyone I spend more time with in this world. After almost a decade together, you’d think I could show my car a little more respect and TLC. But, honestly, getting the oil changed every three months is like going to the dentist. In honor of Car Care Month, here are few ways to take care of your four-wheeled friend and save some money along the way.

1. Drive the speed limit: As my driver’s ed teacher said, “The car is not a time machine.” Did you know slowing down can also help you save as much as 20 to 30 percent on fuel mileage?

2. Check your tires: Under-inflated tires don’t roll as well so you may need more gas to keep the car moving. Invest in a tire gauge and check your tires every month or so.

3. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule: Every car is different so read your car manual and keep up with recommended care. This keeps your car in top condition and can help you avoid more expensive problems in the future. Here’s a car maintenance checklist from Forbes.

4. Find a trusted mechanic: Take time to research a good local repair shop that will tell you honestly what’s wrong with your car and not charge an arm and a leg to do so. The American Automobile Association can help.

5. Choose the right vehicle for you: If you’re looking to buy a new car, read this info. from Practical Money Skills first.

For more car-related money-saving ideas, read about the “Drive Smarter Challenge.”