Cash-Strapped Families Turn to Auctions

Liquidation.

It's a term we've heard more in the past year than at any time in recent memory.

Turning cards, memorabilia or other collectibles into cash has always been an option, but with the recession still lingering and unemployment rates at an uncomfortable level, it's become a necessity for some.

Families and individuals have been scrounging through the garage, basement or attic in search of something someone else might want.

Some go through auction houses while others take on the task themselves. It beats the old fashioned way of going liquid. "The value is you are getting your items to the right market," said dealer Philip Weiss.

The New York Daily News has its finger on the pulse of sellers from a cross-section of America with this report in its Money section.