The Penny Hoarder

Take These 4 Steps to Lower Your Cost of Living — Without Moving
The 7 Best Running Shoes For Every Runner Type
9 Tips for Working Two Jobs and Keeping Your Sanity
Here’s How to Get $20 Worth of Free School Supplies Online
Aura Will Protect You From Dark Web Hackers in Two Minutes
Sell Pokemon Cards: Our Card-Trading Expert Reveals How & Where

Take These 4 Steps to Lower Your Cost of Living — Without Moving

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 01:00 PM PDT

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If you're determined to have the lowest cost of living among every other human being in the United States, move to Mississippi.

Seriously — it has the lowest cost of living overall, taking into account grocery, housing and transportation expenses.

Dollar for dollar, your cash will probably go further in the Magnolia State than if you were to live in a major urban cluster like New York, California or Florida. And you'll definitely get more bang for your buck than if you lived in Hawaii — the state with the highest cost of living.

But packing up everything you own and moving somewhere just because it's cheaper doesn't actually make sense for most people. Jobs, family, friends and just plain old loving where you live means buying a piece of property outside Jackson isn't always a viable option.

So whether you live in Huntsville or The Hamptons, you can cut your cost of living anyway. Take these steps to slash your bills and give your budget a Mississippi makeover.

1. Knock $489/Year From Your Car Insurance in Minutes

When's the last time you checked car insurance prices? Unless you live in Ohio, North Carolina or New Hampshire — the cheapest states to get car insurance in 2021 — you're probably paying too much. And that can make a big dent in your lower cost of living.

But no matter where you live, you should shop your options every six months or so — it could save you some serious money. Let's be real, though. It's probably not the first thing you think about when you wake up. But it doesn't have to be.

A website called Insure.com makes it super easy to compare car insurance prices. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code and your age, and it'll show you your options.

Using Insure.com, people have saved an average of $489 a year.

Yup. That could be $500 back in your pocket just for taking a few minutes to look at your options.

2. See if You're Wasting $690/Year on Homeowners Insurance

You're probably wasting money right now. And it's probably on something you'd never expect — your homeowners insurance policy. But if you're living in a place where housing is more expensive, this is the one cost you can actually control.

This isn't something you actively think about — you just know you're required to have it.

The problem is, you're paying too much. Luckily, an insurance company called Policygenius makes it easy to find out how much you're overpaying. It finds you cheaper policies and special discounts in minutes.

In fact, it saves users an average of $690 a year — or $57.50 a month. It'll even help you break up with your old insurance company. (You're allowed to cancel your policy at any time, and your company should issue you a refund.)

And just because you're saving money doesn't mean you're skimping on coverage. Policygenius will make sure you have what you need.

Just answer a few questions about your home to see how much money you're wasting.

3. Stop Paying Your Credit Card Company

What does your credit card have to do with your cost of living? Well, no matter where you live, credit card debt payments can be keeping you from saving more money and investing it somewhere smart.

And the truth is, your credit card company doesn't really care. It's just getting rich by ripping you off with high interest rates — some up to 36%. But a website called AmOne wants to help.

If you owe your credit card companies $50,000 or less, AmOne will match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every single one of your balances.

The benefit? You'll be left with one bill to pay each month. And because personal loans have lower interest rates (AmOne rates start at 3.49% APR), you'll get out of debt that much faster. Plus: No credit card payment this month.

You don't need a perfect credit score to get a loan — and comparing your options won't affect your score at all. Plus, AmOne keeps your information confidential and secure, which is probably why after 20 years in business, it still has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

It takes less than a minute and just 10 questions to see what loans you qualify for — you don't even need to enter your Social Security number. You do need to give AmOne a real phone number in order to qualify, but don't worry — they won't spam you with phone calls.

4. Find Out If You're Overpaying

Wouldn't it be nice if you got an alert when you're shopping online at Target and are about to overpay?

That's exactly what this free service does. And if you want to have a lower cost of living, you should be taking advantage of the lowest prices available on the internet.

Just add it to your browser for free, and before you check out, it'll check other websites, including Walmart, eBay and others to see if your item is available for cheaper. Plus, you can get coupon codes, set up price-drop alerts and even see the item's price history.

Let's say you're shopping for a new TV, and you assume you've found the best price. Here's when you'll get a pop up letting you know if that exact TV is available elsewhere for cheaper. If there are any available coupon codes, they'll also automatically be applied to your order.

In the last year, this has saved people $160 million.

You can get started in just a few clicks to see if you're overpaying online.

Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the extension using the links provided.

Kari Faber is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She has only lived in the most expensive states the last 10 years and has definitely paid for it.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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The 7 Best Running Shoes For Every Runner Type

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Whether you're a would-be runner, a casual jogger or even a competitive runner, chances are you've contemplated spending big bucks to find the best running shoes.

Maybe you have existing problems with your feet or knees that could be alleviated by a good pair of stability shoes, or you might be looking for running shoes to take your pavement pounding to the next level.

Whatever your reasons for needing a pair of legit trail runners, it's important to understand exactly what you're paying for and if the potential extra cost will help you reach your fitness goals — or if you're just buying into a lot of hype.

We spoke to foot doctors for help identifying the best options in the running shoe market.

7 Best Running Shoes for Every Type of Runner

The best running shoes can cost an arm and leg — but they don't have to. If you're on the hunt for new running shoes, here's what to look for.

Best Running Shoes for Daily Runners

Shoe: Hoka One One Mach 4

Price: $130

Why they're the best: "I like the Hoka One One Mach 4 for a daily running shoe since it's both stable and lightweight, with a good fit," says podiatrist and foot surgeon Kimberly Hoang Nguyen of Philadelphia Podiatry. Keep in mind that other reviewers say traction isn't the best on this model, meaning these make better road running shoes than trail running shoes.

Best Running Shoes for Occasional Runners

Shoe: New Balance 1080v11

Price: $149

Why they're the best: This versatile shoe is Nguyen's number one pick for occasional runners in part due to its stretchy mesh upper, which makes the shoe both more breathable, and a better fit for wide feet. "The Fresh Foam X sole also makes the shoe more comfortable and boasts a higher energy return," she says. This shoe feels light weight without sacrificing cushioning. While not necessarily meant for trail running, the traction is good enough to be used on a variety of terrains.

Best Running Shoes for Runners with High Arches

Shoe: ASICS GEL-Nimbus 23

Price: $150

Why they're the best: For runners with high arches, Nguyen recommends this Asics running shoe. "The FlyteFoam cushioning helps with impact while running, and this shoe has a GEL unit in the heel that allows for softer landing," she says. "The shoe also has an inner heel counter that helps keep your foot in place."

Best Running Shoes for Runners with Low or Flat Arches

Shoe: Brooks Dyad 11

Price: $130

Why they're the best: According to Nguyen, these running shoes have a roomy toe box — making them a great choice for wide feet or heavier builds. These cushioned shoes also have durable support and enough stability for overpronators (think: ankle rolling too far downward and inward with each step), and enough space to accommodate a custom insert.

Best Running Shoes for Bad Ankles

Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20

Price: $109

Why they're the best: According to Eric Barber, founder of the shoe review blog Steady Foot, one of the best shoes for runners with bad ankles is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20. Among other reasons for his choice, Barber cites the shoe's versatility and "exceptional cushioning and ankle support" which helps runners with weak or injury-prone ankles.

Best Running Shoes for Treadmill Runners

Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Price: $129

Why they're the best: For treadmill runners, Nguyen likes the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21. "This shoe is really a good overall cross-training shoe that provides just the right amount of stability and cushioning." The stiff sole provides arch support, while also preventing any excess foot movement. "Since it's made for runners, the guide rails' holistic support system can also help prevent knee injuries."

Best Running Shoes for Sidewalk Runners

Shoe: Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Waveknit Road Running Shoe

Price: $95

Why they're the best: If most of your running takes place on hard surfaces like a sidewalk where you need extra shock absorption, Nguyen recommends this shoe. "The mesh upper portion of the shoe makes it very soft and breathable," she says. It also has more cushioning than many other running shoes, which should provide a soft ride and extra comfort on high-impact runs.

Are Running Shoes Worth It?

The short answer is yes, and as it turns out, picking the right running shoes can not only help keep your feet and joints happy, but might even give you an advantage over your running buddies.

"Running shoes are a necessity since this is one of the few equipment items that a runner actually needs, as they hit the ground with three times their actual body weight," says Nguyen. "Running shoes help to provide arch support and cushioning, promote performance and aid in the prevention of injuries."

If you're ready to invest in premium running shoes, foot and ankle surgeon Tom Biernacki says the technology built into some high-end models can make a difference.

"Nike Vaporfly Next % shoes are a major breakthrough in running technology, and were recently used to break the marathon world record," he said. "These shoes have actually been declared illegal by many running governing institutions, as they're very light and have a carbon plate that's been shown to create a springlike effect— in what some say is an unfair advantage."

Despite the light weight and springiness of these shoes, the main reason they've been blacklisted in competitive environments is the prohibitive price tag. "Some runners simply can't afford a $250 – $400 range shoe for a high school event," says Biernacki.

Tips for Finding the Right Shoe

Finding the best running shoes for your needs (without spending the equivalent of a down payment on a car) isn't always easy. Here are some general tips for picking the right running shoes.

1. Make sure the shoes fit your foot shape and foot width.

"My biggest tip would be to make sure to fit the shoe properly," says Biernacki. "Try on shoes later in the day when your feet are more swollen, and be sure to test the toe box room while standing (not sitting)."

Ideally you want some wiggle room between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe to ensure you don't have any bad friction points.

2. The right running shoes for most runners are cushioned and supportive.

You're not looking for the best running shoes for Olympic competition. You need the best running shoes for you — meaning adequate cushion and support based on your age and the type of running and exercise you plan to do.

"Younger people in general can find decent results with a more minimalist shoes or more unique shoes," says Biernacki. "But in our experience the older, the stiffer or the less athletic runners would benefit more from a more supportive shoe with a slight heel lift (8-12mm), more cushion and more support, like a shoe from Brooks, Asics, Hoke, On, or Nike."

3. Bring your inserts to the running store.

"If you have custom orthotics, try them out in your running shoes to make sure it is the proper fit with these devices in," says Nguyen. "Remember, if running shoes aren't comfortable while trying them on in the store, they won't be any more comfortable when running."

Larissa Runkle is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

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9 Tips for Working Two Jobs and Keeping Your Sanity

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 07:00 AM PDT

The number of Americans working two jobs — or more — is higher than it has ever been.

Recent data from the Census Bureau reveals that an estimated 7.8% of U.S. workers work more than one job, up from 6.8% in 1996.

The necessity of holding a full-time job plus one or two part-time jobs has become such a prominent part of our culture and economy, that several candidates in the most recent presidential election included it in their platform.

It continues to be a frequent talking point among economists and activists alike. Politics aside, public opinion and basic math prove that the more jobs you have, the more stress comes into your life. It is important (and very doable!) to practice self care to avoid burnout.

Tales from the Second Job Front

Zach Brandner, a recent college graduate in Washington, D.C., works in guest services at a museum during the day and his second job is as a server at a restaurant in the evenings.

"Of course in a dream world, I would be able to make ends meet with just one job," he says. "But that's not the case right now, so I'm just rolling with it."

Brandner says he's learned the hard way that juggling two jobs can't push out self-care.

Statistically, women are more likely than men to work multiple part-time jobs. Summer Tuverson of Santa Monica, California, is in a similar situation as Brandner. She works at a doggie day care center and nannying.

"There are a decent amount of similarities between taking care of dogs and children," she says. "Especially the cleaning up poop part."

9 Tips on Working Multiple Jobs

With the help of Zach, Summer, and some experts, here are nine tips for maintaining self-care while working more than a single job.

1. Make Friends at All Your Jobs

Avoid the temptation to punch in, do your job, punch out and repeat.

Brandner: "I was pretty surprised to learn that there are actually a few hidden perks to having more than one place of work. The major one is having more than one new circle of friends. Obviously you're not going to be best friends with everyone, but making an effort to develop and maintain friendships is a good idea. If you feel you have a support system, or at least someone you can laugh with, your shifts seem shorter and more enjoyable."

On the hunt for a second job? Here are 10 great second job options plus advice on how to land one.

2. Location is Everything

When you look for a full-time job, one of the first things you keep in mind is proximity to your home. Of course, if you have a work from home job, you are always close to your work space.

Depending on your schedule and if you are working outside the home, your second job should be physically near your first job. (Two work from home jobs? You've got this covered.)

If you bust your gas budget because you're driving all around town, your second income becomes pointless. If you are in a city where you use public transit, make a point to check if the job you have in mind is on your same bus or train route.

Looking for a second job but don't want to leave the house? Check out our list of 32 work from home companies.

3. Let Your Employers Know About One Another

Brandner: "When I first got my second job I felt awkward telling both my managers that I was also working somewhere else. I felt like they would feel like I wasn't able to give them both 100%. For a while it almost felt like I was cheating on both of them. When I eventually did let them know, they both actually admired my hustle, and ended up being much more receptive and understanding when I had to make slight schedule changes."

4. When You're Sick, Do NOT Power Through It

While this tip applies to people with one job, it is especially important for people who deal with twice the same amount of interaction.

If the past year and a half has taught us anything, it is that we need to stay the hell away from other people when we are sick. In the long run, it will not be worth ignoring your symptoms in exchange for that day's wages, when you are risking exacerbating your own health as well as others'.

If you are working two jobs, you are putting in twice the amount of energy, which will wear you down even more. Be honest with your employers, and they will probably be grateful. Remember, it is illegal for someone to fire you for calling in sick.

5. Normalize Power Napping

Tuverson: "I copied this from the kids I look after. If they get home from school at 1:15 and we need to leave the house for swim lessons at 2:10, it is crucial that they get some rest or lest they be grumpy and lethargic for their poor teacher.

"Sometimes I have similar amounts of time before I need to get going for my next job. I used to think that this only allowed me to scroll through my phone and watch half of a 'Law and Order' episode. When I still couldn't stop yawning, I Googled some tips and started power napping between shifts. It's been a game changer."

Tuverson says the key is napping between 10 and 20 minutes. She swears by a little caffeine before the nap which will kick in after you wake up, providing you stick to the short nap.

6. Plan and Prep Your Meals

If you are in your car several times throughout the day, rushing to make it to your next job and then also rushing to finally get home, there is the inevitable temptation to pull over for fast food.

While this is okay once in a while, the initial comfort and convenience of not having to cook will soon backfire, making you (and your wallet) feel worse. Set aside time to prep and prepare meals (and snacks for those 15 minute breaks!) that are easy, cheap, and delicious.

Planning meals is crucial to staying healthy but this task is easily overlooked when you get busy. Learn how to start a meal plan and stick to it.

7. Remember the Reason for Working a Second Job

Tuverson: "Even with two jobs, it's not exactly like I'm living in the lap of luxury. But, I am now able to afford a mini-vacation that I would not have been able to otherwise. When I'm on the bus for the third time that day and I have spit up on my blouse (and I've forgotten if it's from a human or animal), I open my wallet and see some pictures I've printed out of things I'll experience on my trip."

She says that her coworkers look at photos of apartments, cars, even engagement rings to keep their eyes on the prize. The aspirational photos are a good pick-me-up, she says, that reminds them why they are working a second job.

8. Commit to Something That Brings You Joy

Even when you have one job, it may seem like all you have the energy to do after work is eat and go to sleep. On a good day, you could summon the chutzpah to grab a drink or some dinner, but even this can seem like a stretch sometimes.

Still, it is important to have other consistent things in your schedule besides just working.

For example, you could join a book group dedicated to your favorite genre. Read on your lunch breaks and on your transit commute, then spend an hour a month chatting with new friends about your thoughts.

Not only does this increase your social circle and offer an escape, but it also exercises your brain. The Penny Hoarder actually has our own book club, and you can find dozens of others online or in person through your Meetup.com, Goodreads, or your local independent bookstores and libraries.

9. Don't Get Discouraged

It can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.

Don't beat yourself up if you don't immediately get in the groove of working two jobs with differing protocols, expectations and managerial styles.

Any half-decent supervisor will cut you some slack when you start. If you find that you are still having trouble adjusting to a new routine after a couple months or so, let Human Resources know and they can give you some more specific tips.

Olivia Smith is a writer based in Washington, D.C., who has experience in public and political advocacy work. She is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

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Here’s How to Get $20 Worth of Free School Supplies Online

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 06:46 AM PDT

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Holy cow, is it time for back-to-school shopping already?

Not only is it a pain, but it's also expensive. The average parent spends nearly $125 on back-to-school supplies per kid per year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Here's a good way to make it better: Get some of your kids' school supplies for free.

That's right, free. When you sign up for a cash-back app called Ibotta, you'll earn 100% cash back on a variety of school supplies and snacks.

This back-to-school shopping promo is a more generous version of what Ibotta always does, which is earn you cash back when you buy things. Although it's probably best known for getting you cash back on groceries, wine and beer at your local grocery store, Ibotta is offering this back-to-school bundle through Aug. 31.

The following items are free after rebates: a three-subject spiral notebook, a 12-pack of Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, an eraser, a box of tissues, a Del Monte fruit cup and all the ingredients you need for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The rebate items, which have a combined value of at least $20, can easily be purchased online via Ibotta through Walmart, Target, H-E-B or Shipt. You can also buy them in-store at Walmart.

To collect your $20 in free school supplies — a good deal no matter how you look at it — just download the free Ibotta app or browser extension. Your back-to-school offers should appear. Choose which of the four retailers you want to shop at.

You'll get your 100% cash back within 72 hours of pickup or delivery.

It takes about 30 seconds to download Ibotta on your phone. What, you don't need free school supplies?

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. He buys school supplies for two kids.

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Aura Will Protect You From Dark Web Hackers in Two Minutes

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 06:41 AM PDT

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners.

The internet can be a scary place — hackers, fraudsters and schemers are standing in the proverbial shadows, just waiting for you to drop your guard.

And every seven seconds someone does let their guard down — which, according to a 2020 report from the U.S. FTC, resulted in more than $3.3 BILLION in identity theft and fraud losses in 2020 alone.*

It's way too easy to open yourself up to a credit-score destroying, identity-stealing criminal. And they know it.

Things as innocent as swiping your credit card at a gas station, connecting to a public WiFi or answering a Facebook quiz about your first pet and the street you grew up on could be handing these bad guys your personal information. And most of us don't even realize it.

That's where a digital security company called Aura comes in. It guards your money, personal info and devices against identity theft and fraud all in one place. It's the most uncomplicated way to protect yourself online.

Safeguard Your Money, ID and Devices All at Once

Normally, if you want to protect yourself, your money and your network, you'd have to buy three products, set up three services and wade through three customer service centers to solve any problems. Talk about a mess.

But when you sign up with Aura, you get identity theft, financial fraud and device and network protection in one subscription. For just a few bucks a month, Aura's tech will protect you from financial, credit and identity theft, plus malware, ransomware, scam sites and more.

Here's how it works: Aura will monitor the web —and your credit — for leaks and breaches of your personal information, which you provide to Aura, and alert you of any suspicious changes or charges. Plus, they do this four times faster than the average identity theft product. If you do experience identity theft or fraud, you'll be assigned a US-based personal case manager to help fix it.

And for some peace of mind, you'll also be covered with a $1 million identity theft insurance policy for eligible losses.

As for your devices, Aura stops malware from infecting your phone or computer and will even block you from scam and phishing sites that could steal your info. It works across Android, iOS and Windows.

There are three plans to choose from, ranging from a basic plan to ultimate protection.

More than one million people are protecting themselves with Aura. It takes just two minutes to sign up, and your identity, money and devices could be safer, too.

Kari Faber is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

* 2020 Consumer Sentinel Network report, U.S. FTC

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Sell Pokemon Cards: Our Card-Trading Expert Reveals How & Where

Posted: 29 Jul 2021 05:00 AM PDT

The resurgence of Pokemon has young adults rummaging through their closets in hopes of finding their old trading card collection.

And, if they're lucky, a rare card that could make them a fortune.

The 1997 Japanese anime-turned-trading-card-game-turned-video-game series holds a special place in the hearts of '90s kids, who cherished the furry creatures with elemental powers that could be traded and battled and hoarded for years to come.

For Scott Pratte, a Pokemon enthusiast and card-trading expert, the hobby never dimmed. Pratte collects and sells some of the most treasured Pokemon cards in the world.

"I've done seven-figure deals," Pratte says. "That's just one deal, not even my lifetime" earnings.

Due to nondisclosure agreements, he can't say exactly which cards have made him the most money, but he says that his trophy cards, aka the rarest Pokemon cards on the market, easily rake in upwards of $1 million.

Only a select few people hold these trophy cards, usually those who won Pokemon tournaments in the early 2000s and were awarded ultra limited edition cards. But there are a fair amount of more common Pokemon cards that could sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Pokemon Cards Worth Selling

The two biggest value factors to consider if you want to sell Pokemon cards are their rarity and condition.

Rarity: Is Your Collection All That Special?

In terms of rarity, "base-set" cards are where the money is for most collectors, and these cards are the most traded ones in the hobby. Set cards are "any card you can pull from a pack" bought from the store, says Pratte. The base set comprises the original 102 cards printed in 1999 and includes classic Pokemon like Pikachu, Blastoise, Charizard and Venusaur.

A complete first-edition base set in mint condition sold for $100,000 in December 2017. If you have a base-set card in your card collection, there are a few visual indicators of its worth.

A graphic compares rare and common Pokemon cards

Holographic cards: These are the most discernable at first glance. The background of the Pokemon illustration is shiny and reflective — not the whole card, only the picture of the monster. They're typically referred to as "holo" cards, and only 16 of the original 102 are holo.
First-edition cards: Directly next to the left corner of the illustration appears the "edition 1" logo. These rare cards were bought up shortly after initial release and remain some of the most sought-after and valuable cards.
Shadowless cards: This version is almost identical to the first-edition prints but excludes the first-edition logo. If you don't have a newer card for comparison, this is particularly hard to notice: the illustration box appears 2D. On newer cards, the picture box has a shadow along the right border to give it a 3D appearance.
Unlimited cards: These cards are still old and rare, but they do not include the first-edition symbol and have an added shadow behind the illustration to give the picture box a 3D effect. To check if your card is part of the base set, look at the bottom right corner of the picture box. If you do not see one of the many later-added set symbols, then you have a base-set, Unlimited card.

Condition: Did You Take Good Care of Your Cards?

The second important factor in a card's value is the condition. If you do happen to have a first-edition, holographic base-set Charizard, you're not guaranteed thousands of dollars. The selling price depends on how well the card has been taken care of.

If you have a card that you expect is worth more than $100, Pratte recommends getting it graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

Despite its name, the PSA grades all kinds of trading cards, including non-sports cards like Pokemon. PSA's 10-point grading scale is accepted as the industry standard, and the company also publishes price guides to help you determine a card's worth.

According to its current valuations, first-edition cards in perfect condition are valued at a minimum of $40. Those aren't rarer, holographic cards either. A first-edition holo in mint condition can rake in between $1,000 and $24,000.

So why Pratte's $100 limit? Well, the number isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but the card-grading services offered by PSA will cost $20 or more per card, meaning a lower-value card doesn't always merit the cost to get it authenticated.

"It's a process," says PSA spokesperson Terry Melia. "But it's something that could reap big rewards in the end."

In addition to grading the condition of the card, PSA ensures the card isn't a forgery by using high-powered lights and magnifying equipment to check for tampering.

"There are a lot of forgeries and bogus merchandise out there," says Melia.

Especially so online.

Examples of Valuable Pokemon Cards

The table below includes the values of some of the rarest Pokemon cards in the world, i.e. ones that were acquired as prizes for winning competitions in the late '90s and early 2000s.

These types of cards were never available to the general public, and they make headlines every so often by selling for six figures at auction. (But as Pratte notes, they may sell privately for much higher — and may be subject to NDAs.)The table also includes some cards that were available publicly as part of the original base set prints. According to Pratte, these are the most commonly sold cards among hobbyists. And if you do have a rare card in your collection, it's likely to be of this type. Note how the condition (on a scale of one to 10) drastically changes the value.

Valuable Pokemon Cards

Pokemon Care	Set	Condition	Card Value
Holo Pikachu (Illustrator)	n/a; limited contest release	Mint 7	$375,000
Holo Edition 1 Charizard	Base set	Gem Mint 10 (Perfect)	$369,000
Holo Edition 1 Charizard	Base set	Near-Mint 7	$13,000
Pikachu (Shadowless)	Base set	Gem Mint 10 (Perfect)	$100
Pikachu (Shadowless)	Base set	Near-Mint 8	$25

After you've done some homework — checking the type of card, estimating its value and sending it in for authentication, if needed — you're finally ready to sell.Where to Sell Pokemon Cards

The Best Place to Sell Your Pokemon Cards Online: eBay

"The main marketplace is for sure going to be eBay," Pratte says. "Even if you're someone who just stumbled upon your childhood collection, it's really easy to take a couple of pictures [and] make a decent listing."

Why eBay? It's home to several high-profile deals, and it also caters to the $20 and $30 transactions. In short, eBay is the perfect meeting ground for nostalgic buyers and sellers and those who've been wheeling and dealing Pokemon cards since the '90s.

Other Places to Sell Your Pokemon Cards

Cardmarket: a German-based online marketplace that caters to trading-card-game hobbyists.
Troll and Toad: a hub for all things gaming-related, including video games, table-top games and trading-card games.
TCGplayer: an e-commerce marketplace that allows stores and hobbyists alike to buy and sell trading cards.
Facebook Marketplace: a free tool connected to your Facebook profile that allows you to buy or sell almost any physical item locally.
Local comic book or hobby shops: a great alternative to Facebook Marketplace if you want to buy or sell Pokemon cards without the hassle of shipping.

Selling Pokemon Cards: Expert Tips and Takeaways

Look for rarity indicators such as the type of Pokemon, set symbol and shadow box (or lack thereof) and, of course, the holographic reflection.
Pratte recommends getting your cards authenticated and graded if you know they're worth at least $100 each—and especially if you plan to see them. For cards of lesser value, the cost of getting it graded could exceed the potential selling price of the card.
Don't fret if you don't have ultra-rare cards. Even some of the lesser-known cards in the base set are worth about $20 each as long as they're in good condition.
Be prepared to haggle. Getting them graded can definitely help prove your cards are legitimate, but you'll still need to back up their worth with quotes from other buyers, PSA's price guide and other sources when negotiating to get the best deal.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Do Pawn Shops Buy Pokemon Cards?

Pawn shops do buy Pokemon cards in some cases, but we don't recommend selling them there. Unless the pawn shop is known to specialize in trading card games, chances are high the clerk won't know the ins and outs of Pokemon card trading. So you can expect a lowball offer.

If you want to sell them locally and in-person, try comic book shops or hobby shops instead.

What's the Most Valuable Pokemon Card?

The "Pikachu Illustrator" cards have sold for the highest amount, publicly at least. These cards were awarded to winners of a Pokemon contest held in Japan circa 1998. Less than 40 of these cards are known to exist. In recent years, a few have sold for between $100,000 and $375,000.

Gem mint 10 (aka perfect condition) first edition holographic Charizards from the 1999 base set are nearly as valuable. They have sold for as much as $369,000 at auction.

Should I Sell My Old Pokemon Card Collection?

You should sell your Pokemon card collection only if you are prepared to part with it and you know its true worth. In true Marie Kondo fashion: if owning the cards brings you joy, then keep them. If selling them would bring you more joy, do that instead.

Should I Get My Pokemon Cards Graded?

Getting your Pokemon cards graded can take a while, and it can cost you about $20 per card. With that in mind, you should consider getting your card graded so long as its value exceeds about $20.

Some exceptions apply. For example, if you own an entire base set that you're looking to sell (or display), getting each card graded may be worth it — even if an individual card is worth less than $20 — as having the entire set graded would enhance its overall value.

Take the Time to Study Their Worth

As Pokemon re-enters mainstream culture with the release of new video games and movies, expect to see an uptick in buying and selling activity of old cards. But interest doesn't pick up overnight.

"It's not binary in that sense," Pratte says.

Instead, it's a more gradual process where each new Pokemon-related release reminds twenty- and thirty-somethings of their childhood: the crinkling sound of ripping open a new pack of cards followed by a strong whiff of ink as they shuffle through the set, hoping to find something rare.

But as you rummage through your collection, remember that there's no rush to purge now. Spend some time with your cards. See if they're valuable. Consider getting them authenticated. Then decide if they're worth selling.

After two decades, Pokemon — and its card-collecting hobbyists — aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Adam Hardy is a former staff writer for The Penny Hoarder and specializes in stories on the gig economy. He's a University of South Florida graduate, who studied magazine journalism and sociology.

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Thursday, July 29, 2021