Is there money hidden amongst the old junk in your basement?

Many of us – certainly this writer – have the bad habit of hanging on to things way too long. We think either that we might need them again one day, or that perhaps they will – again, in some imaginary future – be worth something.

In a lot of cases, your old junk is just that. Junk. But sometimes, things we hang on to can indeed be worth a few loonies and toonies.

According to the Finance Buzz blog, old tech can be worth real coin.

An original Atari game console from the 80s, the blog suggests, can go for as much as $1,649 U.S., depending on condition. A new Cabbage Patch Kids doll, if unopened and still in its original box, could fetch around two grand in American money, the blog adds.

And even the cassettes we used to play in our cars can be worth money – again, if it is in mint, unopened shape. “A 1982 factory-sealed cassette from The Police (Synchronicity) could set a serious buyer back almost $200,” the blog adds.

It almost feels like you should buy two of each thing you want. You would then keep one to use, play with, and enjoy, and an unopened twin to put away as an investment. Interesting.

The Mearto blog lists a few more items that have shot up in value – perhaps while sitting in your basement.

Vintage magazines, the site says, can be worth money. “Fashion magazines from bygone eras are in demand from collectors who like to see how trends have been recycled and repurposed over time. You may be able to sell a single magazine, originally purchased for $1 or less, for a significant profit, particularly if there is a well-known celebrity on the cover, or if it is a special, hard-to-find issue,” the blog suggests.

Maybe you have some old posters or ticket stubs from long-ago sporting events, the blog continues.

“We estimated the value of a set of three ticket stubs for the 1984 Olympic Gold Medal basketball game at over $75,000 (USD) because the American team was led to victory by Michael Jordan, coached by Bobby Knight and consisted of several other big-name players. Stubs that are in good condition and posters from historic sporting events hold a lot of appeal for collectors of sports memorabilia,” the blog explains.

Another friend of ours was able to get several thousand Canadian dollars for old stamp and coin collections he inherited – he got a dealer to put them up for auction.

The Moneywise blog picks up on this theme, urging us all to check our change jars for older coins.

There was a time when dimes and quarters were made of silver – you can hear it when you drop the coins on a counter and they ring. Also, the coin counting machines won’t take these old beauties.

“Given their age, these coins won’t be the ones lying around on counters or lining pockets,” the blog notes. “They might be stored in boxes in basements, attics, sheds and makeshift storage spots that date the age of these coins. But it’s a worthwhile quest. As of April 7, 2026, silver is sitting at $71.60 per ounce (in U.S. dollars),” the blog notes.

The Cut the Clutter website picks up on the theme of going through your old possessions and selling off anything you don’t need that could be of value.

“That mess piling up in your garage or closets might actually be worth something. Selling what you don’t use anymore is not just about creating space—it’s about discovering value in the things you’ve overlooked,” the blog notes.

Ways to move the items, the site suggests, include estate sales (if you are cleaning out things from a late relative, perhaps), yard sales, or online selling.

“Start by taking good-quality photos of the things you want to sell and posting them on platforms like local marketplaces or apps. Be honest in your descriptions, highlighting any flaws as well as unique features. Transparency builds trust with buyers and ensures smoother transactions,” the blog advises.

So, before you give away or throw away old clutter, check online to see if it might be worth something.

The “free” money you get from your clutter might find a new home in your long-term retirement savings piggy bank.

The Saskatchewan Pension Plan allows you to make one-time contributions in many ways, including via online banking when SPP is set up as a bill. SPP is a voluntary defined contribution pension plan that’s open to any Canadian with registered retirement savings plan room.

No matter how your savings dollars come to SPP, we will invest them in our low-cost, professionally managed and diversified pooled funds. At retirement, you can choose from such income options as a lifetime monthly annuity payment or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

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