Cash-strapped Brits are Selling Family Heirlooms to Pay the Bills
The new research reveals a fifth of folk have resorted to getting rid of treasured possessions in a bid to survive the credit crunch.
Items such as record collections, books and grandmother's jewellery are being sold in auction websites, car boot sales, and pawn shops.
But a third of people admit their relatives would be turning in their graves at the thought of the family treasures being sold to strangers.
The poll of 3,000 Brits was conducted by www.mygoldmine.co.uk, an online gold-buying company that guarantees a safe and fast way to sell your gold at the best prices.
It reveals that 46 per cent of folk feel incredibly guilty for getting rid of inherited wealth, but 19 per cent acknowledge they are simply gathering dust in the attic.
And 58 per cent of people would like to believe that if their relatives knew of their dire financial situation, they would have understood the need to sell their possessions for cash.
To date, folk have had the best luck selling ornaments, jewellery such as wedding rings and lockets, collectibles and gold.
But 21 per are worried they are under-selling family heirlooms to make money fast - the average Brit has made £166 so far.
Jonathan Caplan, spokesman for MyGoldmine said: "Anyone who is suffering in the credit crunch should go into the attic or cellar to dig out hidden treasures.
"Items which we think are worthless - such as broken jewellery or old fashioned gold - can actually be a really good little earner.
"Gold doesn't lose its value, so even if inherited items such as lockets or charm bracelets are broken, they can still be sold for the value of the gold content."
Astonishingly, the poll also revealed the credit crunch has had a positive effect on the way they manage their finances.
Two thirds of people admit the recession has taught them the real value of money, and as a consequence they are far savvier with cash than ever before.
In addition to selling their belongings, a further 28 per cent have started to make items to sell, such as clothes, curtains and cushions.
Sixteen per cent of people have tried baking goods such as cakes, jam and bread to make money.
One in 10 people have offered their babysitting services, whilst eight per cent are available for cleaning and ironing.
Jonathan Caplan continued: "This survey proves the credit crunch is not all doom and gloom.
"People are becoming better than ever at managing their finances, and long term this can only be a good thing."
MOST POPULAR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS TO BE SOLD
Items such as record collections, books and grandmother's jewellery are being sold in auction websites, car boot sales, and pawn shops.
But a third of people admit their relatives would be turning in their graves at the thought of the family treasures being sold to strangers.
The poll of 3,000 Brits was conducted by www.mygoldmine.co.uk, an online gold-buying company that guarantees a safe and fast way to sell your gold at the best prices.
It reveals that 46 per cent of folk feel incredibly guilty for getting rid of inherited wealth, but 19 per cent acknowledge they are simply gathering dust in the attic.
And 58 per cent of people would like to believe that if their relatives knew of their dire financial situation, they would have understood the need to sell their possessions for cash.
To date, folk have had the best luck selling ornaments, jewellery such as wedding rings and lockets, collectibles and gold.
But 21 per are worried they are under-selling family heirlooms to make money fast - the average Brit has made £166 so far.
Jonathan Caplan, spokesman for MyGoldmine said: "Anyone who is suffering in the credit crunch should go into the attic or cellar to dig out hidden treasures.
"Items which we think are worthless - such as broken jewellery or old fashioned gold - can actually be a really good little earner.
"Gold doesn't lose its value, so even if inherited items such as lockets or charm bracelets are broken, they can still be sold for the value of the gold content."
Astonishingly, the poll also revealed the credit crunch has had a positive effect on the way they manage their finances.
Two thirds of people admit the recession has taught them the real value of money, and as a consequence they are far savvier with cash than ever before.
In addition to selling their belongings, a further 28 per cent have started to make items to sell, such as clothes, curtains and cushions.
Sixteen per cent of people have tried baking goods such as cakes, jam and bread to make money.
One in 10 people have offered their babysitting services, whilst eight per cent are available for cleaning and ironing.
Jonathan Caplan continued: "This survey proves the credit crunch is not all doom and gloom.
"People are becoming better than ever at managing their finances, and long term this can only be a good thing."
MOST POPULAR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS TO BE SOLD
- Books
- Ornaments
- Grandmother's jewellery
- Gold
- Record collections
- Antique furniture
- Collectibles
- Wedgewood China
- Vases
- Musical instruments
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