Electronics To Sell Before Retiring To Save A Ton Of Money

When you're ready to retire, it's smart to think about your money. Or else, you will fall into the 45% of Americans who retire at 65 and face the risk of running out of it. This is especially pronounced among retired single women, where about 55% are at risk, compared to 41% for couples. A study from the Morningstar Center for Retirement & Policy Studies looked into the cost of retirement; how much health care costs, and how long people might live. If you don't want to make up these numbers, sell your old electronics, like computers, appliances, media players, or game consoles. These are still really popular, so you can fetch a good price even if they've been used a lot.

Selling old electronics isn't just about making money — it also helps clear out your home. You can sell your old appliances on eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, or even use Hello Sella to connect with buyers. If you prefer a quick deal, Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon have trade-in programs that give you cash or store credit for your old devices. Laptops, in particular, have a huge market — students, business owners, and anyone looking for a powerful but cheaper option love buying second-hand. High-demand models like MacBooks, Microsoft Surface devices, and gaming laptops can sell for great prices, making them a smart choice to cash in on before retirement.

Some classic phones are worth way more than you'd expect, especially if they still have their box and are in good condition. Take the Nokia 3310, or the first-ever iPhone — both are collector favorites. Then there's the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x, one of the first mobile phones ever made. Even old BlackBerrys and the Ericsson R380, an early "smartphone" before we even called them that, can still fetch good prices.

The Apple I, one of the earliest personal computers, has sold for over $400,000. Even the Commodore 64, a relic from the '80s, is still highly valued. And remember those chunky first-generation iPods? If they're still in their original box, they can sell for over $20,000. An original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or a rare Super Mario Bros. game, still sealed, can go for insane amounts — sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. So before you toss out that old tech, check its worth. Even if they are old Apple products, watches, or musical instruments, they might be worth a ton of money.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are always in demand because photographers and video creators are constantly looking for affordable gear. Drones are a great addition for professionals who use them for filming aerial shots. And let's not forget high-quality headphones, microphones, and home theater systems. People love upgrading their sound setup, so these gadgets keep their value.

To get the most money from selling old electronics, you need a game plan. Timing is everything — sell right before a new model comes out, and you'll usually get a better price. Electronics are often released on a schedule, so if you know when the next version is coming, you can sell the old one at just the right moment.

Before you put your gadget up for sale, make sure it's ready to go. First, wipe all your personal data off the device to keep your information safe. Just reset it to factory settings and remove any accounts linked to it. Next, give it a good clean to make it look its best. How you show off your device matters a lot. Take high-quality photos from different angles in good lighting. Show any accessories that come with it, too. Tell buyers exactly what works and what doesn't; honesty helps build trust.

eBay and Facebook Marketplace let you set your own prices, which can mean more profit if you play it right. For a quicker, easier sale, you might choose trade-in programs at places like Best Buy or Amazon, which offer instant offers. If you use eBay or similar sites, look at what others charge for the same item to set a fair price. Price it too high, and buyers might walk away; too low, and you cut into your profits. And if you're selling face-to-face, meet in public and only accept safe payment methods.