PostPoints tip: Old cables and chargers still have value

When an old camera or phone dies, you're often stuck with a proprietary battery charger or cradle and data cable that won't work with your next model. But that doesn't mean you have to toss those old accessories. Try re-selling them instead: Odds are, somebody out there either lost the same component or wants a spare. Over the years, I've had pretty good luck auctioning off a variety of leftover, otherwise-useless gadget parts on eBay. I haven't made much money on any one sale (searching through completed listings on eBay usually works to determine a fair market value), but my total earnings add up to a decent chunk of the cost of the digital camera I'm about to buy. Which, I should add, will run off AA batteries and use a standard USB cable.