Kids' consignment: Do it One way to save on kids' clothes is to buy a larger size at end-of-season clearance sales, but if you can't find what you need, you're out of luck. Instead, try the kids' consignment occasional sales and save 65 to 80 percent on clothes in season, accessories, toys and equipment. At least six franchisees run sales throughout the Twin Cities in the spring and fall. The spring sales are just beginning. The Just Between Friends sale kicks off the season Thursday through Sunday (Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy., Eagan, 763-226-5526). For a list of all the sales organized by region (south of the river, north/east metro, north/west metro and west metro) or by month, go to www.twincitieskidssales.com. Click on "sales" for the regional list and "calendar" for March-May sale dates. Most of the sales charge an admission of $1 to $2 on the first day and have half-price sales on the last day. Savings: 50 to 80 percent.

Use our garage sale calendar Don't you love it when you reach the point of "If I have to look at that thing one more day, I'll go crazy"? When you've lost that loving feeling and need the cash, it's time to give items away for pennies on the dollar at a garage sale. If you're strapped, maybe you overprice it a little. Somehow, the market sorts it all out. If you want to find those steals and deals, check out the Star Tribune's annual garage sale calendar listing this year's biggest sales. It will be published in the Variety section April 20 and May 18. If you have a neighborhood sale or a church/school sale, list it in the calendar for $40. Call 612-673-7000 and reference the neighborhood garage sale calendar.

Savings: Typically 90 percent on most items.

Cut your cell phone bill Try www.billshrink.com for personalized recommendations designed to reduce your cell phone bills. It's also a good tool if you're considering a new smart phone. Bear in mind, however, that call quality and range vary by plan. Verizon usually tops most of the ratings. Ask about a 30-day trial period to test any new plan without being locked into a contract. The site also compares credit cards, certificates of deposit and savings accounts.

Savings: $100 or more per year, depending on features.

Buy and sell media online In case any of you are holding me accountable for the "buy local" soapbox I occasionally stand on, I really do prefer to buy local. But when it comes to buying used books, CDs or DVDs, I like online sources better. They're cheaper and more convenient. I can go to Half.com, Amazon.com, Deepdiscount.com or Dvdpricesearch.net, put the title in the search field, and immediately find big savings. It beats searching through hundreds or thousands of titles on the shelf or asking a salesperson over the phone to look for it. When local stores put their used stock online and it's reliable information, I'll come back.

As for selling, it doesn't get much easier than Half.com. All you need is the book's ISBN number or the UPC number of the CD, DVD or game. There's no gushing copy or gorgeous photos needed -- just determine a price and condition. I once made the mistake of saying that selling books and music online was too much hassle for too little money. After trying it, I'm sold on it. I get more money selling online than at used book stores or music and video stores. When my items don't sell online, I go local.

Savings: 50 percent or more.

Get restaurant deals online I'm a longtime fan of the amazing deals from Restaurant.com. If you sign up for e-mail notification and get the discount codes, you can save 60 to 80 percent. (Current deal: Use the promo code BITE to get 80 percent off.) I love getting a $25 gift certificate to Solera for $4. New restaurants are being added, including Ecopolitan, Game Works, Ike's and Dancing Ganesha. I still think it's the best deal around, but several other group buying sites are offering 50 percent off deals. Try Groupon.com, Livingsocial.com, Dealstork.com and Adilitydeal.com. You can sign up to receive the deals daily via e-mail. Recent specials have included half-off deals at Duplex, Joe's Garage, 5-8 Club, Common Roots Cafe, Al Vento, French Meadow, Santorini and Om Indian Cuisine.

Savings: 50 to 80 percent.

Try budget remodeling To save 20 to 80 percent, try the building stores that sell reclaimed supplies or new supplies that might be returns, overstocks, scratch and dents, or discontinued items from distributors and manufacturers. Try the ReUse Center in Minneapolis (2801 21st Av. S., 612-724-2608) or Maplewood (1727 E. Hwy. 36, 651-379-1280, www.thereusecenter.com), Habitat for Humanity ReStore (510 W. County Rd. D, New Brighton, 612-588-3820, www.tchabitat.org), or the huge selection at Building Materials Outlet (2795 E. Hwy. 55, Eagan, 651-454-8840, www.buildingmaterialsoutlet.com). BMO also has an auction site at www.bmomn.com.

Savings: 20 to 80 percent.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com.

If you spot a deal, share it at startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.