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Maybe you are going through a divorce, got pregnant during a casual relationship, are considering becoming a single mom by choice, by adoption or fostering, or any of the other countless scenarios you can find yourself a single mom.

This can be terrifying. After all, all that responsibility of caring for and paying for a human will likely fall on you.

A while ago a member of our Millionaire Single Moms Facebook group said: “I’m a new mom, expecting in a few months. What POSITIVES can you tell me about single motherhood?” I responded with a few points, and invited other members to share about being single moms. Collectively, we all came to the same conclusion:

Single motherhood might be daunting, but it can also be exhilarating.

In this article, I’ll show you all of the reasons why being a single mom is AWESOME:

How to accept being a single mom

“I love being a single mom.”

What are the benefits of being a single mom?

4 tips on how to be a good single mom

9 tips on how to be a happy single mom

8 tips on how to be a strong single mom

Being a single mom FAQs

Bottom line: Being a single mom can be more rewarding than you imagine

How to accept being a single mom

If you’re new to this single motherhood thing, I first want to say welcome to the club. I won’t pretend this won’t be a major transition in your life, but I know once the dust settles, you’re going to love it.

If you recently divorced or separated from a partner — or even if you’re entering single motherhood by choice — check out my advice on how to move on and accept a new life as a single mom.

“I love being a single mom.”

When my ex husband left me pregnant, I could not imagine how I would survive. Now, I struggle to imagine a life as a partnered mom. Like many single mothers, I enjoy the autonomy of parenting solo, I cherish my financial and sexual freedom, and I am really proud of what I have accomplished. 

Most of all, I realize how resilient I am — and how resilient we are as humans. Also, it is impossible to know what will make us happy.

What are the benefits of being a single mom? Here are our top 5 tips:

  • You can do what you want as a single mom. Especially if you are a solo parent, you don’t have to negotiate about much at all.
  • You can date!
  • Sex is better after motherhood. New relationship with your body + not giving a shit anymore = AWESOME SEX. [Best dating apps and sites for single parents]
  • You can have a great perception of life that you will model for your child. You’ve gone through it. You know that all those ‘perfect’ families are secretly quirky at best, probably disintegrating, and your friends all confide in you their messed-up marriages, dysfunctional sex lives and all the other perfectly normally messy human foibles. [Are single-mom families whole families?]
  • You may find new and better ways to co-parent with your ex. So many women report being stunned by how much better of a father their kids’ dad is after divorce, and how they find new and improved ways to co-parent with their ex. A co-parenting app may help.

4 tips on how to be a good single mom

  • “You don’t have the expectation of how the other person will act/behave so don’t have to face the disappointment when it doesn’t look/feel like you thought it would. I don’t say that to be cynical, I appreciate that I already know that I have to do it all and can prepare accordingly. Expectations of others can be a real bitch.” —Traci
  • “You will fall in love with your village and yourself. It might not happen right away, but when you look back a month, 6 months, a year out…you start to say to yourself, “Hey! I can do this!” You will learn that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but instead a sign of strength and in the asking you will learn how loved you are. I became a single mom without planning to do so and have been on my own from day 1. It was tough. There were a lot of tears and a lot self-doubt…but I have to say, once I let go of the life I thought I SHOULD have, I was able to start to fall in love with the one I never imagined.” —Ana
  • “You learn to talk to yourself, question yourself, your motives, your joys, what makes you happy, what makes you sad, you learn what works, what doesn’t – you know you need to make it work for you and your little one and in that process you go way out your comfort zone and you learn so much about yourself.You know your weak spots and how to handle them and you really get to know your strengths and how to handle them. For me its just like a big network of super exciting tunnels of depth and you learn every minute. Damn, you feel alive!” —Shana
  • “My relationship with my kids is very personal since I became a single mom. In the years since the divorce, I feel like my kids know “me” beyond just who I am to them as a parent. When I was married, I was part of mom and dad. Now, they see me independently. We talk about my job, my goals, even my date prospects (my 8-year-old daughter likes to scrolling through e-dating prospects with me, identifying guys she think would be a good match.) Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with the work of single parenting. But when I don’t, I feel a stronger connection to my kids than I ever did before.” —Tiffany

9 tips on how to be a happy single mom

  • “You can pick the name, the school, the clothes. If my kid wants to play wearing my bra and a sparkly hat (which he has done) he gets to play wearing my bra and a sparkly hat. I have the most INCREDIBLE bond with my son. We are a team. We have a wonderful village (many members of which we didn’t meet until after he was born, fyi, in case you are worried about your current village or lack thereof.) But we went through a lot in the beginning (prematurity, adoption complications, etc) and we are stronger for it.” —Laura
  • “It’s just FUN. Single mom often carries the image of a downtrodden woman struggling to make ends meet. And while there are certainly shades of that sometimes, it is FUN. I didn’t have to make dinner for anyone when he was a baby so I could sit on the couch or the floor and play with him and make faces to get him to laugh for HOURS if I wanted. Now that he’s older, we can take off when we want and go to the zoo, the children’s museum. We aren’t accountable to anyone but us. Becoming a solo parent was THE BEST thing I could have done with my life.” —Sharon
  • “And although there have been times where I’ve felt overwhelmed, he is so wonderfully awesome that he reminds me every day of my very important job as his mama. I have a tattoo with an anchor and his name. He’s the thing that has always motivated me to stay grounded, make the hard choices, and even if i slip up, knowing he needs me brings me back to reality to keep pushing on. He’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” —Roberta
  • “You certainly become a master at time management and this skill migrates to all areas of life. The motivation to work effectively skyrockets. And my self esteem went up. Not immediately, but really soon :) .” —Stefanie
  • “You ‘know’ more about relationships once you’ve been on both sides of love.” —Shanice
  • “Knowing more + integrating the good of what you’ve learned = wisdom.” —Camilla
  • “When your little one is sleeping you can do what you want, watch what you want on TV (Bravo is my lame addiction that no straight man would understand), eat what you want, not shave your legs, burp, fart, etc. You decide how to parent- no arguments on religion, diet, schools, daycare, health, etc. YOU will be an excellent role model for your child – I love the idea of a 2-parent household – but it’s not always ideal – you can show your child how one person CAN do it all. Even in great relationships the person can still die – and leave you alone – so proving to your child that you can is amazing. No other person to clean up after.” —Briana
  • “You don’t have to share the closet or the bed.” —Christina
  • “Get a good group of friends you can count on to make you laugh and help you unwind. I recently downloaded a friendship app to make friends in my area.” —Leighann

8 tips on how to be a strong single mom

  • “I became a single mom when my oldest was 17 months and I was 5 months preggo with my second. There are struggles, to be sure, but there are so many positives too! I make the decisions and that means I get to take 100% credit for how wonderful my boys are. Proud mom here! Also, learning how to juggle, strategize, multi-task, and problem-solve makes me super confident and has extended into my work / career as well.” —Tia
  • “Travel is so much easier! Sure it’s a lot to juggle, but everyone goes out of their way to help you when traveling. Also, the two of you can conquer anything, that’s very empowering.” —Alex

Tips for taking a road trip with little kids as a single mom

  • “No matter what, you are always stronger than you think you are. You will be amazed at what you can do.” —Nicole
  • “If you move to a town where you thought your dreams would come true… and they don’t… you can pick up and try somewhere else!! There are so many positive things about being a single momma! I simply enjoy the small things, the times we share just her and I… each night after dinner when we cuddle on the couch together and talk about life… or the giggles when we’re sleepy right before she falls asleep… The bond we have is so strong, it is truly like no other. And to watch her grow and thrive! She is so full of love, so happy. My heart overflows with love watching her!” —Alma
  • “I am more confident than ever before. I now know that I can accomplish anything. I can fix a leaky sink, change a car tire, but together a bike and run my own business that I never ever thought would be possible. I love that I am showing my girls that they can do anything with confidence and grace. You will be amazing and cherish every moment. Even the 3am moments as they will just be a blip in time.” —Cassie

9 ways to feel confident when you feel old, gross and fat

  • “One of my married best friends said she was jealous that when I had to breastfeed in the middle of the night I could turn on the lights and watch Netflix while she would carry the baby down the hallway and feed her in the dark and quiet so she wouldn’t wake her husband up. A little thing but a perk! I also think as a single mom my friends and family really rally to make a community for my son when friends or family may not become as involved as much with married parents to avoid intruding or stepping on toes. I also think being a single mom gives me the incentive to make plans and do lots of activities with other people whereas my 4 married siblings seem to stay home with the kids and spouse. I feel like it has made my son really outgoing and open to new experiences and people.” —Sandra
  • “You and others will be awe-struck by your strength and perseverance.
  • “I wish I had known about all of this when I found out I was pregnant 13 years ago. I was so scared! No one had much positive to say to support me at all. Listen to the advice of these ladies! It may seem overwhelming, but you seriously can do this! You will have such a special bond with your child, that no one else will have or can replace! You get to what you want, how you want, when you want! You get to make the best choices for your child!!! All you need is some family and great girl friends to stand beside you, and you have all that you need!!!”

Emma’s takeaway on being a strong, happy and good single mom

I have been writing about single motherhood and interacting via this blog, social media, public speaking, email and other ways since 2012. Here is what I know to be true about life as a single mom:

  • Single motherhood really is what you make it. Mothers who try to win the misery olympics via assumptions and claims of their hardship just because they are single moms do win the misery olympics
  • That said, moms who build their community, including neighbors, friends, school parents, church family, family of origin and colleagues are really the happiest.
  • Moms who focus on building their own, fully life, modeling healthy dating and successful career fare the best — as do their children.
  • Kids thrive when they have both parents in their lives — and successful single moms know that. This can mean that they work hard to co-parent successfully, engage and give space to dads who are not involved, and acknowledge the hardship that it creates when kids do not have equally involved dads (as opposed to pretending that dads don’t matter).
  • Good single moms know that kids need a lot of love and attention — but also need independence, free time away from adults, caring relationships with loved ones who are not their moms and generally do not benefit from being helicoptered, coddled, or put in a position to emotionally or socially fulfill their mothers.
  • Money matters and successful single moms focus on growing their careers, earning and investing — opposed to focusing on getting more child support or relying on benefits.

Top highly-paid careers that are great for moms!

7 ways single moms can get their financial act together this year and beyond!

Being a single mom FAQs

If you are new to being a single mom — or thinking about becoming one — you have questions. We have answers!

Are single moms happier?

Another study published in the journal Demography found that single mothers did less housework and spent more time on leisure and sleeping than married mothers. Their explanation? Single mothers didn’t have the desire/need to please a partner, so they spent more time doing things that made themselves happy.

Is being a single parent difficult? Is it hard being a single mom? 

It can be difficult being a single mom, but not taking smart financial steps is going to make it a thousand times worse. Money affects your mental health, the stress level in your house, your access to health care, and your ability to make wise decisions about career / men / family / time.

If you feel really broke all the time, you make those decisions from a place of fear and a poverty mindset. If your bills are paid, your career is growing, you have a little extra money in the bank, your vision for your future includes security, financial wealth, your decisions are more likely to come from a place of abundance and confidence.

The good news is that, thanks to technology and troves of information from experts (like moi) it is easier than ever to get your financial act on track, and gain the confidence you need to build the foundation of an incredible, full life for yourself and your family.

Are all moms stressed out?

Are all moms stressed out? Yeah, pretty much. Washington University researchers found that women across the world found balancing child care with paid work to be stressful — and in the United States, that issue was especially pronounced, as we have the least amount of social support for working parents among developed countries.

Many studies find that single moms are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, isolation and suicide.

In other words: Everyone is stressed out, and you are not a bad mom for being burned out, anxious and angry.

Are all single moms broke?

The majority of single moms are poor and with low education.

A 2018 Pew Research Center analysis found the poverty rate by household head was:

  • 30% of solo mothers
  • 17% of solo fathers
  • 16% of families headed by a cohabiting couples
  • 8% of married couple families

Single motherhood is correlated with lower education and younger age, according to Johns Hopkins:

  • 71% of millennial moms with a four-year college degree were married, and typically were in their 20s when they first gave birth.
  • 74% of millennial moms without a bachelor’s degree were unmarried, and typically had children younger.

Also, the pay gap for single moms is greater than mothers overall, which is larger than for women overall.

Mothers overall suffer a pay gap of 29%, earning an average of 71 cents for every $1 earned by a dad — or an average of $16,000 less per year, according to the National Women’s Law Center. 

This motherhood penalty is dramatically worse for single mothers at 35%. According to Pew Research, single moms with a household of three earn just $26,000 per year on average, compared with $40,000 per year for single dads.

More single mom statistics.

These stories tell an important story, which is also about race, class, education, generational poverty and other issues.

Single mom struggles: How to overcome 9 stereotypes keeping you broke

What do single moms struggle with?

Are all moms stressed out? Yeah, pretty much. Washington University researchers found that women across the world found balancing child care with paid work to be stressful — and in the United States, that issue was especially pronounced, as we have the least amount of social support for working parents among developed countries.

Many studies find that single moms are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, isolation and suicide.

In other words: Everyone is stressed out, and you are not a bad mom for being burned out, anxious and angry.

Is it harder being a single mom or being a married mom?

Look, lots of single people want to get married. They have ideas of ‘the one,’ and/or and sanctified, traditional unions being superior to not having a sanctified traditional union. Or whatever. Everyone has their jam, and for some people, that is marriage.

But not everyone feels like that, and in fact, increasingly fewer people do. To wit:

  • One-in-five adults ages 25 and older have never married, up from 9 percent in 1960, while just 51 percent of adults ages 18 and older are married — marking record lows
  • A Pew / Time magazine survey of 2,691 Americans in association found that nearly four in 10 Americans think marriage is becoming obsolete.
  • That’s an 11 percent spike since 1978
  • Forty-four percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 saw marriage as obsolete, compared to 32 percent of those 65 and older
  • 57 percent of Millennial moms are unmarried
  • Divorce rates have hovered around the 50 percent mark for four decades

Divorce and remarriage — stats, facts and the hard truth

Per the divorce stat, assuring a divorced person that marriage is right around the corner is absurd. That person has been married, and at least that marriage wasn’t so great for them.

And chances are, marriage wasn’t so great for the condescending married person, either. They just assume that being a single mom is so hard, and they want it not to be hard for you. Or, they are miserable in their marriage and want some company so they stop feeling so torn about whether to leave.

I know.

By nature of my public work around family and romance, and the fact that I’m a single, divorced mom unabashedly out in the world, I am perhaps especially likely to hear, via clandestine emails, murmurs by the booze table when the husband is on the other side of the party, about how so many married people really feel about their sanctimonious union.

“He does absolutely nothing around the house  — and I make all the money!”

“He hasn’t showed interest in sex in years.”

“I am living vicariously through your dating life.”

“I hate him and have been trying to divorce him for years.”

“I really, really want to get back to work. But he won’t let me.”

“She has zero sex drive, and we haven’t had a night without one of the fucking kids in our bed in eight years.”

“We fight all the time.”

“She shops and goes to yoga every day, and acts like she is so exhausted after I get home from 12 hours at the office.”

“We’re miserable. Have been for years. We’re waiting for the kids to go to college.”

“That tank top is so pretty on you. Really. No, really. What’s your number?”

And any number of other confessions about the dissatisfaction and/or horrors of marriage.

All of which highlights the hypocrisy and self-denial that is inherent in so many married people — an institution, along with the nuclear family, that is still upheld as a gleaming ideal, despite the fact that both models are waning in practice or sustainability.

In fact, the majority of families today are NOT nuclear families, thanks to the increases in single-parent households, gay partnership and marriage, multi-generational families and any number of configurations in which people define “family” — whether by choice, circumstance, desperation or because, well, stuff happens, both beautiful and ugly.

All of which is really beside the point.

The point is: My experience as a single person, whether I’m happy or not, whether I’m looking for a spouse, partner, date, lay, adult conversation, to work out my daddy issues, to not be lonely when my kids are with their dad, for professional gain or find someone to pay my bills, is zero commentary on your life, spouse or marriage. 

[Best dating apps for single parents]

You are on your own path, and I am, too — and maybe there is a shimmering pot of ever-after matrimony at the end of your trip, or maybe you just enjoy the ride, and understand that everyone’s journey — married, single, partnered, dating, celibate, open relationship, serial monogamous, whatever — is full of heartbreak and joy, fun and misery, and ultimately, thankfully for those of us who live in a free and Western world, one of your own making.

Bottom line: Being a single mom can be more rewarding than you imagine

Shit happens, and a full, happy life can be composed of experiences and people and situations that you never imagined. Be open-minded, forgiving, flexible.

As I mentioned, I love being a single mom. How would you answer this question: Why do I like being a single mom? I hope you have more reasons now.

Here are some of our top resources for single moms:

Free laptops$500 monthly single mom grant
Free clothesScholarships for single moms
Free carFree Christmas gifts
Free smartphoneGovernment assistance for single moms
Free wifiFree and low-cost prescriptions
Free formulaFree diapers
Free gasFree toys
Free daycareAffordable dentures
Free prescription glassesFree money
10+ charities that help single mothersTutoring and homework help
Free or low-cost after school programsHealth insurance
Cash for junk carsFree food
Dumpster divingFree school supplies
Free housing

What are the benefits of being a single mom?

You can do what you want as a single mom, especially if you are a solo parent, you don’t have to negotiation about much at all.

Is being a single parent difficult?

It can be difficult being a single parent, but not taking smart financial steps is going to make it a thousand times worse. Money affects your mental health, the stress level in your house, your access to health care, and your ability to make wise decisions.

Is it hard being a single mom?

t can be hard being a single mom, but not taking smart financial steps is going to make it a thousand times worse.

Are all single moms broke?

The majority of single moms are poor and with low education. Single motherhood is correlated with lower education and younger age, according to Johns Hopkins.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70% of people age 65 and older will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime.

The burden of caring for aging individuals often falls on their children, who in most cases are vastly unprepared for the financial and emotional burdens of being a caregiver.

A survey conducted by AgingCare.com, a forum to connect people with senior care and resources, found that 63% of caregivers have no plan to financially cover their parents’ care over the next five years.

When taking care of elderly parents — no matter how vibrant or disabled your mother or father is — there are many tasks that you must consider:

  • Estate planning — including will, living trust, power of attorney and beneficiary designations.
  • Long-term care insurance (if any)
  • Medicare, medicaid and any supplemental health and prescription insurance coverage
  • Finances: Retirement, brokerage, checking, savings accounts, life insurance, real estate, business holdings and any other assets.
  • Personal possessions. As you manage your parent’s later years, there will likely be questions about what will happen to their possessions, whether those of value, or heirlooms, including furniture and household furnishings, estate jewelry and watches.

If you’re currently managing your aging parents’ care or planning to care for elderly parents in the future, we put together some helpful advice and resources to help you through the process.


Keep reading for specifics:

5 tips for managing your aging parents care

  1. Get on the same page as the other loved ones in the person’s life.
  2. Caretaking for elderly parents creates friction in families — what to do when siblings don’t help.
  3. Never sacrifice your own financial stability when you take care of your parents.
  4. Involve your children in caring for their grandparents.
  5. Seek out emotional support for yourself as a caregiver.

Taking care of elderly parents: Finding home care

Taking care of elderly parents: Costs

Taking care of elderly parents and managing the guilt and stress

FAQs about taking care of elderly parents

What this single mom learned from caring for her dying parents

Bottom line: Come up with a plan for taking care of elderly parents sooner rather than later

5 tips for managing your aging parents care: 

We reached out to real moms navigating their own aging loved ones’ care. This is their advice:

“Self care is key. Find something that is just for you. My grandmother is in a board and care with dementia, and I take care of all her stuff while caring for my 6-month-old and building a business. It’s a lot, but that’s what I have learned. Lean on your support system and find something just for you.” — Shennel

“I have learned to be more tolerant due to my fathers Alzheimer’s. At the beginning, dealing with his symptoms was nerve wracking, but I learned that if I want to deal with this challenge and stay sane for the family, I needed to reset my mindset — tolerance to the moon and back. I started to teach my 4-year-old son that his granddaddy needs a little help. He tricks him into eating with eating contests, and he repeats all of the things my father must do if he forgets. We are facing a lot of challenges, but we take it step by step.” — Betka

My mother is currently navigating taking care of her mother who has dementia. She and her sisters rotate days staying overnight with my grandma and monitor cameras in her home when they can’t be there. Unfortunately, my grandma is stubborn and doesn’t realize how much help she needs and how much she forgets (including the last time she ate or showered), so they are navigating how to eventually get her into assisted living care. My advice would be to discuss elder care with your loved ones before you have to make difficult decisions they won’t necessarily agree with.” — Leighann

Keep reading for five more tips for managing your aging parents’ care:

1. Get on the same page as the other loved ones in the person’s life.

Whether it is your parent’s romantic partner, your siblings, your parent’s siblings or others who care most about your mom or dad, involve them in the process as much as makes sense. This takes the burden off of you both logistically and emotionally. Create a team on which you can rely for physical help, as well as to turn to when things get stressful or emotional.

Securing the right customized primary care for seniors ensures your loved one receives consistent medical attention tailored to their specific health needs. This personalised care approach promotes overall well-being and helps manage chronic conditions more effectively.

What single moms need to know about estate planning for their own kids

2. Caretaking for elderly parents creates friction in families — what to do when siblings don’t help.

Be proactive in seeking outside support to work through these differences when it comes to taking care of elderly parents. This might be a neutral, respected family friend, clergy person, or professional who specializes in senior care, who is familiar with this brand of family conflict.

Have an open conversation with your brother, sister or your parent’s spouse or significant other about the tasks that need to be done, the realities of the finances, as well as the limits of what you are willing to take on.

Be flexible about the tasks that each person is willing to contribute. For example, one child may feel comfortable with the hands-on caregiving, while another may be OK with running errands and assisting with appointments, while another may prefer to manage estate and financial matters. Accept that these are all important and valuable contributions.

If siblings and other family members are not as helpful as you’d hope they would be, find ways to let that anger go. Control what you can, which may be only the only productive reaction.

3. Never sacrifice your own financial stability when you take care of your parents.

The best gift you can give your children is financial security — both now and in your own later years. It helps no one to compromise your career, savings, investments or other assets when you take care of your parents in their old age.

Boundaries in all parts of your life are critical to caregiving — including understanding that each adult is responsible for their own financial wellbeing. In other words: If your parent does not have assets to afford the level of care that you would like to see them have, and you are not able to provide that kind of care without compromising your own financial future, then you must accept that.

7 ways single moms can get their financial act together — now and forever!

4. Involve your children in caring for their grandparents.

It can be easy to feel like you are compromising your kids’ care for the sake of your parent. This can be true, but it doesn’t always have to be. Let your children see you caring for their grandparent. Let that be an example to teach them about family, serving those who need it, being loving and caring.

Even very young children can help their elders, through spending time with them, and household chores. Older children can sit with the older relative, run errands, and teenagers can drive them to appointments.

You can also hire a housekeeper.

5. Seek out emotional support for yourself as a caregiver.

Group therapy with others in similar situations can be life-saving. If you have close friends nearby, make regular dates with them — even if you don’t discuss your family situation. Girls nights are therapy!

Take care of your own physical and mental health first. Many caregivers also explore wellness options like a NAC supplement to help support their body’s resilience against the oxidative stress that often comes with prolonged caregiving demands. Caretaking for elderly parents is important, but you cannot be of service to others when your own cup is empty.

Taking care of elderly parents: Finding home care

There are two ways to hire a home care aide or care provider:

  1. Hire home care aid through an agency
  2. Hire home care directly.

Pros of hiring an in-home senior care placement agency

  • They do the work. The agency will screen candidates, do the paperwork, some basic training and cast a wide net to find qualified candidates.
  • If one hire falls through, or cannot make their shift, the agency will have backups.

Navigating the complexities of elder care is much easier when you have a dedicated team to help, and finding a supportive home for our beloved seniors Belle Isle can provide the professional assistance and peace of mind your family needs during this transition.

Cons of hiring through an in-home senior care placement agency

  • More expensive
  • Can feel impersonal, since they select a handful of candidates for you to consider.
  • Can be inconsistent, as agencies sometimes rotate in aides, which can make it hard to maintain the quality of care and bond with the caregiver.
  • Not all rural areas are served by agencies.

The other option is to hire in-home senior care directly. Some people find home care aides and providers through recommendations from friends. A popular way to search for help is using Care.com, the largest online marketplace for finding and managing care. Care.com has thousands of caregiver profiles in the United States, and around the world. You can also read our Care.com review.

Pros of directly hiring a private in-home senior care help

  • Less expensive.
  • You are in control by taking a third-party out of the equation
  • Ability to interview candidates directly, to see if there is a personal connection or preference

Cons of directly hiring a private in-home senior care help

  • Some people find it to be more work to find, vet and hire a care worker
  • No real recourse if someone doesn’t show up for work.

How to become a home health aide: 5 HHA training classes to get certified

Taking care of elderly parents: Costs

How much does senior care cost? Depends on where you live, and the type of care your loved one receives. According to the most recent Genworth Cost of Care Survey:

Type of elder careMedian monthly cost
In-home assistance$5,148
Assisted living $4,500
Nursing care with semi-private room$7,908
Nursing care with a private room$9,034

The national median rate for in-home care is about $27 per hour, or a median of $5,148 per month.

The average cost of living in a private, one-bedroom assisted living facility is $4,500 per month. In addition to long-term care expenses, families should also consider end-of-life costs. Funeral insurance can help cover funeral and burial expenses, reducing the financial pressure on loved ones during an already emotional time.

How to pay for senior home care

Depending on your income, there may be local services that can offer some of these services, and sometimes Medicaid covers the cost.  Here is a state-by-state guide to Medicaid home care benefits.

Most states have non-Medicaid programs to help seniors living at home.

Here is a state-by-state guide to home care financial assistance programs.

Reach out to specialized organizations, such as your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, your parent’s medical providers or local social services agencies to see about area resources.

The Department of Veteran Affairs has services for seniors, including help paying for and providing in-home care.

Here is a list of VA services for the elderly.

Other options for financing in-home senior care include:

How to sell your antique and estate jewelry

Taking care of elderly parents and managing the guilt and stress

Caring for an unwell loved one is a very stressful and emotionally complex time for anyone. You’ll be full of a lot of seemingly contradicting emotions throughout the process: love, guilt, anger, and confusion. The key is to accept all of your feelings as normal, human, and complicated. Just remember to breathe.

This post on Psychology Today gives a great script for children caring for their aging parents, who become so overwhelmed by the stress, guilt and dismay of being responsible for a toxic parents, they obsess over their wish the parent would die. This feeling is 100% normal, and OK.

The therapist in the post advises you tell your parent:

“You’re my mother and I’m always going to love you, for as long as you live and beyond, but if you continue to act as negatively as you are, I’m not going to like you. And if I don’t like you, I’m going to visit you less often and shorten the amount of time I spend with you at each visit.

What I will not do is let myself become so angry and so dislike you that I stop visiting all together. Before I do that I will shorten contact to minutes per week and check in more with the staff about you than visit with you.

I am asking for your help in making the best of the situation — being respectful and kindly toward others and showing the dignity that I know you are capable of.”

FAQs about taking care of elderly parents

These are some common questions about taking care of elderly parents:

What if your parents are stubborn or otherwise difficult?

If your parent is refusing help — whether from you, or professional care from a home aide or a live-in facility, try these approaches.

  • Don’t expect immediate results. If the first conversation about assisted living is rejected, plan to revisit the topic over several weeks or months, multiple times.
  • Recruit other activists. Maybe you are not the person to get through to your aging mom or dad. Another loved one, family friend, their physician, clergy leader or a professional like a home aide representative may be better at explaining the benefits of help.
  • Take a small first step. For example, even if you believe that full-time residential care is in order, a stubborn parent may be receptive to help in their own home several times per week. Once they see the benefits of accepting some care, they may be open to accepting more.
  • Be honest about how the situation affects you. Share how stressful, expensive and time consuming helping your parent is. Show that is is affecting your relationships, or financial security. Say: “I love you and worry about you so much, as does the rest of the family. Accepting help is really helping all of us.”
  • Know you are not alone. Caring for an aging loved one ranks as one of the most stressful, and common life experiences. Manage your own guilt by reaching out to others in similar situations, and speaking honestly about your own struggles with trusted friends and, if needed, a therapist. (Learn more about online therapy with licensed counselors — typically much more affordable than in-person, and very convenient with text, phone and video sessions.)

What to do when YOUR parents die?

Depending on what you, your child’s other parent, and your extended family decide, you may agree that your parents — your children’s grandparents — will assume guardianship in the event that you pass.

But, what happen in the even that your child’s grandmother and/or grandfather pass away? This can affect your own will and estate planning, but also brings up an overwhelming list of tasks you must take care of to manage their estate.

Here are some things to tackle if and when your own mother or father passes away:

  1. Talk about it. Have those difficult conversations with your child’s other parent or involve loved ones about guardianship plans.
  2. Update your own estate plan, including your will, guardianship planning for your children, and life insurance policies.
  3. Take care of yourself. Grief is real, normal — and potentially debilitating. Spend time with positive, understanding people, care for your physical health, seek support from a religious or spiritual leader, and don’t be afraid to invest in therapy. Online therapy sites like BetterHelp, with unlimited messaging and weekly live sessions starting at $65/week.
  4. Liquidate the estate. Perhaps you were left specific heirlooms like antique jewelry, gold coins, silver flatware or coins, furniture, dishes or real estate. More likely, you were left with a household full of items you do not want or need. Research your options for household items on EstateSales.net. You may decide that to hold a garage sale, haul everything to an auction house, or dump it at a local charity.
  5. Sell the jewelry. If you were left antique or vintage diamond engagement rings, gold wedding rings, tennis bracelets, earrings, necklaces, watches or other fine gemstones, you can sell it yourself online for a fair price, quickly.
  6. Invest an inheritance. If you or your child inherited any money from the estate, or any estate liquidation, be sure to invest that cash to build wealth — not just park it in a savings account.
  7. Plan for your own future. Chances are, your parent did not take all the necessary steps for making their passing, and post-passing as conflict- and hassle-free for their loved ones. Take steps now to create your own up-to-date estate plan, and research long-term-care insurance and planning.

What this single mom learned from caring for her dying parents

This is a guest post (edited for length) by single mom Cassi Upshaw, who lives in Gulf Shores, Ala., with her son:

I cared for my mom for roughly seven years. She was on disability, from a kidney disease that was incurable. Over the years, it quickly went from her helping care for my son and helping me out as a single mom, to me caring for her, to my son even helping pick up the slack.

The biggest challenges were co-parenting while our roles were being reversed and I was more the parent, and she was more the child. Having to take her keys from her and set down ground rules was a very difficult task, as the illness progressed. I also had the challenge of being recently single, wanting to have a dating life, but moving back in with her because she had a larger house and financially it just made sense. The lines were blurred for a while about who was helping who. My desire to have my own life, but not to abandon her either, was a really hard thing to balance. As selfish as that sounds, a social life was something that I needed then more than ever.

For the last 10 months of my mom’s life, my dad stepped in and helped out, moving her into his home. While they were still married and had a perfectly fine relationship, they lived separately most of my adult life, and my mom always followed my son and me wherever we moved.

To this day, I harbor the guilt of not being there in her last days

The last few months of her life were the hardest. Not being there daily, but knowing I had to be here for my son was a difficult thing to balance. To this day, I harbor the guilt of not being there in her last days, as she quickly progressed into the latter stages of life. Ultimately I know I made the right decision, I took care of her for as long as I possibly could, I asked for, and accepted help when it was available. At the end of the day, my responsibility was to take care of my son, and my dad was capable of taking care of my mother.

After her passing, my dad didn’t get sick, but he definitely began to show his age. For nearly the next year and a half, he became my person. My person to grieve with, complain with, and laugh with. He visited me at least one week every two months — sometimes one week every month. Our relationship had never been closer. For once, he was truly alone, and I tried to suffice as a companion in his life. He went through a rebellious stage, where he began drinking again and gambling, kind of like a young college kid trying to find his way through the ins and outs of the world.

If he was ornery and spiteful, I kept my laughter to myself, knowing that one day I would miss his crotchety old ass.

As the weeks went on, he made comments about not feeling well, looking back on it, I overlooked all the signs, and ultimately, I’m really glad I did. Rather than worrying every single day about his well-being, I learned to appreciate him for what he was that day. If he was ornery and spiteful, I kept my laughter to myself, knowing that one day I would look back on that, and miss his crotchety old ass… and if he was light on his feet, carefree, and almost irresponsible in a sense, I ate it up. I made him feel like there was no reason to think anything less. He opened up to me about not ever wanting another woman to marry, but having one to snuggle up to you every now and then wouldn’t be so bad.

The facade that I had grown up thinking he was so strong always, all disappeared. He became real to me. He became relatable. The last time he called was in the wee hours of the morning; he was at the casino, had entered some crazy drawing and was playing Texas hold’em. He left me a message, telling me that he had met up with some girls, the same ones he had spent the previous weekend getting to know and that he was having a great time. He went to bed at night and never woke up.

Alone might be where I’m at, but I can always depend on myself, and I won’t ever let me down.

The challenges I now face are not having someone to call when I have a question about parenting. No longer feeling like I have someone on my side, no matter what might happen. I realized, alone might be where I’m at, but I know I can always depend on myself, and I won’t ever let me down. 

I realized, despite being scared for 29 years, everyone still dies. My dad always used to say, “no one gets out of here alive.” There’s really no truer statement… So rather than being scared, now I’m living. At 30 years old, I’m living. I’m living my life the best that I can every single day. I’m being the best mom, the best employee, the best woman, the best everything I can.

We no longer have problems, but challenges.

We no longer have problems, but challenges, and it takes as much energy to bitch about one as it does to find a solution and pursue it. We will be here, and our parents won’t. So find your strength now. Love them for where they are in their life, wherever that might be at the moment. And learn to push forward, for your parents may have left you, but there is still a little someone looking up, depending on you to be the parent to them.

Bottom line: Come up with a plan for taking care of elderly parents sooner rather than later

If you delay or fail to make a plan for taking care of your elderly parents, you could be stuck making a quick decision that compromises their safety and wellbeing. 

According to the National Council on Aging, as many as 5 million older Americans are abused every year, and losses suffered by victims of financial abuse are estimated to be at least $36.5 billion annually. 

A considerable chunk of severe neglect cases have to do with untreated pressure ulcers, where victims and their families managed to get justice because of the availability of a free consultation for stage 4 bedsore victims offered by law firms that deal in such cases regularly.

What if your parents are stubborn or otherwise difficult?

If the first conversation about assisted living is rejected, plan to revisit the topic over several weeks or months, multiple times.

Hi Mama! CONGRATULATIONS on investing in YOU. Whether you have been a single mom for years, or are exploring what solo parenting is all about, the fact that you landed on this page is huge.

If you are new here, know that Wealthysinglemommy.com, and its founder Emma Johnson are committed to the following principles:

  • Single mothers are capable of leading happy, abundant lives and families, regardless of how their families are structured.
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What kinds of resources are there for single mothers?

1. Join the newsletter and get my FREE GUIDE

2. Resources for single mothers: Employment

3. Resources for single mothers: Free money

4. Resources for single mothers: Government help

5. Resources for single mothers: Child care

6. Resources for single mothers: Money management

7. Resources for single mothers: Self-care

8. Resources for single mothers: Support

9. Resources for single mothers: Co-parenting

10. Dating resources for single mothers 

11. Resources for single moms: Create or update a will / estate plan

Bottom line: With all of these single mom resources, there’s no reason for you to not be a Kickass Single Mom

What kinds of resources are there for single mothers?

Lots. This page is your go-to guide for all the resources, tools and support you need to blow this shit UP! Here you will find everything from ways to make quick cash, to how to build a sustainable career from home, caring for your mental health, the financial tools to protect you and your kids, and more.

1. Join the newsletter and get my FREE GUIDE

My emails are full of inspiring stories, tools, tricks and instruction on how to build an incredible single-mom life.

Sign up now and get the FREE Guide—15 Steps to Thriving as a Single Mom:

Everyone experiences stress, and millions of people struggle with emotional and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, couples and relationship hardship, parenting questions, sleep issues and career and money woes.

2. Resources for single mothers: Employment

The best thing you can do for yourself, you kids, your community and future generations is to work a job and even build a career. Start with our job guides:

Best high-paying work-from home careers for moms

42 recession-proof jobs

13 jobs that pay well without a require a degree

Best side-gigs and side-hustles if you have kids

Top businesses for single moms

3. Resources for single mothers: Free money

Started during the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, our Single Mom Stimulus Grant gives $500 strings-free to a single mom. We’ve gifted more than $30,000 to women around the country, and it’s going strong!

20 scholarships for single moms

4. Resources for single mothers: Government help

The government provides financial assistance and essential items for low-income single moms and their children, including: 

  • Cash assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Housing assistance
  • Child care assistance

We compiled all of these resources into a post for single mothers with no income, where we break down the qualifications and application process for each government program. 

Also check out: Help for single moms now: 42 resources

5. Resources for single mothers: Child care

Whether you find a free or reduced local daycare, private daycare, after-school care, hire a babysitter, nanny, take your mom up on her offer to watch your kids, or swap with another mom, you absolutely cannot be a full-time mom and be financially independent.

Find child care providers, sitters and nannies in your area through Care.com.You can also read our Care.com review.

6. Resources for single mothers: Money management

What you put out there comes back to you. Your prayers, hopes, gratitude. This is especially true of manifestations put out during tumultuous times when energy is being stirred up and tossed around.

Write down those goals and dreams: start a business, buy a home, vacation, renovation, and investing to build wealth.

Sit with your dreams. Feel how it will feel when they come to fruition. Picture what your life, your family, your heart and body will look like when that comes true.

Now, track your money and set budgets (get real, mama!)

Read: How to set up a budget

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7. Resources for single mothers: Self-care

There is no one-size-fits-all path you’re supposed to take in life. The post-divorce period is all about discovering what you want. Practice some self-care, pick up a new hobby, or even learn how to meditate. 

Read: Best online therapy sites

Need medical help, or prescriptions from home? Learn about online medical care.

Why you need to hire someone to do laundry ASAP

Try these 41 things to do by yourself for a fuller life

8. Resources for single mothers: Support

First, if you’re not already a member, join Millionaire Single Moms on Facebook. Rules include: No bitching, whining, man-bashing or being mean.

Not a week goes by when I do not receive an email, Instagram or Facebook message from a member of the group who says that the support of other single moms with similar goals of living a joyful life of financial independence, happy romantic life, and thriving family and self changed their lives.

All income levels and points in your journey are welcome. See you there!

If you are looking for new friends near you, we vetted a list of the best 21 apps for making friends and meeting new people for 2023. We also have resources for meditation, affirmations for confidence, and Self-Care Sunday.

9. Resources for single mothers: Co-parenting

While you may be really, really, (really fucking) angry at your ex now, it is so critical to focus on equally shared parenting whenever possible, and civilized, collaborative co-parenting.

Co-parenting can be overwhelming, or even toxic, leading to court-monitored communication. Luckily, there’s an app for that. Co-parenting apps can simplify scheduling, keep everyone on track. The right co-parenting app might even make co-parenting communication, schedules, activities and contacts easier and more effective.

10. Dating resources for single mothers 

Whether you are looking to meet new people after years of dating, or just dipping your toe in the romance waters, online dating has been my own BFF when dating.

9 reasons dating is better as a single mom

eharmony review — does this app really help you find love?

Which online dating sites are best for single moms?

11. Resources for single moms: Create or update a will / estate plan

I don’t care how broke you are, single moms need life insurance. Chances are, your kids are financially dependent on you. While you may not have a lot to invest in the future now, single moms can find life insurance for a very small sum — and protect your family

Bestow promises you will never have a medical or lab exam. With plans as low as $10 per month for coverage up to $1.5 million. Bestow policies are issued by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, a carrier rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best that was founded in 1886.

Every parent needs a will and estate plan. Not only will this ensure your family is taken care of in the event of your passing, but you enjoy peace of mind now.

Bottom line: With all of these single mom resources, there’s no reason for you to not be a Kickass Single Mom

Check out my #1 bestsellers: The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children (Penguin).

The New York Post called the book a ‘Must Read’ and it was featured on The Doctors, Jenny McCarthy Radio, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Oprah.com and more than 150 other media outlets!

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I’m proud to say both books are multiple-category #1 Amazon Bestsellers!

Free housingFree school supplies
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Hollywood is notorious for pairing its leading ladies with much older men — Julia Roberts and Richard Gere (18 years) in “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride,” Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson (26 years) in “As Good As It Gets,” Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sean Connery (29 years) in “Entrapment.” 

And of course, lots of male celebrities are known for dating younger women — Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Hugh Hefner, Johnny Depp, Michael Douglas, to name a few. Someone on Reddit even created a graphic showing that Leonardo DiCaprio has never dated someone over the age of 25: 

Leonardo DiCaprio Refuses to Date a Woman Over 25 [OC]
byu/TrustLittleBrother indataisbeautiful

A May–December relationship — May representing spring/youth and December representing winter/old age — certainly isn’t for everyone, but research by dating app Badoo found that: 

  • 26% of 18-24 year olds would date someone older than 35
  • Nearly a third of women have dated someone 10 years older

If you believe age is only a number when it comes to love (or even an asset?), we recommend joining eharmony, our #1 choice for finding serious relationships online. eharmony is accredited with an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau and allows its members to filter matches by a number of specific criteria — including age.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dating older men:

Why you’re into older men

What to expect when dating older men

Pros and cons of May-December relationships

Dos and don’ts for dating older men

Famous men who date younger women

Famous May-December romances

Why you’re into older men

Being attracted to older men might be ingrained in our psyche, says Sarah Hill, evolutionary psychologist and author of the book This is Your Brain on Birth Control. She says our preference for older men has deep evolutionary roots. 

“Dating older men promoted the survival and reproductive success of our female ancestors and their children,” Hill says. This is because older men more often have the financial resources and intellectual maturity to provide for children.

Some researchers also believe younger women are into older men because of the belief that women mature emotionally more quickly than men, and therefore might seek an older partner to find a more compatible match. According to research published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the female brain establishes connections earlier in life than the male brain.

What to expect when dating older men

Dating an older man can hit differently than dating someone your age — or younger, says Nancy Keisling, Adventure Dating Coach with Scott & Nancy Consulting, a life coaching business she runs with her husband Scott, who is 10 years her senior. 

In Keisling’s experience, older men tend to be more thoughtful and serious about commitment. 

“They understand boundaries better and support your desire for individuality and independence instead of feeling threatened by it,” Keisling says. “They can see a perception bigger than their own, which makes you feel seen and heard.”

For Eva Keller, 27, dating an older man meant low-key dates, a welcome change from rowdy 20-something guys who preferred to go out.

“I think on a more subconscious level, that part of the attraction was that I’m an introvert and live a more homebody type of life than most others my age,” says Keller, who is married to a 52-year-old man. “I think my nervous system had just found its match and found someone I could align myself with within my own comfort zone.”

Dating a single parent? 5+ challenges you need to know

Pros and cons of May-December relationships

These are some of the pros and cons of dating an older man:

Pros of May-December relationships

They’re financially stable

Older men are generally more established in their careers, Hill says, which typically means they can have a good chunk of savings and financial security.  

When Keller met her now-husband, she was an intern, and he was able to help support her when they dated. 

“I didn’t really have the money to go out to eat like I grew up doing, but by hanging out with my future husband every day, he was providing that lifestyle that I was used to and expected to have.”

They’ve been around the block

Chances are you’re not this man’s first serious partner, and he’s hopefully figured out most of the dos and don’ts of dating.

“Personally, the best part about our age gap is that my husband is mature,” Keller says. “He doesn’t start petty fights, he doesn’t play games, he’s too tired to cheat, and he doesn’t go out and get drunk every chance he gets. Other women my age are stuck with these ridiculously immature guys that I could just never imagine being in a situation like that.”

Cons of May-December relationships

Being older means a higher risk of health issues.

If women choose an older male partner, there is some risk she will be alone in later life, Hill says. Currently, the average life expectancy for men is 75.1 years, compared to 80.5 years for women, according to the CDC. 

Other things to consider? Older men may have a decrease in sexual stamina (although, according to Hill, research says older men who are in good health have a lower rate of decline). A national study by the Cleveland Clinic that surveyed 1,410 men found that men between the ages of 50 and 50 were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, and it was more likely found in men with poor and physical health. Some men explore treatments such as PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, a peptide-based medication that works by stimulating sexual desire pathways in the brain rather than increasing blood flow like traditional ED medications. While it has been approved for certain sexual desire disorders in women, it is also sometimes discussed off-label in relation to male sexual performance.

Lastly, while older men are usually in a better financial place to have children, whether they can actually reproduce is another story; sperm count declines as men age, so choosing an older man as your partner could affect your chances of having biological children together, if that’s something you want to do.

You might have to deal with their past

“All of us have past experiences; he will have a little bit more because he’s got more years than you,” Keisling says. 

For example, he might be dealing with a messy divorce or have kids to co-parent with his ex. Plus, the longer you are on this Earth, the more baggage and heartbreak you accumulate. Of course, this isn’t bad per se, but something to consider when you’re dating someone much older.

Dos and don’ts for dating older men

If you’re going to date an older man, these are some things you should know:

Do: Choose the right dating website

Quality older men probably aren’t using modern dating and hookup apps like Tinder. Consider a online dating app like eharmony, which has been around since the year 2000 and has a proven track record of creating successful marriages and lower divorce rates. eharmony uses an extensive compatibility quiz to help you find your perfect match.

Researchers at the University of Chicago and Harvard conducted a study of marriages, breakups and divorces by dating site where the couple met, and found that couples who met on eharmony had the highest marriage rate, highest marriage satisfaction rate, and the lowest breakup and divorce rates.

Don’t: Make the age difference such a big deal

Yes, there will be times in your relationship when you’ll remember the age difference (like when you’re recounting a story from your Girl Scout days and realize he graduated from law school the same year). 

Keisling suggests not focusing on your age gap but rather the person you’re with.

“Men who date younger women usually feel young at heart and want to stay focused on feeling young,” she says.

Do: Be honest about your needs

Before starting a relationship with an older man, it’s a good idea to reflect on what you want out of the relationship, Hill says. 

For example, if he has kids, are you comfortable being in their lives (recognizing those “kids” might be close to your age or perhaps even older than you)? Are you OK with the idea that he may not want to have more kids? If your partner gets sick, are you prepared to be a caregiver? 

“As long as women carefully consider the risks and benefits of these relationships – and communicate with their partners about any concerns they have – these can be incredibly successful unions,” Hill adds.

Don’t: Get intimidated

Remember: relationships should be an equal partnership. 

“Just because he is older and has more life experience doesn’t mean he is superior,” Keisling says. “Your opinions still matter and hold weight.” 

Likewise, you both have equal responsibility for managing your careers, finances and emotions.

Do: Embrace your differences

Hill says that generation gaps between partners can limit the number of things they have in common. Your tastes in music, movies, and overall life experiences can greatly vary. 

But Keisling says that’s not always a bad thing: “This is what creates polarity and keeps the conversation interesting in the relationship.”

Don’t: Be jealous

Confidence is a sexy trait in any relationship but is extra important when dating older men, Keisling says. 

“Older men are usually done with playing games and secure in who they are and where they are in life,” she says. 

She says if your partner has a good co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, you need to be OK with her being in the picture.

Famous men who date younger women

Hollywood is full of older men who date younger women. These are some of the most famous: 

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s habit of dating younger women is almost as famous as his film career. It’s believed he’s never dated anyone over the age of 25 (check out the Reddit thread we mentioned earlier). He and his current girlfriend Camila Morrone have a 23-year age difference.

George Clooney

The once-famous bachelor dated multiple younger women until he settled down with Amal Clooney, who is 16 years his junior. The couple tied the knot in 2014, have two kids together, and are still going strong.

Famous May-December romances:

There have been plenty of good, bad, and just plain ugly May-December romances in Hollywood — we’ll spare you a rehashing of the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial. Here are some of the most famous: 

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise

Once the Hollywood “it” couple of the 2000s, TomKat was a force to be reckoned with. Cruise, who is 16 years Holmes’ senior, started dating the actress in 2004, and shortly after, he declared his love for her (who can forget that famous couch-jumping clip from the Oprah Winfrey show)?

Shortly after, the couple got engaged and welcomed their daughter Suri. They got married, only to divorce in 2012.

Florence Pugh and Zach Braff

Though they recently amicably broke up, 26-year-old Oscar nominee Pugh and “Scrubs” star Braff, 47, started a social media flirtation in 2018 and went public after working together on Braff’s short film, “In the Time It Takes to Get There.” 

Throughout their 4-year relationship, both stars received relentless commentary on their age gap, with Pugh repeatedly having to defend her relationship online. 

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas (who have a 25-year age gap) first got together in 1998 and married in 2000. Although they briefly split in 2013, they got back together shortly after and have been together for 20+ years.

Craigslist has long been the gold standard for buying and selling local items. 

But it’s not the only place where you can unload your unwanted stuff (or find something new-to-you without paying in-store prices).

Check out our list of 25+ sites like Craigslist where you can buy or sell stuff:

Sites like Craigslist: Classifieds

1. ClassifiedAds.com

2. Geebo

3. Gumtree

4. Locanto

5. Pennysaver

6. Trovit

Sites like Craigslist: Buy and sell tech

7. Sell Cell

8. DeCluttr

9. Swappa

Sites like Craigslist: Auctions

10. eBay

11. EstateSales.net

12. EstateSales.org

Sites like Craigslist: Buy and sell merchandise

13. Facebook Marketplace

14. Mercari

15. Nextdoor

16. OfferUp

17. Oodle

18. Poshmark

19. Recycler

Sites like Craigslist: Garage sales

20. Gsalr

21. VarageSale

22. Bookoo

Craigslist alternatives: Buy and sell higher-ticket items

23. Diamonds USA

24. CashforElectronicsUSA

25. CashforGoldUSA

26. CashforSilverUSA

27. Worthy

Bottom line: What is the best alternative to Craigslist?

Sites like Craigslist: Classifieds

Here are some free classified sites like Craigslist:

1. ClassifiedAds.com

If you want to buy it, you’ll probably find it on ClassifiedAds.com — jewelry, reptiles, cars, houses, and more. ClassifiedAds.com is completely free to use and mimics a newspaper classifieds section. It boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but is not accredited. 

If you want to buy, input your zip code to find listings in your area organized by category. If you want to sell, click “Post an ad” and upload pictures/info about what you want to sell. You can also download the ClassifiedAds.com app. 

You can also use ClassfiedAds.com to:

  • Request or advertise services (think lawnmowing or wedding photography)
  • Find out about local events and deals 
  • Meet singles in your area
  • Find an apartment or home to rent

2. Geebo

Geebo (pronounced “G-Bo”) is an online classifieds site that lets users post: 

  • Services
  • Jobs
  • Rentals
  • Real estate
  • Items for sale

Geebo aims to be a safe Craigslist alternative — their process includes reviewing all ads before they go live and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. A “SafeTrade” is recommended on Geebo — where buyers and sellers agree to meet at a local police department to exchange items. Geebo is not rated with the Better Business Bureau.

3. Gumtree

As the first online classifieds platform in the United Kingdom, Gumtree remains one of the largest online classifieds sites serving communities across the U.K. Gumtree’s mission is all about sharing more and wasting less.

Gumtree claims to have 2.2 million listings across the site each month. Available items include cars, musical instruments, and baby clothes. Gumtree also has tabs for: 

  • Property
  • Job openings
  • Services

Once bought, items ship using Parcel2Go.

4. Locanto

Similar to Craigslist, Locanto has a classified ad userface where you can browse items for sale. The website is available in both Spanish and English. Search using your ZIP code or location.

The company that owns Locanto also runs two other websites: 

  • #Dating, an online dating space to meet like-minded people in your area
  • Yalwa, an online directory that connects you with businesses in your community 

Locanto does not have a Better Business Bureau rating. 

5. Pennysaver

The original PennySaver is the largest direct mail shopping publication in the U.S. Now, PennySaver’s online classifieds make it easy to find what you need in your neighborhood. Pennysaver has an A+ BBB rating (not accredited). 

Enter your city or ZIP code and search for things like jobs, merchandise, and cars. Use the Clipboard feature to keep track of anything you find that you’re interested in purchasing, or email the ads to yourself. If you have something to sell, it’s free to place an ad. Users are also encouraged to submit reviews for other users based on their buying experiences.

6. Trovit

Trovit is a global search engine for classified ads in three categories: homes, cars, and jobs. Trovit has mostly negative reviews on Trustpilot, with only 1.3 out of 5 stars. Most complaints are about fake or scam ads, outdated listings, and difficulty unsubscribing from the app.

Trovit’s site is free to search if you’d prefer not to use the app. To use Trovit, choose a search category and enter your location. If you want to contact any Trovit seller — or to sell your own items — you’ll need to sign up for a free account. 

Sites like Craigslist: Buy and sell tech

Here are some sites like Craigslist where you can buy or sell electronics:

7. Sell Cell

Since 2008, Sell Cell has paid over $575 million to customers looking to exchange cell phones, tablets, and other mobile technology for cash. On the flip side, you can also buy mobile tech for less, including devices from:

  • Apple
  • Samsung
  • Google
  • LG
  • and more

Sell Cell compares prices from cell phone buyers across the U.S. and presents them to you in one place, so you can choose the buyer with the highest payout. Sell Cell even helps you sell broken phones.

Get paid via paper check, PayPal, or bank transfer depending on the buyer. Payout times also vary by buyer. Just read the buyer’s terms to find out when you can expect payment.

8. DeCluttr

DeCluttr is a Craigslist alternative that’s self-described as the “smart way to buy and sell tech.” The website is BBB accredited with an A rating and allows you to sell electronics including: 

  • Phones
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Headphones
  • Video games 

DeCluttr has a mobile app and a video tutorial of its selling process right on its home page. If you’re interested in selling, keep in mind that you need to sell a minimum quantity of 10 media items or one tech item. Your total order value also needs to be over $5.

9. Swappa

Swappa calls itself the safest marketplace for new(ish) tech. This platform is a great fit if you want to buy or sell electronic devices such as:

  • Cellphones
  • Cameras
  • Watches
  • Video games
  • Tablets

It’s also easy to search different types of tech products by brand or carrier. Sellers don’t have to pay any fees on Swappa. Swappa Local provides next-day pickup and delivery in 48 metro areas around the U.S. Swappa is a BBB-accredited business and has a B rating.

Sites like Craigslist: Auctions

These sites are similar to Craigslist for selling or auctioning your goods:

10. eBay

eBay is one of the oldest and best-known selling websites, where most sales are made via online auction. eBay charges a seller fee of 12.9% of the purchase price or lower for most items, plus $0.30 per order. It also offers seller protection against things like false claims of damage and negative feedback on issues that are outside of the seller’s control (such as weather or carrier delays). eBay is accredited with the BBB and has an A+ rating. 

The majority of items sold on eBay are delivered via mail. However, local pickup options are available for items that are too large or bulky to ship. You can find and sell a wide range of items on eBay — everything from antiques to flat screen TVs and automobiles (on its dedicated site called eBay Motors).

33 things to sell to make money from the stuff around your house

11. EstateSales.net

EstateSales.net makes it easy to find nearby estate sales or auctions happening on specific dates. You can create an advertisement for your personal estate sale. EstateSales.net has an A+ rating with the BBB (not accredited).

The website gives you unlimited description space and allows you to upload 50 pictures for free. (you’ll need to pay $0.50 per picture beyond that). EstateSales.net will also send out emails alerting people in your zip code to your sale before it starts, as well as people who are in nearby metro areas with their settings set to receive notices about sales in your area.

12. EstateSales.org

EstateSales.org is another estate sale website where you can receive email notifications about nearby estate sales. Set preferences based on: 

  • Your location
  • How far you’re willing to travel
  • The type of items you’re looking for

If you’re looking to hire an estate sale company or auctioneer, EstateSales.org is a good resource. You can also list your own sale, although past users report the website isn’t very user-friendly. EstateSales.org is accredited with the BBB and has an A rating.

How to get rid of junk: 24+ free and cheap junk removal options

Sites like Craigslist: Buy and sell merchandise

Check out these Craigslist alternatives for buying and selling:

13. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a Craigslist alternative where you can view or post listings for vehicles, apartments for rent, home goods for sale (or for free), and more. It’s free to use as a buyer or as a seller — all you need is a Facebook account. 

Join a Facebook sale group or buy nothing group for your specific town or neighborhood if you’re interested in buying or selling items for local pickup.

21 apps for selling stuff online or “near me”

14. Mercari

Mercari is an online buying and selling marketplace, primarily known for clothing and accessory sales, though you can buy or sell almost anything through its website or mobile app. Mercari is BBB accredited with an A rating.

Listing an item on Mercari is free. Once your listing is purchased, however, Mercari does take a cut of your sale — 10% in most cases, plus a 2.9% processing fee and $0.30 per sale. As the seller, you’ll also need to cover any shipping fees needed to get your item to the buyer. You can choose to ship the item on your own or purchase shipping through Mercari’s partnerships with: 

  • USPS
  • FedEx
  • UPS

15. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is an app that connects people in a neighborhood. Members can ask questions, share information about local businesses and events, and buy or sell items. Available worldwide, it’s free to post on this user-friendly app. Nextdoor has a B+ rating with the BBB (not accredited).

To create an account, you’ll need to provide your home address. This helps keep Nextdoor verify you’re a real person living in the area (your address won’t be public). Once you’re established, follow the prompts to create a listing (including at least one photo is mandatory). 

Items posted to Nextdoor For Sale and Free will expire after 30 days. Renewing will display the item for another 30 days until it expires again.

16. OfferUp

OfferUp, which recently acquired similar site LetGo, is available online and also has a free app. You can browse items listed near you, including furniture, electronics, and cars. The app makes it easy to message sellers and set up a time to meet using the meetup scheduler, which shows safe meeting locations near you.

Each OfferUp seller has a profile where you can view their: 

  • Ratings
  • Badges
  • Transaction history

As a seller, you can confirm your identity using identification like a photo ID and phone number. The OfferUp app has millions of users and claims to be the largest mobile marketplace in the U.S. Its BBB rating is a B (not accredited).

Also, learn about more ways to sell used furniture and donate furniture.

17. Oodle

The Oodle website is like a social network for buying and selling. Members create a profile and connect a valid Facebook profile to buy and sell items. Oodle has limited sales categories, including pets, automotive sales, and real estate sales/rentals.

Oodle does not have an app, so you’ll need to use your internet browser on desktop or mobile to shop or sell. This website has an A+ rating with the BBB (not accredited). 

18. Poshmark

Poshmark is an online consignment shop with over 100 million items for sale. While you might be most aware of Poshmark as a platform to sell clothing items, you can also buy and sell: 

  • Jewelry
  • Art
  • Home goods

Poshmark has a B Better Business Bureau rating (not accredited) and is available both online and via mobile app. If you’re interested in purchasing something, you can bid on the item and buy it directly from the seller. Poshmark provides a prepaid label for shipping via USPS mail. Sellers do have to give the platform a commission for each sale:

  • Flat rate of $2.95 for all sales under $15
  • 20% for sales of $15 or more

19. Recycler

If you’re looking for a new car or trying to get rid of an old one, Recycler is the right website for you. While this platform does offer additional items for sale (such as furniture, pets, and exercise equipment), the website is most popular for cars and vehicle sales. Recycler has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau (not accredited). 

Recycler integrates with Facebook and Twitter for easy sharing and is free to use. However, you will need an account to create an ad. This website is best for people who live in larger cities. 

Also, check out our post about how to get cash for your junk car. 

Where to find a “scrap yard near me” to sell scrap metal

16 ways to get rid of old appliances

Sites like Craigslist: Garage sales

Here are some garage sale-type sites that are like Craigslist:

20. Gsalr

Looking for local garage sales? Gsalr is your best bet. As the largest garage and yard sale network on the web, Gsalr can help you find local garage sales without looking for signs on the side of the road.

List your sale for free by providing basic information about what you’re selling (pictures encouraged, but not required). Or search sales near you by entering your ZIP code. You can also sign up to receive a daily digest with the latest local sales in your inbox. Keep in mind that Gsalr is lesser known so is likely more effective in larger cities than in rural areas. Gsalr does not have a BBB rating.

21. VarageSale

VarageSale is a website and app that acts like a virtual garage sale. Get started with VarageSale in three simple steps: 

  • Enter your location and find your local community
  • Connect with Facebook to confirm your identity
  • Start buying and selling with other verified users in your area

Sellers have reviews and star ratings to help you decide whether to make a purchase. VarageSale also has an app that’s free to download and use.

22. Bookoo

Bookoo is a site  that helps neighbors meet up to buy or sell just about anything, from cars to clothes. It has an A+ rating with the BBB and 3.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

You can buy from Bookoo sellers without creating an account, but you must sign up if you want to sell items. To sign up, select the Bookoo community nearest you and register for a free account.

With over 2.7 million users, you can find a Bookoo community in states across the United States, except for:

  • Connecticut
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon
  • Wyoming

However, you can contact Bookoo to request a community in your area.

Bookoo is a fee-free platform. You can use the desktop site or download the app on Google Play or the App Store.

Craigslist alternatives: Buy and sell higher-ticket items

Consider these craigslist alternatives to buy and sell more expensive items like electronics, fine jewelry, and precious metals: 

23. Diamonds USA

Sell your diamond engagement ring, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, quickly and securely.

Owned by CJ Environmental, founded in 2005, Diamonds USA and its sister sites CashforGoldUSA and CashforSilver have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating for their service buying your diamonds, gold, silver and gemstone jewelry (plus coins, scrap, bullion, and silver flatware)

Get paid within 24 hours of accepting an offer, all your shipments are insured up to $150,000 and trackable via FedEx. 100% free returns if you don’t like the offer.

24. CashforElectronicsUSA

CashforElectronicsUSA buys electronic equipment and claims to pay three times more cash than its competition. CFES reuses, recycles, or safely disposes of IT equipment and electronic scrap from schools and businesses (recycling or safely disposing of the equipment). 

You can earn money for your old: 

  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Desktop computers
  • Other electronic equipment

Local pickup is also available in the New England and Tri-State areas. CFES has an A+ BBB rating (not accredited). 

25. CashforGoldUSA

If you have precious metal items you want to sell, consider selling them to online gold buyer CashforGoldUSA. CashforGoldUSA accepts these and other gold and precious metal items: 

We recommend selling these items to CashforGoldUSA for a few reasons:

  • Payouts within 24 hours
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • Price match and free return guarantees
  • 100% free and trackable shipment through FedEx — door-to-door
  • Insures your item up to $150,000 via Jewelers Mutual en transit, and through Lloyds of London while at their facility
  • 10% bonus if you ship within 7 days

Read our CashforGoldUSA review and get an offer on your gold items from CashforGoldUSA >>

26. CashforSilverUSA

CashforSilverUSA is CashforGoldUSA’s sister site and accepts: 

  • Silver coins
  • Silver flatware
  • Silver serving pieces
  • Gold and platinum jewelry
  • Gold coins
  • Diamonds
  • Rolex timepieces

Like selling with CashforGoldUSA, you’ll receive a complimentary Appraisal Kit to send in your items and get a free price estimate. Accept the offer and get paid, or turn it down and CashforSilverUSA will return your items to you. 

Get a free estimate from CashforSilverUSA >>

27. Worthy

Worthy is an online jewelry marketplace that will auction your diamond engagement ring or other fine jewelry worth more than $1,000 — including jewelry from Tiffany, David Yurman, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston — to hundreds of qualified jewelry buyers.

We recommend Worthy because: 

  • A Better Business Bureau
  • Free GIA lab report with every sale
  • Hundreds of positive customer testimonials
  • Insured for free by Lloyds of London up to $100,000
  • Free FedEx shipping
  • Featured in publications like the New York Times (twice), Crain’s New York Business, Washington Post, Entrepreneur, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day, and others
  • Auction platform helps push prices to market highs

Read our Worthy.com review to learn more.

Bottom line: What is the best alternative to Craigslist?

If you’re searching for the best alternative to Craigslist, your best option might depend on what you’re trying to buy or sell. While Craigslist is a hub for buying and selling all types of items, you might have more luck buying or selling on a website that’s a little more niche. These are some of our top choices for Craigslist alternatives:

  • Best for classifieds: If you want to browse the classifieds, we like ClassifiedAds.com. It’s an A+ rated BBB site that’s free to use and easy to navigate. It even looks similar to Craigslist.
  • Best for electronics: Want to buy or sell electronics and other tech? Our top pick is DeCluttr. It has an A rating with the BBB and an excellent Trustpilot rating. It’s a good spot to look if you are searching for a refurbished Mac.
  • Best for auctions: Since 1995, ebay has been synonymous with buying and selling. It’s a BBB-accredited site with an A+ rating.
  • Best for clothing resale: If you have a lot of clothing or accessories to sell, Mercari and Poshmark are great options. Whether you’re buying or selling, both sites have large user bases and lots of items for sale. 
  • Best for finding garage sales: If you are searching for garage sales in your area, try Gsalr first. It’s the largest garage sale network online.
  • Best for selling jewelry and fine metals: If you want to sell gold, we recommend CashforGoldUSA or its sister site CashforSilverUSA. The site is known for its highest price guarantee, fast payouts, and free, insured shipping through FedEx. If you have items over $1,000, we recommend selling to Abe Mor.

A pawn shop may be an easy way to sell your used items for cash — or get an immediate loan to pay bills.

Pawning can feel embarrassing or intimidating.

Knowing what pawn shops are most likely to buy can make the process easier — and more profitable.

In this post, we explain how pawn shops work, how to navigate through a pawn shop deal, what sells best at pawn shops, and alternatives to pawning:

Table of contents

Haven’t yet visited a pawnshop? Everything you need to know here to find a reputable pawn shop near you.

How does pawning work?

If you’re new to pawning, you’ll have a better experience if you understand how pawn shops work and how they make money. Note that despite its shady reputation, pawn shops are a regulated industry with a number of national pawnshop chains and trade associations focused on elevating the quality and reputation of the industry.

That said, a little knowledge about how pawnbrokers operate will help you sniff out a shady player:

Pawn vs sell — what does it mean to pawn something?

Pawning does not simply mean selling items to a pawn shop. The actual definition of pawning is to leave a possession with a pawnbroker, who lends you money and holds the item as collateral until you can pay it back, plus interest. The money you borrow is known as a pawn loan. 

If you fail to pay back a pawn loan within the designated loan period, the pawnbroker can sell your item.

However, you can also sell directly to pawn shops, handing over possession of the item on the spot in exchange for cash, typically 25% to 75% of the item’s resale value. One of our writers was able to sell a 10K gold bracelet for nearly 80% of its spot gold value in a secret shopping experiment.

Several pawn shop managers on Reddit said the amount of a pawn loan is typically between 30% to 40% of the item’s value. Interest rates range between 15% to 25% per month, though they may be lower if you are borrowing significantly less than the value of the item you’re using as collateral. 

Pawning item for a short period
byu/abix4 inpersonalfinance
What can i expect money wise usd from a pawn shop?
byu/ghosteye21 inCURRENCY

How long do pawn shops hold items?

In most states, pawn shops are required to hold items for a minimum of 60 days, though some states, like New York, require a 90-day possession period before an item can be sold if the loan is not repaid.1

Note that the longer you take to repay a pawn loan, the more interest you’ll pay overall. 

David Bakke, a former pawn shop manager from Norcross, Ga., who now writes for personal finance guide DollarSanity, says items sold to a pawn shop are also typically held for a brief period. 

“This is so that local law enforcement can check for stolen items,” he says. 

Can you haggle with pawn shops?

Bakke says whether or not you can haggle with a pawn shop depends on what you’re trying to pawn or sell and is usually determined on a case-by-case basis.

“If you have a power drill that’s worth about 10 bucks to the pawn shop, there’s not much negotiating,” he says. “If you have a diamond ring with a huge center stone, the negotiating process could be complex and ongoing.”

How to pawn something: 4 tips

Whether you are hoping to secure a pawn loan or sell something to a pawn shop, Bakke offers the following tips to get the highest payout and best interest rates: 

1. Prep your item: Clean your item, make sure it works (for electronics, tools, etc.), and replace batteries if it has them. 

2. Do your homework: Research the current resale value of your item online based on recent sales of the same or similar items in the same condition. Redditors recommend using ebay’s Advanced Search feature and checking the box for “Completed items.” 

ebay Advanced Search feature to find out what to expect when pawning.

If you are selling metals or jewelry, we have these guides to help you understand your gold, silver flatware and diamonds.

NOTE: Diamond prices have been plummeting — down 85% in the past four years — while gold and silver prices keep hitting record highs. It’s a great time to sell jewelry, even if you don’t make a profit on an original investment.

3. Negotiate: As Bakke previously mentioned, you will likely have more leverage to negotiate with a pawnbroker if you have a high-value or in-demand item.

This Reddit discussion unpacks tips for negotiating the highest payout from a pawn shop: 

When sourcing from chain Pawn Shops. Do you guys negotiate prices?
byu/b_dills inFlipping

What do pawn shops take? 20+ things pawn shops like to buy

When I searched through reviews from several local pawn shops in my area, the vast majority were about selling jewelry or electronics. However some noted that the pawn shops were only willing to pay them for top-of-the-line items (this may not be the case at every pawn shop).

Review for local pawn shop talks about items pawn shops won't accept.

In Bakke’s experience, these were some of the most in-demand items at the pawn shop where he worked: 

Best things to pawn from around the house

According to people on Reddit, pawn shops also regularly take the following items:

  • Other types of jewelry, watches, Rolex, coins (including rare coins) and precious metals
  • Coins and scrap metal*
  • Luxury handbags
  • Computers / laptops
  • Smartphones
  • Sports equipment, including bikes
  • Yard equipment
  • Musical instruments
  • Golf clubs
  • Silver flatware and tableware
  • Video games (especially retro games)
  • Safes
  • Guns (if the pawn shop has a license to sell firearms)
  • Authentic artwork
  • War memorabilia
  • Historical documents
  • Vintage toys
  • Sports and trading cards (Pokemon, etc.)
  • ,Collector’s items like old advertisements, vintage cameras, old Coke bottles, etc.
  • Stained glass items

Note that some pawn shops specialize in a specific category of items, like jewelry, collectibles, or electronics.

Iffy items pawn shops are picky about

  • Kitchen appliances
  • Prom dresses
  • Wheelchairs and medical equipment
  • Grills
  • DVDs
  • Trading cards (several Reddit users note that it is difficult to sell Pokemon and similar cards)
  • Outdated or worn electronics

Are there pawn shops that will buy anything? For example, do pawn shops buy prom dresses, kitchen appliances, wheelchairs and grills?While you may be able to find pawn shops to buy these types of items, it may be worth calling ahead to ask the shop before you stop by.

When it comes to outdoor grills and kitchen appliances, the newer and better they are, the more likely they are to give you cash for your home appliances. However, there are better ways to get rid of old appliances.

When it comes to prom dresses and formal wear, we cover that in a post on selling wedding dresses. When it comes to wheelchairs and medical devices, you might do better selling to a local company that specializes in buying and selling used home medical equipment.

What will a pawn shop not buy?

Bakke says in general, pawn shops “don’t take things that don’t have any sort of demand from the buying public.”

Most pawn shops will not buy clothes or books, or items that will fetch less than $50 retail — though there may be exceptions for designer (not fake) apparel and handbags, as well as collectible books.

Also: NO STOLEN PROPERTY! 

Most states require pawn shops to report their purchases to local authorities, and most pawn shops will require an ID to complete a transaction. Police also often notify pawn shops to watch out for certain items that have been reported stolen.

What can I pawn for $100?

Jewelry and gold things that pawnshops nearly always buy. Depending on what you own, you may get $100, $1,000 or more for your jewelry, silver coins, gemstones, pearls or raw or scrap gold or silver.

A gun, some power tools, a lawn mower or a quality stereo or laptop computer in working condition may bring $100 or more.

What can I pawn for $500?

Small vehicles like a motorbike, trailer or motorcycle might bring $500, as well as some jewelry. Some nicer antique furniture and firearms could bring $500 or more.

What can I pawn for $1,000?

What do pawn shops pay the most money for? Pawn shops may buy a vehicle, jewelry or even a piece of real estate.  

Again, you can easily pawn gold and diamond jewelry. A used vehicle or boat, HD TV, or a riding lawn mower may bring $1,000 or more. There are any number of rare collectibles of any variety that can go for four-figures, or more.

Keep in mind that a pawnshop will typically offer you far less for your diamond and gold jewelry than an online buyer. CashforGoldUSA promises to pay a 10% bonus if you send in your item within 7 days, free overnight FedEx from your house, and payment within 24 hours.

Do pawn shops ever buy phones?

Yes, if your smart phone is in decent condition and working, many pawnshops will be happy to accept your phone as a pawn or sale — or offer to pay electronic scrap prices for it.

Bottom line: There are things pawnshops always buy

Just like babies, every pawn shop is special. However, you can expect to find a pawn shop is almost always eager to buy these high-demand pawn items:

  • Gold
  • Jewelry
  • Fine watches
  • Guns 
  • Power tools

Pawnshops are a good option if you can work with a reputable business and need very fast cash — or would really prefer to actually get a short-term loan. However, if you are seeking the highest price for your item, selling online is often a better option. In the case of gold, silver, jewelry, diamonds and watches, a sale with CashforGoldUSA is very fast, private, and can bring in a much higher fee than a pawnshop.

    What can you sell at a pawn shop?

    There are very few things that you cannot sell to a pawn shop, but items pawnbrokers typically buy include gold, jewelry, guns, power tools and sports equipment.

    What can I pawn to get money?

    Jewelry and gold is always a go-to item that pawnshops nearly always buy. Depending on what you own, you may get $100, $1,000 or more for your jewelry, coins or scrap gold or silver. A gun, some power tools, a lawn mower or a quality stereo or laptop computer in working condition may bring $100 or more.

    What do pawn shops give the most money for?

    Pawn shops may buy a vehicle, jewelry or even a piece of real estate. However, higher ticket items, antiques and rare collectibles will likely fetch a higher price if you sell to a buyer who specializes in those items, and takes a lower fee.

    How much do you get for pawning jewelry?

    As with other items sold to pawn shops, you will get 25% to 75% of the retail value of your item from the pawn broker. This may be tempting if you really, really need the money very quickly, but there are other ways to get a much higher return on your jewelry.

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