Meet Molly Benjamin, Ladies Finance Club
Some very special people make Garage Sale Trail possible every year and Molly is one of them.
As the Founder of Ladies Finance Club, Molly Benjamin helps women take control of their financial futures (without the boring bits).
We caught up with Molly to find out why she's joined us as the money saving and making expert for this year's campaign.
Q. Why are you involved in Garage Sale Trail this year?
Back in high school, my twin and I launched an eBay store called Retro Rev. We’d spend our weekends exploring local op shops for hidden gems, then sell them online. It was incredible to see how someone’s “trash” could become another person’s treasure—and make a bit of extra cash too! This experience really cemented my belief in reusing and recycling items rather than letting them go to waste.
In today’s world, we tend to accumulate so much stuff that we don’t truly need. Decluttering not only frees up space but also clears your mind and creates a more positive living environment.
There’s something so satisfying about simplifying your surroundings and seeing the direct impact it has on your mental headspace—and your bank account. I love what Garage Sale Trail stands for because it encourages exactly that. It’s a great opportunity to give your pre-loved items a second life, make some money, and help reduce the burden on landfills.
Q. Why does buying and selling secondhand make financial sense?
Buying and selling secondhand is a win-win for both your wallet and the environment. When you sell pre-loved items, you’re turning things you no longer need into extra cash—on average, sellers on the Garage Sale Trail make $457, which can go a long way toward bills, savings, or that next big purchase. Plus, it’s a chance to declutter and give your items a second life, rather than letting them gather dust or end up in landfill.
On the flip side, when you buy secondhand, you’re getting great quality items at a fraction of the retail price. Whether it’s clothes, furniture, or electronics, you can find incredible deals on things that are still in great condition.
In today’s world, being smart with your money means looking for value, and secondhand shopping is the perfect way to stretch your dollar further. It’s also more sustainable—buying secondhand reduces demand for new production, which can help minimize environmental impact. So, financially and environmentally, it just makes sense!
Q. What are you looking for on the trail this year?
I’m always on the hunt for unique retro t-shirts, quirky home goods like vases and artwork, and of course, a great bargain!
One of the best items I’ve ever bought secondhand has to be a pair of gorgeous Italian leather shoes that I scored for just $17. I ended up reselling them for $50—mind you, this was back in 2011! If only I had invested that money instead of spending it on more clothes… lesson learned!
Garage sales are full of hidden treasures, and you never know what you’ll find. Some of the best-selling items tend to be furniture, kitchenware, vintage clothing, and tech gadgets.
People also love snapping up kids' toys, books, and sporting gear. It’s like a treasure hunt, and that’s half the fun! Not only do you find unique, affordable pieces, but you’re also reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. I can’t wait to see what this year’s Garage Sale Trail has in store!
Want to hear Molly's tips for building wealth?
Molly and the Ladies Finance Club team are hitting the road this October, and you're invited! Expect an evening of bubbles, nibbles, and expert chat with a room full of ladies ready to talk money!
As part of the event, Ladies Finance Club are bringing together top investing experts from across the country who will be spilling the tea on how to crack the code of building wealth.
Visit the Ladies Finance Club website for all the details and book your ticket, using code GARAGESALETRAIL to score complimentary tickets.