Frankly put, a pawnshop is one of the best ways to get fast, hassle-free cash. There is little effort when selling gold to a pawnshop other than showing up with the piece and being ready to make a deal. Although we may be biased, we highly suggest considering a pawnshop when decided to offload some of that old jewelry. 

What kind of gold will a pawnshop take?

Without making things too difficult, a pawnshop will take about anything that is made of gold. This can be jewelry, a golden figure, or anything else made of gold. With that, a pawnshop would not take anything that is gold-plated, due to being such a small amount of gold that it roughly is not worth anything. Another thing that is gold that a pawnshop would not take is gold cables, these are usually plated and it is not possible to tell how much gold is actually in the cable.

On the other hand jewelry, all shapes, sizes, and even conditions are accepted, from a brand new shiny ring to a broken chain–yes you read that right, a broken chain would be accepted, and honestly, the best thing to sell to a pawnshop due to the fact that they would likely give you more than a private seller would. 

How to determine your gold’s value?

Gold’s value is a pretty simple affair to assess. This is basically finding out how pure it is, how much it weighs, and the current market value. Once these numbers have been found out, then you can use them to calculate the current price of that gold. This price usually brings back the current melt value, which is roughly the number that a pawnshop starts at when it is calculating gold value.

• purity

Most of the time, gold is not solid gold. There are many reasons for this, one being that gold is not as strong as other metals, so alloys are added to make sure that gold objects can withstand daily wear and use. Another reason for this is that some vendors want to save cost when making gold items, and of course, this comes with some items being old gold-plated, which is essentially valueless. 

• weight

Aside from the purity, the biggest factor in gold’s value is the weight. This is for obvious reasons: more weight means more gold. There are many ways to measure the weight of gold. Here at Jum-Pawn-It we use pennyweights (.dwt), but other places may use grams or even oz. Pennyweights are a unit of mass that is equal to 24 grains, 1⁄20 of a troy ounce. The reason we use pennyweights here is that……………….

• market value

The last factor to consider when determining how much your gold is worth is the current market value. Like bitcoin or stocks, gold’s value is always changing, but overall pretty stable. It would be impossible to list the value of the gold in this blog because the value changes from time to time, but the price of gold is constantly being changed.

How does a pawnshop test gold purity and weight?

First thing that is important to mention here is that if a pawnshop doesn’t weigh your jewelry in front of you, out in the open, then they are pretty suspicious. Testing should also be done within the customer’s view. Basically, when bringing jewelry or precious metals to a pawnshop, the pawn broker will first test the item by scratching a tiny amount onto a block (this does not hurt your item, do not worry) and then pouring acid on that scratch to determine the karat. 

Some tips when selling gold to a pawnshop

• know the market value

Now that you have seen the above graph, this should be a simple task. In other words, just check that graph, or one like it before visiting the shop to trade your gold for cash. Knowing the market value of gold will help you determine a fair price for your jewelry or item. That said, remember that most gold is a alloy so a gold ring that is one ounce doesn’t completely equal one once of actual gold. 

• Know the facts and the math

This one is really just piggybacking on knowing the market value’s point that gold is not usually pure gold. Specifically, you should know the karat, so you can do the appropriate math to find out how much gold you have, for example, a 2 ounce 12k ring is 1 ounce of gold since 12k is 50% gold and 50% other alloys. Other than that math, assessing the actual value gets a little more complicated but a good pawnbroker would be happy to walk you through the numbers. 

• Be ready to haggle/make a deal

Although there’s not a lot of room on gold and precious metals (like other items sold or pawned), you should always be ready to make a deal.We generally suggest that you show up knowing how much you want and then figure out what it is all worth. But, even more importantly, it is important to point out that asking for a lot on your grandmother’s ring because it may hold some sentimental value does not mean that a pawnshop can pay more because of that emotional connection, we can only pay for the actual precious metals. 

Find a highly rated, local pawnshop

This tip is probably something that you already do when scouting out new sushi spots or local bars. Check reviews, especially google reviews. as we find that are most used and current. Look for a pawnshop that seems to care about its community and service. We will also point out that pawnshops always get some negative reviews from people who think their ring was real, and we had to tell them it wasn’t, for example. So be sure to read a few and don’t focus on only the bad ones unless they are specifically pointing out poor service or rudeness. 

Conclusion

Pawnshops can be a great way to clean out the old jewelry drawer, offload some inherited jewelry, or just straight up make extra cash. Before making the trip to the local pawnshop to sell off those precious metals and diamonds, do some research, know what you expect to get, and be ready to haggle. Most pawnbrokers these days are polite and caring people who are trying to make it in this wild world as well, so treat them with respect and it will be recipricated–gone are the days of the gruff and grumpy old man sitting behind metal bars. 

The post Tips for Selling Gold and Precious Metals to a Pawnshop appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

Many people think of Pawn Stars when the word pawning comes up, which in turn, makes them think of selling antique and rare items to men in polo shirts in Las Vegas. But this is actually a very small part of the pawning industry. More often, a certain amount of money is borrowed by using a certain item as collateral. In other words, if you need $100, have bad credit or simply don’t want to mess with credit agencies, then you can take something of value to a pawnshop, trade the ring for the $100 for a specific amount of time. When that time is up, you can go back and get your ring back (which the pawnshop will be holding onto for you during the term of the loan) and pay back the $100 plus some small fees. This is a small overview of how pawning works, but to get more info read this. 

When should you Pawn?

The first, and obvious, answer for when pawning is a good idea is when you need money, now, we admit, that is way over simplifying, so let’s dig deeper into when a pawn is a good idea. Once you are looking for a way to secure a small amount of funding, you must decide if you want a pawn, title loan, payday loan, or some other kind. Now we won’t go on too long about types of loans, that is a whole different topic, but we can say that pawning is the first good option, especially if you can part with the items after a certain amount of time.

Once you decide to pawn an item, the first consideration is, “do you want to get the item back?” For example, grandma’s wedding ring is probably something that you want to keep in the family, but a wedding ring from a divorce, not so much–this means you should pawn grandma’s wedding ring and sell the divorce ring, both of which can be done at a pawnshop.

What do you need to Pawn an Item?

There isn’t a lot that you need to pawn something, but there are things you must make sure you have, and requirements that you must meet. In most jurisdictions, you must be 18 years old to pawn something, and you must make sure that you have a valid ID with you when pawning. Also, this might go without saying, but you must have ownership of the item that you are pawning, if you don’t own it, don’t pawn it. Aside from the item you are pawning bring any accessories or complementary items it may need, e.g. remotes, cables, chargers, etc. This will help you get the most out of the item. Lastly, always feel free to bring any type of certification of authenticity, or proof that items are legitimate. 

Best items to Pawn and Why?

Pawnshops generally only accept certain items. The reason for this is that all collateral that they take must be something that they can possibly sell, even if they do not think they will ever need to sell it. But as mentioned, a collateral loan, aka a pawn, is money given for an item if the loan is defaulted on, it is used to recoup the money.So, although pawnshops do not want to sell items they receive, they need to be prepared to do so, which dictates what items they accept.

Precious metals, especially coins & jewelry

There is a reason that most pawnshops put “jewelry” in their name, because it is one of the best things to pawn, along with being one of their most sold items. There are a lot of reasons that jewelry, precious metals, and coins are such a good item to pawn, but the main reason is that they are high value in a tiny package. Think about it: you can shove a ring in your pocket, walk to the pawnshop, and get a couple hundred bucks for it, depending on the ring of course. Where, tools, guitars, or electronics are not that high value and not that light. Another huge perk to pawning these items is that they hold value, unlike electronics for example. 

Watches

Much like jewelry, watches hold value, are light, and high value, which is another reason that pawning watches is another great idea. There is one point of consideration: many watches do not have the resale cost that many people think. We all know Rolex, Cartier, and Omega are worth a lot, but other brands that are perceived to be expensive are not, such as, Invicta, Movado, and Citizens. So, when pawning a watch it is important to know the brand, its resale value, and the “movement” of the watch. Speaking generally, the “movement” determines the watch’s original price and resale value. Another thing to point out, when pawning a watch, expect it to take a bit longer before receiving an offer because of the high number of counterfiet watches available in the market.

Electronics

Electronics are, of course, a good item to pawn but keep in mind that most pawn shops will not take old and obsolete items. Apple products, gaming systems, computers, and TV within 2 or 3 years are all a safe bet. Some items can be older, but that is highly dependent on what it is, so always feel free to contact the pawnshop ahead of time to know if they will even accept it. In some rare cases, old gaming systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System may be accepted. However, all pawnshops work differently in this respect.

Tools

Tools are a common safe bet at pawnshops as well, but most stores have their own policy on these items so hard to give a clear answer here. High value tools like Makita or Dewalt are always good to pawn, but lower cost tools such as Ryobi or Black and Decker are much less likely to bring much money. In turn, most shops won’t accept tools from Harbor Freight like Pittsburgh brand, and don’t even try to pawn too old or too broken tools, 9 times out of 10 they will not be accepted. Many pawnshops also accept bigger tools such as table saws, miter saws, and drill presses (if they are big enough), but it depends on how much they cost, if the tools are used a lot, and how fast they can be sold.

Musical instruments and Gear

Many people think guitars when they think pawnshop, so with this in mind, musical instruments are, most often than not, accepted. Guitars, basses, drums, synthesizers, keyboards, and violins–these are all sure fire bets. Most shops also accept mics, banjos, mandolins, and even obscure instruments like dobros, once we have even seen a guzheng in a pawnshop. With that, most music-related electronics are accepted, amps, speakers, audio interfaces, and even miscellaneous cables, stands, and accessories.

Pew Pews

A common thing to be pawned is pew pews, which pawnshops are always happy to accept, although it would be helpful to know the rules and regulations of each shop before making the trip, because some pawnshops do not accept pew pews. Walking into a pawnshop that cannot accept a pew pew, while holding a pew pew, could be a recipe for disaster. On that note, be sure to unload all pew pews before bringing them in. Also, we suggest that you have pew pews locked with pew pew locks and preferable carried in some kind of case, if possible. This will ensure the safety of yourself and all employees. Whatever you do, do not walk into a pawnshop holding a pew pew up like you’re going to rob the place, that is common sense, right, right?!

Sports Equipment

Sporting goods may be a big category, but knowing which items are higher value in this category will help you determine if it will be accepted. Bicycles, bows, and golf clubs are all solid choices when pawning something, due to their value and especially resale value. Other items probably are less commonly accepted, like tents and baseball gloves, although high cost or brand-new items are always welcome. Helmets and other sporting good safety gear often are accepted, but leave that jock strap at home; we don’t want it.

Vehicles

Not every shop can or will accept a vehicle, but many will. Unlike title loans though, a pawnshop will secure the actual vehicle so it must be something you are ready to live without for a set time. Cars, motorcycles, and boats all top this list, but again, make sure it is something you do not need daily, like your daily driver car for example. 

Things that pawnshops won’t accept

Obsolete items

As mentioned earlier, most pawnshops won’t take obsolete items, and the reason is dead simple: they don’t sell. Sure maybe someone is looking for an old CRT TV or a VHS player, somewhere, someday, but the chances that that person walks through your door are slim to none. Furthermore, these items are hard to sell online, harder to ship, and often to not even receive enough money to make the effort worth it. Frankly, no pawnshop wants obsolete items, and honestly, it isn’t worth it for you either.

Some tools

Another one mentioned above is cheap tools, mostly those from Harbor Freight or Black and Decker. These items, if accepted, do not even get much money, maybe like $5 on their best day. More often pawnshops will just say no thank you to cheap tools. Save these tools for a yard sale and blow them out for a couple bucks a pop. 

Big furniture and heavy items

Big and heavy items get more into logistical territory than anything else. It is just too cumbersome and too much effort to store, move, and house big and bulky furniture, workout equipment, and other heavy items. They take up room and take many employees to move, not to mention, many times these items do not bring in much money, and IF they are defaulted on they are hard to sell. All in all, most pawnshops won’t take in furniture or work out equipment, but, it never hurts to ask.

Collectibles

This is another one of those areas that is more about logistics than item value. Baseball cards and comic books may be accepted, but are often not–coins on the other hand are a collectible that will most often be accepted. Collectibles are just too hard to keep up with and appraise for pawnbrokers, these guys already have to know about multiple segments, what items cost, and how quickly they will sell, it would be almost impossible to tack collectibles onto the job description. Unfortunately, not all pawnshops have experts hanging out in the wings when items come in, so we highly suggest that you go to a collectibles shop instead of the pawnshop.

Stolen, illegal, unethical items

This one just makes sense, no pawnshop accepts stolen, illegal, or unethical items. There isn’t much to say here other than, don’t try to use a pawnshop for laundering money; it will bite you in the butt. 

Know how much money you need, your item’s worth, and how much is due.

When pawning an item, you should know what the item is worth as well as how much you need. It is important to realize that how much you need and how much the item is worth could be very different numbers. Another important thing to consider is how much you need. Obviously, when you borrow more money you owe more money back, and not just the base amount borrowed but the fees as well. So for example, if you borrow $100 you will owe the pawnshop something like $110 (rough numbers as an example), but if you borrow $300 you will owe $330. So if you only need $100, it makes more sense to get $100 since $110 is a lot easier to come up with than $330, so it will be much easier to redeem your item. So, figure out what your item is worth, how much you need, and how much is due upon redemption, and be strategic about what you ask for. 

Be ready to negotiate

Pawning an item is a simple process. You bring the item in, tell the pawnbroker what you think you should get for that item, the pawnbroker will accept or counter, and then you will accept or counter. At this point, negotiations continue until the parties come to an agreement. So with that, be ready to negotiate when pawning an item, and honestly, when buying items at pawnshops as well.

Other Considerations

Like many things, you should research a little about your local pawnshops, read reviews and customer experiences to determine which pawnshops are polite, professional, and friendly. Be willing to do a little shopping around to the pawnshops to get a deal that you feel is best for your personal situation. 

Tips from Pawn Leaders

Pawnshop Store Manager, Riverside CA – “The best place to start when needing to pawn something is to find an item you don’t need but is worth a good amount of money, oh, and something light and easy to carry.”

Pawnshop Store Manager, Whittier CA – “We always suggest that you read reviews, read the website, know the terms and policies, and know what items they accept or reject before you come in.”

Pawnshop Corporation Marketing Manager –  “The biggest tip I have for people who want to pawn something is do your research before coming in, know what your item is, how much it costs, and how much you need. With this information, you’ll be much better prepared to get a deal that is fair for everyone.”

Conclusion

To sum up, although being in a position where you need extra money is not always a good place to be, pawning something can be easy, and can help you get out of any financial situation. Having a basic understanding of pawning before entering a store or an agreement with a store will definitely ensure success and an easy experience. We hope that these tips will guide you to success and financial freedom, and as always, please reach out with any questions or comments. 

The post Professional Advice from Industry Experts In Pawning appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

Bullhead City, Arizona is a city in northwest Arizona, on the boarder in fact, very close to Laughlin, NV and not far from Needles, CA. This puts it in a prime location, not only near other cool and interesting cities but also on the Colorado River, south of Lake Mohave, and a day’s drive from the beaches of CA, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Although the city has a population just over 40,000 it is increasingly becoming a favorite spot for Californians who are either retiring or just looking for a change of pace. There arent many downsides to Bullhead City, but without a doubt the intense heat and strong winds are something to be aware of before heading to this gorgeous city during the summer. 

In this article we will cover the best ways to spend time in Bullhead city, along with Laughlin and surrounding areas. This guide will help you find the best and cheapest ways to spend your time whether you are moving or just taking a vacation. From outdoor adventures to the best places to eat, we will go over the highest rated, and our personal favorites. 

Outdoor

• Colorado River Nature Center

Without a doubt, one of the first things to check out in Bullhead city is the Colorado River Nature Center. This 500 Acre is the perfect place to spend the day: from fishing, to lounging, hiking, boating, or even birdwatching, there is something for everyone at the Nature Center. We highly recommend taking the family or significant others to this place and checking out the trails and local birds, but there is also a wealth of other wildlife species, like coyotes, bobcats, lizards, amphibians, you name it. As far as fishing goes, this is another great activity that can be done at the Colorado River Nature Center and there are many species of fish to be caught, especially striped bass and rainbow trout. 

Be advised that there is no camping aloud at this location, so if that is your thing, there are many other great spots to spend an overnight locally. The same rule applies to open fires, motor vehicles, and dogs must be on a leash. 

https://www.bullheadcity.com/community/park-directory/colorado-river-nature-center

• Riverwalk

Another beautiful place to spend outside in the area, in this case technically Laughlin, is the Riverwalk, which is a 3 mile paved trail along the Colorado River on the Laughlin side. Unlike the Colorado River Nature Center, this is a paved walkway, so offers an interesting change and different experience. This trail also provides access to the seven resorts and casinos that are on the river, meaning you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities as you feel inclined. There is also access to the river and water sports, so if you are feeling a little hot and need to refresh yourself, then snag a jet ski rental or hop on a riverboat cruise. Also, we highly recommend you keep an eye on special events or live music that are often hosted on the Riverwalk, making that place a must-visit spot when vacationing in Bullhead City, or even Laughlin.

https://www.visitlaughlin.com/listing/laughlin-riverwalk/37022/

• Arizona Veterans Memorial Park

If you’re looking to relax in the outdoors while also paying tribute to our servicemen and women, then the Arizona Veterans Memorial Park is a destination you should definitely check out. This beautiful river front park pays homage to the 3,000 veterans who died in foreign conflicts with bronze plaques, and also has giant bronze eagles, a large stone pyramid, and giant flag poles, all dedicated to honoring these veterans. This is a great place to bring the family to not only remember the fallen, but remember the sacrifices of this nation’s heroes. We highly suggest taking a trip here and wandering the beautiful park grounds and reflecting on how great America, and its veterans are.

https://www.bullheadcity.com/community/park-directory/veterans-memorial-park

Entertainment

• Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection

A must-visit spot, especially for any car enthusiast is Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection, which is a museum that features 80 of the worlds more “distinctive automobiles.” Located at the Riverside Resort, this museum is only $3.00 to enter, or free if you have a King of Clubs Players’ Club Card, which is so cost-effective that you cannot afford to miss it. This collection of cars is always rotating and has unique classic cars, and lots of desert racing vehicles, meaning that no matter what kind of car you are into, it has something for you. Definitely stop by this museum to check out a huge collection of classic cars that you will never see elsewhere, all while enjoying a little air conditioner on those scorching desert days. 

http://www.riversideresort.com/don-laughlins-classic-car-museum/

• Colorado River Museum

Discover the rich history of the area, both Bullhead city and Laughlin at the Colorado River Museum. This museum houses photographs, dioramas, and memorabilia from the area to paint a vivid picture of Bullhead City, Lauglin, and the Colorado River, as well as its history. There are also outdoor exhibits that showcase replicas of local trains, mines, and bridges from the area. Admission for the Colorado River Museum is very cheap so this is makes it an attraction worth stopping by, esepccially if you are interested in American history. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Sept to May, being closed June to Aug.

https://www.visitlaughlin.com/listing/colorado-river-museum/36962/

• Visit a Casino -Aquarius/Harrahs/Gold Nugget

Now how can we have a list of things to do in Bullhead City and Laughlin and not include a Casio? We can’t, but the trouble was, which Casino to pick? Well, honestly, they are all good options, whether it is the Aquarius, Harrahs, or the Gold Nugget, they all have something to offer, from great eateries, to fun games, to gorgeous views. Furthermore, when staying overnight on vacation, these are the spots to pick, since all the casinos in town are also luxurious resorts, offering spacious rooms and great amenities. So if you are going to lounge around, press your luck at the casino, or just need a place to rest your head at the end of the day, any of these amazing resorts and casinos will fit your need.

To find the best hotel for you check out this list of the top 5 on Trip Advisor,

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g45964-zff8-Laughlin_Nevada-Hotels.html

Shopping

• Jum-Pawn-It, Bullhead City

What can we say, maybe we are biased, but we truly believe that a pawnshop is always a must stop on any shopping trip, especially when you are visiting from out of town. From great deals on jewelry to hard-to-find electronics, or just unique instruments and collectibles, pawnshops have a bit of everything and are always willing to make a deal. The Bullhead City location is our newest location as well as being clean, bright and open with friendly staff, which is a department from other pawnshops in the area, which still sometimes carry the stigma of being stuff and dark and run by brokers who are just trying to make a quick buck. And of course, pawnshops have the added benefit of being able to get quick cash for anything you have of value. Stop by from 9am to 6pm Monday through Satuday or 9am to 3pm on Sundays to check out jum-Pawn-It’s wide selection of interesting items.

For more information, check out jumpawnit.com/bullhead.

• Mohave Crossroads Shopping Center

Looking to knock out a lot of shopping in a short amount of time? then Mohave Crossroads is for you, this outdoor mall has 19 stores, so surely there will be something for everyone. This place has everything, from clothing to food; there is even a Culvers there so be sure to stop by for a butter burger! If you are on vacation and need to get some necessities, then the Mohave Crossroads is the palce for you. 

To get more information visit https://atlasland.com/properties/mohave-crossroads/

• The Raque Apparel

Looking for stylish clothes for yourself and the whole family? Then Raque Apparel is the sport! Owned by Jum-Pawn-It’s good friend, Jennifer Spisak, this store sells apparel from Roxy and Quicksilver to eyewear and other. This is the perfect place to shop if you live in Bullhead City or just need to pick something up quickly while on vacation. Check out their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/theraqueaz. 

Located at 5287 AZ-95 Suite B, Fort Mohave, AZ 86426, this is a place we highly suggest you stop by and let her know Jum-Pawn-It sent you! 

Food

• Mohave Steakhouse

When visiting Bullhead city and looking for a fancy, fine dining experience, Mohave steakhouse is the place to go. This family-owned steakhouse has been in business for over a decade and serves some of the best steak and beef you can find in the area, all which was born and raised in the USA. The best part is that Mohave steakhouse has a beautiful dining room and offers orders to go. So from fancy tomahawk steaks to gorgeous lobster tails, we highly recommend that you stop by Mohave Steakhouse. But wait, not in the mood for something as luxurious as steak and lobster, then stop by for a midday hamburger: we suggest trying the pastrami hamburger for something unique and interesting. 

For more information visit http://mohavesteakhouse.com/

• The River Dog Grill

If fast and casual is more your speed, then we can’t forget about the River Dog Grill. This place’s casual environment is perfect for a quick meal after a day of fun on the water. Serving a wide variety of food, from tacos to seafood, this spot has something that anyone would want to grub down on. When you’re visiting Bullhead City, or even driving through, be sure to stop by the River Dog Grill for a nice sandwich and a beer. Located at 2046 Highway 95, Bullhead City, AZ, United States, 86442 it is not only a relaxing environment with delicious food, but it is also convenient

Get more info at https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverDogGrill

• Samurai Japanese Steakhouse

When visiting Bullhead city you may find that you’re in the mood for something ethnic and unique, in that case, we highly suggest Samurai Japanese Steakhouse. Name aside, this place mostly serves sushi and teppanyaki, but they also have bento boxes and other Japanese inspired foods. This is our pick when we want something fresh, fast, and light, for example, if we plan on a long night full of fun and drinks, or a long day of outdoor adventures. 

• Happy Place Subs

In our book, this is the king of casual fast food in Bullhead City, in our humble opinion. Honestly, every time the Jum-Pawn-It corporate team is in Bullhead City we stop for subs at Happy Place.  You cannot go wrong with any of these delicious subs, but we personally usually go with the Italian OG, the secret sauce is on point. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, then we suggest checking out the daily specials, like Thursday the special is, the toasted gringo, definitely worth trying out when you roll into Bullhead City. 

For more Info https://www.facebook.com/Happygolucky1988 

Nightlife and Bars

• Cocktails

Well, this might not be the most unique name for a cocktail bar, but it sure gets to the point.  With a name like Cocktails, you know what you are going to get with this place, but to make it clear as crystals, this is the place in Bullhead City that we suggest you hit up if you want to check out the game or a band. But, like most bars of this style, you know the type, they often have a DJ or karaoke, meaning that almost any day of the week you can pop in for a beer or cocktail and simultaneously get some cheap entertainment. So, if you’re in Bullhead or Laughlin and have a night to kill, want some cheap entertainment, but nothing too extravagant, then definitely check out Cocktails. 

Get more information at https://www.instagram.com/p/CgNR4SuPFWj/

• Bars at Aquarius Casino and Resort

Ok, ok, we might be cheating here because we are lumping a few places into one, but to be fair, they are all in the same place, the Aquarius Casino. There are four bars located here, specifically, The Cove, Splash Bar, Zodiac Bar, and River’s Edge Pool Bar. We will take a quick look at each here.

• The Cove Bar and Lounge
  • This is a nice calm bar to hang out at and have great drinks and delicious food. This is the spot to dock for a quick meal: we suggest the Surf and Turf Sautée. Calm, relaxing, and a must visit, the Cove Bar should definitely make the list. Be sure to stop by here for a midday meal.
  • Opened: Monday – Thursday Noon-9pm and Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am-10pm
• Splash Bar
  • If you’re looking for live music and good drinks, this is the place for you when you want some lively nightlife. Not only a huge stage, this place has big screens to show the games, so no matter what you’re into, this place is for you. Splash bar also is available for private events, so if by chance you need a lively spot for a private event, check this out.
  • Opened: 9am – Midnight
• Zodiac Bar
  • Now this is the kinda bar you image when you think of a casino bar, since it is located on the casino floor, meaning this spot is beyond lively, but can be a lot of fun still. We highly suggest you stop by here for a drink and casino games which they have located at the bar. Games include all types of poker, blackjack, and keno. Definitely check this place out.
  • Opened: 24/7
• River’s Edge Pool Bar
  • Looking for some fun in the sun and a nice drink, well here you go, this is it. Beyond a gorgeous riverside front view, this place has amazing casual food such as hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as great drinks like margaritas. When it is summer, the sun is shining, this is the spot. 
  • Opened: closed during fall and winter

We suggest you stop by any bars, but to be fair, since they are all in the same casino, we suggest you stop by them all. For more info, https://www.aquariuscasinoresort.com/bars

• Old Town Saloon

This is another cool hangout in Laughlin with a some country twang. Their sign says “games & grub” and that is exactly what this place is, good drinks, good food, and fun games. As you can imagine, this place serves beers and cocktails, along with hamburgers and other pub fare, but it also has pool tables, darts, and casino games. If you’re looking for a fun spot to hang out at night while still staying somewhat active or playing some games, this is the place. 

Get more info, https://www.facebook.com/100047634138371

Extra Must-See Spots

• Pirate Cove

This is kind of a stretch as Pirates Cove is located in Needles, CA, but it is just around the corner from Bullhead City, and we cannot leave it off this list. But the question has to be asked, what is Pirate Cove, well, it is a little of everything. This gorgeous oasis has both Cabins and RV spots, so it is the perfect place to stay if the Casinos up the road in Laughlin aren’t exactly your speed. But, even better, when staying at Pirate Cove, there are a bunch of activities and events, such as off-roading, of course boating, restaurants, and beaches to hang and have great drinks. Whether you choose to drive or boat over the Pirate Cove, this is a place that you have to stop by when you’re around. 

This place is a must visit, check it out at 100 Park Moabi Rd, Needles, CA 92363 or at https://www.piratecoveresort.com.

Conclusion

Well, all in all, we hope that it is clear that Bullhead city and Laughlin are still good spots to visit and enjoy some fun in the sun, the nearby Colorado River, and some nightlife. From great food to good shopping spots, interesting attractions, and casinos, this place has something for evreyone. If you have any more suggestions of places to check out, or any other questions please feel free to reach out to us or leave a comment. See you in Bullhead City soon!

The post Top Cheap and Fun Things to do in Bullhead city, AZ (and Laughlin, NV) appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

What are Fast Cash Loans

To simplify a lot of this explanation, a fast cash loan is a short-term, easy-to-apply for and acquire loan. The good thing about most of these loans is that the cash becomes available almost instantly, you do not need credit history to get one of these loans, and often times they just hand over cash. These loans could be either secured or unsecured–secured loans being collateral is needed to get the loan, such as a title loan or a pawn, whereas unsecured is generally a loan that just looks at financial history. The biggest downside of these quick cash loans is that it could have higher interest but in turn, has short terms, so they will not rack up much interest over time. 

Payday Loans

The first type of loan that makes it possible to get quick cash is the payday loan. This is pretty much what it sounds like: an agency gives you cash up front, and you work out a way to pay them back on your next payday, with interest and fees. This payment is usually worked out as either a post-dated check or by setting up auto-pay. These are often times called payday advances.

Pros

These types of payday loans have quite a few advantages, for example, and most notable, is that they are easy to access, meaning that you do not need good, or any, credit, just a job to secure this cash advance. This means that they don’t check your credit, rather, ensure you have a job, and cash is handed out. Another big advantage to these types of loans is that they are unsecured, and do not need collateral to support them. 

Cons

There are a few cons that come with payday loans, most notably that since they are not collateral backed, they are oftentimes more expensive than your standard personal loan. Another major issue with payday loans is that they could be bad for your credit, and in many cases, those needing and using payday loans are the ones needing to improve their credit. These types of loans could start a vicious cycle of growing debt, since by the time you pay it from your next paycheck, then you already desperatly need that money. Furthermore, according to Bankrate, you should avoid these types of loans, although we believe that if you are desperate and have nothing of value to pawn, and no vehicle, then this is a good option.  (https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/legitimate-ways-to-find-fast-cash). It must be said, one of the worst parts of payday loans is they could have huge APRS, possibly even up to 400%

Pawn

Next, we’ll talk about pawning, and being a pawnshop here, this is of course the one we know best. Pawning is a secured loan, meaning it is backed by collateral and could be as little as $5 and as much as $50,000. Most pawns live in the range of $100-$1000 though. It is common for people to pawn jewelry, electronics, instruments, and g-ns, all of which are almost always accepted in any pawnshop. Many pawnshops, like us here at Jum-Pawn-It, will accept anything of value in fact. Pawn’s loan terms vary state to state but in California, the length of the loan is 4 months with a 10-day grace period whereas Arizona the loan is 3 months long. 

Pros

There are many pros to pawning, for example, a pawn doesn’t check credit, and especially doesn’t hurt your credit. Whereas most loans go into collections if unpaid, a pawn just puts the pawned item up for sale to recoup its investment. This means that they completely bypass collections, and so do you. On that note, pawning is great if you have bad credit, since they will not check or know what your credit is. Another huge benefit is that pawns allow for small loans that have small repayments, for example, if you just need gas to get to and from work, you can borrow 20 bucks for a week. Not many loans give the flexibility of securing small loans as pawns do. Pawnshops generally take any item of value, so it is generally easy for someone to find items of value that transport easily, usually this is jewelry or g-ns, both of which can secure you a few hundred dollars and are items that fit in pockets. 

Cons

The main con with pawning is that if you are unable to pay back the loan in the set time (which is usually set by the state), then you lose your item, which could be horrible, depending on what the item is. For example, a wedding ring would be the nearly worst case. The good news is, you don’t actually have to completely pay pawns back at the duration of the loan terms. If you do not have the amount of money needed to get the items back, you can just pay a small amount to rewrite the loan. For example, if you borrow $100 bucks and owe the pawn shop $110 to get your item back, you can pay them $10 to rewrite the loan and get yourself another loan that lasts for the duration of the original loan. Another con, is that you do not get to keep the item when it is pawned, the pawnshop assumes ownership, so unlike title loans where you still drive your car, the pawnshop will take your car into their possession for example. Lastly, a con for pawning is that you are not able to redeem your items using credit cards, all loans must be paid back in cash or possibly, an ATM card, this is because you cannot pay credit with credit in most states.

Title Loans

 A title loan refers to a loan that is given based on your car’s title. Like pawning, this uses a type of collateral, in this case, specifically your car. These loans usually give out 25% of the car’s value so most people are borrowing around $3,000 to $5,000 per loan. It is an important point that most title loan agencies have a minimum amount, often around $2,000.

Pros

Like with the other forms of loans, this is a quick way to get a cash loan, unlike with pawning, you get to keep your car for the duration of the loan. This is especially good if you need your car to get to work, or even for work, such as being an Uber driver. Another benefit to this type of loan is that it barely checks your credit, if at all. So although it is not as good as pawning that does not check your credit, it definitely is better than payday loans in that regard. 

Cons

Much like pawning, the main problem here is that if you are unable to pay back the loan, then you lose your item, in this case, it is a car. Another big issue with this type of loan is that it comes with high interest and fees, which can be worse when the loan amount is in the few thousand. 

Other Loan Options

There are many other loan options, both fast cash and otherwise. For example, many people get credit cards and rack up debt there, and although credit cards could be a useful financial tool, they often get people caught up in ways where they will never catch up. We strongly suggest that if you are not knowledgeable in personal finance, then you should only have cards with low credit limits, such as $300-$500. Another loan that could be of use is home-equity loans, but since these require homeownership then they are hard to secure. Debt consolidation loans are a great option if your goal is to get ahead of your debt, since they specifically set out to lower high interest loans. Lastly, there is the ability to borrow against either your retirement (401k) or life insurance if you are desperate and have either of these, but beware, these could cause issues and also could come with penalties and taxes (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/money-legitimate-ways-quick-cash).

In Closing

We might be biased, but we believe the best bet for a quick case is a pawn. Grab an item that is valuable and stop by your local pawnshop. For any more questions on how pawning works, stop by any one of our five locations or shoot us a message or a call. 

The post Best Ways to Get Fast Cash in 2022 appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

Let’s be honest, with the current economic situation it just makes sense to consider buying used items for anything that you need or want before looking at new products. Buying used, second-hand items is a great way to save money, especially if you find high-quality, well-taken care of items. From musical instruments to sporting goods to electronics, used items are not only economical but they can save you a pretty penny. Though it should be stated that there are some downsides to used goods, one being that they do not come with a warranty, another being that their lifespan can, and often is, shorter than new products. But knowing these minor risks, buying second-hand items is a good place to start when searching for new products.

On the flip side of that, selling items that you no longer use or need is a great way to make some extra cash. Most people have items of value lying around their house that is unused and they do not even know they could make good money on them. From an old guitar to broken gold, many of us disregard these things and never capitalize on their value.

There are many avenues to purchase or even sell used items. In this article, we will go into detail on why and how to use many of them, as well as how they compare to pawnshops. 

Pawnshops – a high-level view

At its most basic level, pawnshops give out short-term, collateral-backed loans. This means that at its core, a pawn shop is a finance company. In other words, if you need fast cash, you can bring an item into a pawn shop, and for lack of a better term, pawn it. Specifically, you will be given a payback period and cash as a loan. When you bring the money back within the terms of the loan, the pawnshop will collect that money and interest back, and give you your item back. This is a great option for people who need quick money but only have items that they are not willing to part with. You can also bring in items and just sell it straight to a pawnshop without getting a loan. This works much like a pawn but instead, you give the pawnshop your item, they give you cash, and the deal is complete.

Another aspect of pawn shops is selling second-hand items, this could be items that were either sold to pawnshops or items that were loaned on but defaulted. Everyone has seen the show Pawn stars where customers come in to sell their items to Rick or Chumlee, where they haggle on a price, and the pawnshops pay a price and turn around and sell that item in their store. Pawnshops are the best places to start when looking for jewelry, sporting goods, tools, musical instruments, and more because these are items that are often pawned. As a musician, I traditionally have popped into pawnshops just to browse their inventory, since it is possible that you might stumble across a rare vintage synth that priced fair. 

Types of second-hand shops and How They Differ

• Pawnshops vs Thrift Stores
• Pawnshops vs Consignment Stores
• Pawnshops vs Vintage Stores
• Pawnshops vs Antique Stores
• Pawnshops vs Flea Markets
• Pawnshops vs Garage Sales
• Pawnshops vs Online Marketplaces

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Thrift Stores

Thrift shops are common staples in all cities and mostly deal in either clothing or home goods. Another important fact about thrift shops is that they are usually run by a charity and thus are used to raise money for said organization. An example of this is Goodwill, which is both the thrift shop’s name and a nonprofit that helps people gain employment and job training. Unlike pawnshops, all thrift shops take in goods as donations rather than buying them from the public, in other words, you can take old clothing and home goods to a thrift shop where you give them to the shop, but you can use that donation as a tax write off. The best time to shop at a thrift shop is if you are looking for some clothing items like jackets, or home goods like a blender. Personally, I like to stop by thrift shops to look for cool wall art, since you often find unique and interesting pieces for good prices. 

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Consignment Stores

The main goal of a consignment store is to sell items on behalf of other people–which is usually worded as, “selling on consignment.” This means that if you have an item you want to sell, such as a guitar, you bring it to a consignment store, they list it online or put it in their shop and when it sells, they take a cut and give you the remainder. With that said, there are some consignment stores that pay flat rates upfront but to avoid complications we will ignore that for this article. Working with consignment shops to sell items could be advantageous but most often you don’t get paid until the item sells, so that could be a major downside if you are looking for a quick cash out. On the shopping front, there aren’t that many consignment shops and often you cannot just stop by and browse a storefront. Modern consignment shops mostly sell on online platforms like eBay, Offerup, or Facebook marketplace so often times you may be buying from a consignment shop and not even know it. Probably the most popular example of a consignment shop is from “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” where the love interest in that film runs a consignment shop where she sells other people’s items on eBay.

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Vintage Stores

Vintage Shops may look like thrift shops but often have higher-end clothing and art, and generally, only take items that are 20 years or older. Another important factor to understand when considering vintage shops is that they often have a higher bar for what they take, meaning that they must be name-brand clothing items. A difference between a thrift shop and a vintage shop is that vintage shops are not storefronts to make money for nonprofits, rather they make money for their owners and employees–which to be clear, is not a bad thing, everyone has bills to pay and that is how this economy works. To wrap this up neatly, you can think of vintage shops and high-end thrift stores with better, but subsequently more expensive, items. 

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Antique Stores

Antique shops mark a big divergence from pawn shops. The main good sold at an antique shop is, you guessed it, antiques, which is anything that is 100 years or older. By now you should see where vintage and antique differ, being that vintage is 20 to 100, and antique is 100 or older. The main items that survive that long, and thus are sold at antique stores are furniture, art, jewelry, silverware, or even jade, although it should be said that anything 100 years or older could make its way into an antique shop. It’s clear by now, that you should plan on buying or selling to an antique shop if the item you have or want, is 100 years or older. Antique shops also can acquire goods for their stores at estate sales, flea markets, and other third-party sellers. Pawnshops, most often, do not carry furniture, so this is the place to go when looking for those items as well.

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Flea Markets

Many people have heard of flea markets but many people do not know what they are, so in other words, they are large outdoor markets where goods, most often second-hand goods are sold. These are very close to swap meets, and the term is often used interchangeably, but swap meets traditionally are places to trade whereas flea markets only take cash during a sale. Another important distinction between flea markets and other second-hand stores is that dealers purchase booths to set up, much like farmers’ markets, so each flea market (or swap meet) has many dealers. There are not many limits to what could be sold at flea markets so these markets have a huge variety of things that could be on sale. Unlike other shops on this list though, dealers are not at these markets looking to purchase from the public so if you are looking to offload some products for extra cash you can steer clear of flea markets. The best time to check out flea markets is if you are looking for weird, quirky, or collectible items since oftentimes that is what is found there, for example, Tiki collectors very often frequent flea markets looking for mid-century tiki bar collectibles. Where flea markets really stand apart from other second-hand shops is that some allow soap makers, bakers, and other hand-made items to be sold there as well, meaning this is a good place to find truly unique and one-of-a-kind items. 

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Garage/Yard/Estate Sales

Here is a type of second-hand dealer that we are all familiar with, garage and yard sales, and by extension, estate sales. These need little explanation, they are when people sell off their own personal belongings on their driveway, in their yard, or in their home. The main difference between garage sales and estate sales is that estate sales, sadly, generally refer to selling items of someone who was recently deceased (although it could be someone looking to move, those generally are still called garage sales). Yard sales, on the other hand, are just another term for garage sales, which also could go by the term, rummage sale, tag sale,  or even moving sale. These sales never buy products because their sole purpose is to sell items to make more room, make extra money, or move. These are really good sales to frequent weekend mornings when you want to kill time and search for good deals. Garage sales also oftentimes offer very good prices because the owners of the products, most of the time, are more interested in getting rid of products than making money. 

The Difference Between a Pawn Shop and Selling Apps/Marketplaces

These types of markets have blown up in the past couple of years, but of course, were made famous by CraigsList and eBay. Other huge players now are OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Buya.com. The two main types of online marketplaces are, those that are locally based, ie. Craigslist or Offerup, and those that are online based and ship the products, such as ebay.com and Buya.com. These all have a major advantage over traditional shops though, and that is that you can search for whatever the product is that you are looking for, for example, let’s imagine that you want to find a Fender guitar, you can just type that into the search bar and be shown all relevant results. With that, these types of marketplaces are best for when you are looking for a very specific type of product. There are even niche online retailers like reveb.com which sells musical equipment and gear. These marketplaces do not purchase from the public, but instead, allow you to list your item yourself and sell it to the public. This has some advantages and disadvantages though, an advantage being that you get closer to second-hand list price (since there is no shop assuming the risk), a disadvantage being it could take longer to sell and takes coordination with strangers, which could, at times, even get dangerous. 

Conclusion

To conclude, there are lots of reasons to shop at second-hand stores, and maybe an equal variety of places to shop to buy those second-hand goods. Although we may be biased, we always believe that a pawn shop is a good place to start, unless you are looking for clothing, because of the wide variety and willingness to make a deal. Another good reason is pawnshops are often running promotions such as 50% of jewelry, meaning you can stop by a pawnshop to get really good and really cheap jewelry (especially because all of our brokers are trained in spotting fake jewelry, so it is always real gold and real diamonds). Of course, it does depend on what specific items you are looking for, for example, if you need a cheap sports coat, thrift shops are the way to go, if you want some artwork or interesting home decor, a vintage shop may be the way to go. In turn, if you are looking for fast cash, a pawnshop is always the best option, but selling things on Offerup or Facebook marketplace may be a good move too. We hope this explains the differences, and similarities, between pawn shops and other second-hand shops but if not, always feel free to reach out to us through email, social media, or the contact page on this website.

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There is no doubt that in modern times, money goes fast, from higher gas prices and rent, more tech that is hard to live without, and trying to have fun and interesting outings that always cost a little more than expected. Most people notice that money leaves their bank faster than it comes in or some of us are just lucky to break even. With that, we hear over and over that we need to save 6 months of our pay for a rainy day, that we should invest, and that the American Dream is to be financially secure and own a nice home in a nice neighborhood. In this article, we will cover 10 ways to save money, grow your bank account, and achieve financial freedom. 

1. Budget and Stick to it

The first step in gaining financial freedom is creating and sticking to a budget. This may seem like overkill or overwhelming, but it is quite simple. The first step is to collect all of the paper related to expenses and money, such as bank statements, bills, pay stubs, even W-2s. With that, you can calculate income and expenses, which would be two different numbers. From here, you will have to figure out variable expenses, this is stuff like groceries, gasoline, you know, stuff that you have to pay for monthly.

Next, determine what expenses can be cut, and now is a good time to figure out how much you have to save monthly, we will talk about that more later in the article. After all that, we suggest figuring out how much “fun money” you have monthly, for example, it might be $200 leftover for entertainment and eating out. From here, we highly suggest that you enter all of this info into a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets. This will help visualize as well and get you used to thinking about budgets and how to spend smartly. For more in-depth information on budgeting, check out https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-make-a-budget-1289587. Once you have a budget, stick to it, that is the hard part, of course, but the first step, and maybe the most important.

2. Audit your Accounts

Although this is technically part of the budgeting process we broke it into its own section because it is so important. Many people have bills for services that they do not use, paying $10 or $20 a month on autopsy for something that they believed was canceled. So early on in your financial journey, we suggest you skim through your bank with a fine-toothed comb and figure out exactly what you are spending. Anything that you do not need or use anymore should be canceled. 

Another good thing to do at this time is to shop around, call new insurance companies and get rates, figure out if a new cell phone provider will be a cheaper or more valuable deal. In other words, don’t just stick to what you have because you have it.

3. Grocery Shopping Hacks

This specific tip is a few in one, but they all have to do with grocery shopping. The first, and most widely talked about tip is to make a list and stick to it. Overspending and grocery stores is very common, so having a list that is strictly adhered to is a good way to smash spending too much on fruit snacks. Another commonly talked about tip is to go to the grocery store after eating, this will ensure that you don’t buy snacks and junk food just because you are hungry. These two tips alone will drop your grocery spending and also ensure that you eat and live healthier. 

The second part of this tip is to know when and where to get your groceries. We tend to have a process of shopping at the 99 cent store first, which is a great place for small amounts of things or vegetables, next we hit big lots for staples and snacks, then stater bros or a local market for meats and everything left over, and lastly, we hit Costco and buy all bulk items that we need. Lastly comes when it is said that shopping mid-week like Wednesday is a good time because there are often sales on last week’s items or freshly stocked items since this is often when stores restock. Following a solid plan, shopping on a full stomach, and knowing where and when will definitely help save money. 

4. Wait on Big Purchases

This is an old trick you that many of us at Jum-Pawn-It have implemented to great success, which is, if you are going to make a purchase that is over a certain dollar amount, write it down and think about it. Specifically, for example, if it is over $300, think about it for a week, or maybe if it is $1000 for a month. The goal here is to stop big impulsive purchases, especially big ones, so writing down the purchase and thinking about it for a set time will train your to really consider if it is something that you think would be a benefit to your life. 

5. Put Savings on Autopilot

This is both the easiest concept to understand and sometimes the hardest thing to complete. Basically, just pick a number, a surplus amount of money, and send it to a savings account that you do not touch. We think that no matter the amount, this is a good practice to have, so it could be $10, or it could be $100, whatever it is that is a surplus and will not put a strain on you where you need to go to the savings account and transfer money to checking. The big goal here is to save 6 months of paychecks, both by sending money and transferring surplus to a savings account. 

6. Have Restaint on Payday

This is less what to do and more what not to do, but we have found it to be a common issue, specifically, people tend to go out on payday and overspend. Payday might roll around on a Friday and you go out on the town, buy a fancy dinner, a bunch of drinks, buy some new toys, and before you know it, back to barely any money. We are all for having fun and letting loose, but definitely needs to be done in a controlled way that ensures saving money is still taking place.

7. Don’t Overindulge, Cook at Home

This is the old standby, “cooking at home is cheaper,” everyone says, and we are here to tell you, “well, sometimes,” but one thing that cooking at home always is, is healthier. Cooking at home is still mostly cheaper and definitely a better plan than eating out every day. The same holds true with bars and coffee shops, although we are fans of both and ourselves frequent them, we try to make a few drinks from home from time to time or coffee at home. These small savings will add up huge in the long run. Making coffee at home with a Keurig is 0.53 per K-cup, and mere cents for the cream and sugar, whereas a Starbucks could easily be $4.00 for a drink. Over a year, the Kuerig will cost somewhere around $150 a year when Starbucks coffee will set you back $1050 (admittedly this is very rough math but illustrates the point).

8. Stretch Dollars with Coupons and Cashback

Now, this is a good strategy but does take some effort, specifically, using coupons, apps, and programs to maximize how far a dollar goes, and what you get back for it. Coupons are fairly clear cut, cutting coupons can get sizeable percentages off or BOGO deals, all of which can stretch a dollar a little further. Clipping coupons does take some time, but when done right, that time will pay itself back with huge discounts. Like coupons, but more modern, cashback apps are a great way to get money back, they all work slightly different, some have coupons, some have rebates, and some have points on purchases, a great list of apps available is at https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/cash-back-apps. Lastly, it would be a great idea to use loyalty programs, which are as simple as punch cards from restaurants or grocery store cards, when using these programs to their full effect they are a great money saver. 

9. Shop Around for the Best Price

This is an obvious clear-cut strategy, but one that is worth mentioning nonetheless. Shop around for the best price, promotions, or deals. Often times the first price is not the best, so if you are needing to make a purchase, let’s say a new coffee maker, then searching around for a good price for a good model would be best. For example, you might find one you like at Target, but looking around online, you might find that same model for $10 to $20 cheaper. One big marketing secret is that Target is often even cheaper online than instore, but when you look that item up while instore it will be the price listed instore–that was a mouthful, but the reason is that they will use your GPS to know you are inside a Target thus showing the higher price. To combat this, go home to do the comparison. 

Also, we are bias of course, but we always suggest looking at the pawnshops first since there it will be the best price and you may even strike a deal on it. In fact, if you mention this blog, you will receive 20% off any general merchandise item instantly (not applicable for firearms or ammo). 

10. Sell Off Old Items

The last big strategy is to organize your home and sell off unused items. Most people are sitting on quite a few hundred dollars of stuff they never use. Collecting these and having a garage sale or even taking them to the pawnshop is a great way to make quick cash as well as cleanout the house or garage. The best thing to do is find old, broken, or unused jewelry and sell it to a pawnshop. This broken jewelry may seem like junk but can get quite a few dollars per oz from any reputable pawnshop, so don’t throw it away! 

Outro

Phew, we covered quite a few tips, but we made it to the end. Now, these are all great ways to save money and grow an account but they do not need to ALL be used to save. Picking which strategies work best for you and your savings plan would ultimately ensure success. The biggest thing to remember is that savings doesn’t need to happen fast, it is the long game, so be patient, and of course, stick to the plan!

The post Top 10 Ways to Save Money and Grow Your Bank Account appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

Please feel free to copy this playlist and use it to motivate a run or a gym session! We will periodically be adding to it, and if you have any good songs to add please let us know!

The post Jum-Pawn-It Jams | The Ultimate Pawnshop Music List appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

Overall, Jum-Pawn-It has six locations, one of which is in the heart of Riverside, CA, not far from some wonderful ways to spend your time, and hard – earned money. As the world is start to reopen post COVID-19, many people are interested in getting out of the house and back into city life. Since we not only do business in Riverside, but some of us are also residence, we are sharing our area expertise to give our insider info on the best, and sometimes cheapest, things to do in Riverside, California. 

Outdoor

Mt Rubidoux Park

One of the gems of Riverside, this hiking trail is a perfect way to spend a weekend morning or even an weekday evening. The trail at Mt Rubidoux is an easy 3.5 mile loop, making it great for a brisk jog, pushing your kids in strollers, or taking your dog for his daily walk. Most people complete the whole trail in 30 minutes when running and 1 hour when walking briskly, although sometimes it is fun to just walk it slow and steady with friends and family. 

Park at Ryan Bonaminio park and walk to the entrance of the trail up San Andreas Dr. The trail is open from dusk until dawn. Be sure to check out the cross at the top of the mountain. 

To get more information about My Rubidoux go to https://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/facilities-parks/mt-rubidoux

California Citrus State Historic Park

If museums are more your speed, The California Citrus Museum is one you definitely need to visit. This state park located in Riverside, CA, spans 248-acres and hosts fruit tastings, guided tours, and open-air walking trails. Stop by to explore the long and amazing history of citrus, and how it got from Asian to Riverside. 

Definitely stop by and check out the fruit tastings which are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Entrance to the museum is free, but parking is $5. 

To get more information about the California Citrus State Historic Park go to https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649

UCR Botanical Gardens

University of California, Riverside, is an undeniable landmark of Riverside, and their Botanical Garden is a top-tier, must – visit landmark. This 40 – acre garden hosts 3,500 different plant species and has 4 miles of trails. This makes this garden a perfect way to spend a relaxing morning or early afternoon when the grind of daily life is weighing you down. This garden has plants that are sure to interest everyone, from rose and lilac gardens to cacti and herbs, but don’t forget the alder garden which is the home of many riparian trees. On top of all that, the UCR Botanical garden sells plants  at a fair cost.

The UCR Botanical Garden is open M-W, 9am-12pm and TH & F, 9: am to 2pm, and the 1st & 3rd Sunday, 8am to 2pm. There is a parking lot nearby  but since this is a walking event, don’t stress about getting to close anyway, we suggest you enjoy the time outside and get a light workout in.

 To get more information about the UCR Botanical Gardens go to https://gardens.ucr.edu/

Entertainment

Fox Theatre

From your favorite band to your favorite comic, the Fox Theatre is the place for you. This theatre was first opened in 1929, and was renovated and reopened in 2010. Not only a gorgeous building, the Fox Theatre, also known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, was the first place to play “Gone With the Wind” in 1939. This is the perfect place for a date night or taking the whole family, depending on what is playing there. 3

The Fox Theatre is located in Downtown Riverside on the corner of Market Street and Mission Inn, not from from the Mission Inn itself. There are ample parking garages around the Fox Theatre to park. We suggest one of the few parking garages in downtown Riverside that are an easy walk away.

To get more information about the Fox Theatre, go to https://venue.riversidepac.com/

Riverside Game Lab

Located between the Fox Theatre and The Food Lab, the Game Lab is a wonderful place to spend an evening or host a party. With arcades, VR rooms, and food, everyone is likely to have a great time here. We recommend getting one of their many styles of hot dogs and getting into a Street Fighter 2 competition personally, but regardless of how you plan to spend your time there, this place is a huge win.

Being in Downtown Riverside next to the Fox Theatre we, again, suggest that you park in a parking structure and walk the short distance to the Riverside Game Lab. 

To get more information about The Riverside Game Lab, go to https://www.riversidegamelab.com/

Shopping

Made

One of Riverside’s more unique shopping locations, Made has “Handcrafted + Custom Furnishings & Uncommon Goods.” In other words, Made is full of amazing things, that you won’t find anywhere else. Located right next to Jum-Pawn-It, this makes for a quick but interesting shopping route through Riverside.  In fact, from Jum-Pawn-It and Made, might as well hit Burnout clothing and Mrs. Darling, which round out to be quite a nice little route. 

Made it open 10am-5pm and has shared parking in the rear with Jum-Pawn-It.

To get more information about Made, go to https://www.madeshopriverside.com/

Riverside Plaza

A mecca for shopping, and eating too, the Riverside Plaza is a great place to get everything you need in one place. From retail stores like Nordstrom Rack and GNC to restaurants like El Torito and one of our personal favorites, Wang Cho, this place has it all, even two grocery stores, Vons and Trader Joe’s. After one visit, you can clearly see why their tagline is “Shop. Dine. Play.” We highly suggest bringing the family here for a casual weekday dinner and maybe a stop Cold Stone or Crumbl Cookies for dessert. If that isn’t enough, take the family to a movie at the Regal theater located on the east side of the plaza. 

The Plaza is located near the 91 freeway off of central. There is ample parking in the huge lots surrounding the Plaza, so just make sure you park near your destination. 

To get more information about The Riverside Plaza, go to https://shopriversideplaza.com/

Jum-Pawn-It

Located near the corner of Central and Magnolia, Jum-Pawn-It has been a part of the Riverside community for 20 years, previously being called Inland Jewelry and Loan. Although we may be slightly biased, we heavily suggest making pawnshops and thrift stores one of your stops when shopping. Most, if not all, pawn shops have a wealth of random and unique items, from jewelry to instruments, to collectables. Jum-Pawn-It has parking in the rear and is open 9:30am to 6:30pm Mon – Sat, and 11am to 4pm Sunday.  To get more information about Jum-Pawn-It, go to http://www.jumpawnit.com/

Food

The Salted Pig

opening on Valentine’s Day 2011, The Salted Pig was the Inland Empires first gastropub. With that, this place has grown its fan base beyond Riverside, becoming a southern California favorite. With some of the cities best food and cocktails, this is the perfect place for celebrations, dates, or just friendly get together. Our favorite things at The Salted Pig are their Roasted Brussel Sprouts or their homemade ketchup. There is also a legend of an old cocktail called the Edna Crabapple that used a very rare and special apple juice in it, thus will never be made the same again. 

The Salted Pig moved to Downtown Riverside in 2020. It is open Weds-Sun until about 10ish. You can park in any downtown parking structure or along the streets.    

To get more information about The Salted Pig go to http://www.thesaltedpig.com/

Antone’s

This Italian food joint may look humble but it packs a major punch. Stepping into Antone’s no frills, what-you-see-is-what-you-get establishment makes things very clear that their reputation is all the food. That is not to say the interior is bad, it is definitely quaint though–not that we thing that is a bad thing. The best thing about this place is that they something for everyone. From grinders to pasta to salads to pizza, Antone’s is a great place to meet up for lunch any day of the week. 

Antone’s is open 10am-4pm daily, and has ample parking in their own parking lot, definitely check it out for a business lunch or to meet up with your special someone on those long work days. 

To get more information about Antone’s go to https://www.facebook.com/antonesitalianfood/

Food Lab

Maybe one of the coolest spots to check out food in Riverside is the Food Lab. Talk about something for everyone, that is what this place’s modus operandi is. Literally, a big food court, located in Downtown Riverside, the Food Lab has ramen, vegan options, cocktails, ice cream, coffee, pizza, and much more. Everything at the food lab is amazing, but many employees here bonded over the Fufus, the Lebanese restaurant, since we love shwarma. 

The food lab is open 11am-11pm and has a dedicated parking garage, located downtown next to the Riverside Game Lab and Fox Theatre.

To get more information about The Riverside Food Lab go to https://www.riversidefoodlab.com/

NightLife

The Sire

One of the oldest and best bars in Riverside, The Sire is a great place to meet friends for a drink and good conversation. With a cozy interior and a large patio, this place has something for everyone. The staff and the regulars instantly become friends and you surely will feel at home here. Don’t overlook the food at The Sire either, Friday’s are a big hit with their Prime Rib and Wednesdays Taco nights are not to be missed. 

Located near Magnolia and Central, 500 feet east of that intersection on Magnolia, this place is hard to miss. There is ample parking in their parking lot. 

To get more information about The Sire, go to https://www.facebook.com/sirebarandgrill/

 The Lobby

Looking for more of a club-like experience? Then the Lobby is the perfect place for you, adorned with neon lights, it’s modern interior and DJ make this place a happening and hip spot to hang. Not a place for family, but a great place for friends to meet and enjoy a weekend night. We here at Jum-Pawn-It especially like their Tiki Tuesday where they serve traditional, classic tiki drinks like Zombies and Mai Tais, or their own house made tiki drinks like Hala Kahiki Bourbon. 

The Lobby is downtown, not far from the Salted Pig or Mission Inn. You can park in a parking structure or along the streets. Aside from TikiTuesdays,s we suggest checking out Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm M-F.

To get more information about The Lobby, go to https://lobbyriverside.com/

Lake Alice Trading Co. 

Another Riverside staple, and favorite, Lake Alice is the perfect downtown spot to go for a casual night with good friends. With a huge bar, pool tables, the occasion band on stage, and front-facing patios perfect for people watching, there is something for everyone here. We also love this place because of its size, with two stories, and ample room, this place never feels too crowded even when it is lively and full. We highly suggest checking this place out and playing a game of pool.

This is another downtown spot, so park in a structure or along the street. 

To get more information about Lake Alice Trading Co. go to https://www.lakealicetradingco.com/

Seasonal

Festival of Lights – Nov-Dec

The Festival of Lights, or colloquially, the Mission Inn Lights are one of the biggest events that happen in Riverside, which also brings a lot of tourism during the month of December, and after seeing them one time, that is no surprise.  After seeing these impressive, and gorgeous lights once you will be hooked and like many other Californians, make this a December family tradition. The lighting starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues throughout the month of December, and we promise, is one that you should no miss! Put on a big comfy seater, grab a hot coco or spiced cider and take your family, your significant other, or a date the the Mission Inn for the Festival of Lights, you will not be sorry!

The Festival of Lights is at the Mission Inn in Downtown Riverside. Like all downtown places on this list, street parking and parking garages are available. 

To get more information about the Festival of Lights, go to https://www.missioninn.com/experiences/events/festival-of-lights?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioKfnpomvv-fWgR3B2PR0ocosCMHBhXKe3VMabGCS2D5DBkDx-4pi3EaAiSeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Riverside Lunar Festival – Jan

Another wonderful seasonal event that takes place in the beautiful downtown Riverside is the Lunar Festival, in fact, the lunar festival is a double whammy because it is cultural and seasonal. Best of all, admission to the Lunar Festival is free! Ok ok, by now you are wondering what the festival is all about–well it is about the Chinese New Year, and has food, parades, the lions dance, and more. Taking place in three blocks in downtown, this is a must visit event. This is the perfect family outing to get some fresh air and learn about the Chinese New Year and as mentioned, it is free! 

Being in downtown, there is ample parking as long as you watch out for the blocked off streets.

To get more information about Riverside Lunar Festival go to https://riversideca.gov/calendar/event/2020-riverside-lunar-festival

Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction – Oct

Is spooky season more your speed? Do you like to be scared? Then the Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction is for you! This scary haunted house is a must-visit for any thrill seekers or Halloween lovers. The Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction is located off Bandini in the Wood Streets, about 1 mile from Jum-Pawn-It Jewelry and Loan. Beware though! This Event is not for the faint of heart! 

This is definitely not an event for young kids or families, but the perfect way to spend the night for teens and young adults. Parking is available all over the wood streets with a small walk.

To get more information about Reichand Asylum go to https://www.facebook.com/ReichlandAsylum

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Most importantly, I have learned that pawnshops are vital service providers to a large portion of our community. Hardworking men and women from all walks of life rely on our service in times of need and opportunity. For this reason, I am proud to be a pawnbroker!! 

What else have I learned?

I have learned that there is no such thing as “typical” in a pawnshop. Every day, every customer, every item and every interaction is unique. This variability makes pawnshops fun, interesting and very refreshing when comparing to mundane retail environments.

Pawnshop stereotypes are largely incorrect. Just as in every industry, there are scumbag employees and scumbag patrons that make us all look bad. FACT: As a whole, my pawnshop peers and customers are just as kind, down to earth and hardworking (sometimes more so) as the individuals of my former corporate life.

Admittedly, pawnshops are not glamorous. There is an element of dealing in second-hand goods that makes me feel like Pig-Pen by the end of each day. The reactions I receive are priceless when telling people I transitioned from plush, corporate, LA beach offices to a pawnshop in Mentone – crazy thing is, I would not go back!

Why should you visit a pawnshop?

IT IS FUN!! Even if you buy nothing, it is entertaining to browse a store that sells everything from breast pumps to shotguns to $2,000 Rolexes. You never know what you will find and inventory changes rapidly so each experience is different.

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! Stop overpaying for commodities – there is a lot of great stuff on the second-hand market and you can get them at a fraction of the retail price.

Credit loans are scary and can ruin your financial lively hood if managed incorrectly. Don’t gamble with your future take advantage of collateral loans in times of hardship or opportunity.

If you have found this blog to be interesting, or you have a personal testimonial of how a pawnshop has helped you, please share with your network and tell them about Jum-Pawn-It. Thanks for following

The post Why Everyone Should Visit a Pawnshop, Especially Ours appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.

This is going to sound cynical – I do not mean it to, but I have no better way of explaining than through the words of a co-worker.

It is impossible for a pawnbroker to rip you off. You have the control! We cannot force anyone to sell us items or force anyone to agree to a loan value – we make offers and you get to decide if it is worth it to you or not. 

Let’s look at an example (yes, I know my example is extreme but it gets the point across).

Jane Doe has a Louis Vuitton purse that she is interested in selling. It is a $700 purse that she got as a gift from her ex and she only used it for one evening. She only wants $200 for this purse that is probably worth $500 in its “like new” condition. Seems fair.

WRONG! Because it was a gift, Jane Doe does not have a receipt or paperwork of authenticity.  Most pawnbrokers are not handbag experts so we have to assume it’s a fake. Fake or not, it is still a nice purse that we can probably sell for $200.

WRONG AGAIN! We live in the I.E. not Orange County. We do not have many community members looking to spend $200 on a purse that may or may not be real Louis Vuitton. The $700 purse will likely be stickered with a $75 price tag so we should offer Jane Doe $35 for her purse.

WRONG YET AGAIN! Because we are a pawnshop, everyone likes to negotiate pricing (which we are happy to facilitate). This $700 purse will likely be sold for $60 out the door, which means we also eat the sales tax. We also have to store it for 30 days before selling (if you recall from the DAY 3 post) and pay an employee to post and sell the item. 

To the pawnbroker, this purse is worth purchasing for $15-$20 so we can make $15-$20 profit from the sale. Jane Doe thinks we have gone mad when she hears the offer of $15 and we are the bad guys. 

Long story short, there are a lot of factors to consider when selling an item or putting an item up for loan. The item’s “market value” may be significantly decreased based on a number of factors that pawnbrokers are trained to recognize. 

Full Transparency – Does it behoove us to buy an item or process a loan at a significantly reduced price? Will we try to get it cheap? Absolutely! To be frank, that is just good business. All businessmen/women know that margin is key – We are no different. 

You hold the cards. Be open-minded to factors other than “market value”. Remember, you can walk away from any offer – it’s not personal, it’s just an offer. Keep these in mind, and you will never leave a pawnshop upset.

If you have found this post to be interesting or you have a personal testimonial of how a pawnshop has helped you, please share with your network and tag Jum-Pawn-It. Thanks for following!

The post Why are Pawnbrokers always trying to rip you off? Or are they? appeared first on Jum-Pawn-It: Cash, Jewelry, and More.