After 25 years of appraising and reselling antiques, I know how daunting it can be to settle an estate. It usually goes something like this: A family is overwhelmed after inheriting a house stuffed to the rafters with generations’ worth of objects. They choose a few keepsakes for themselves and then rent a roll-off dumpster to dispose of everything else.

And while that approach might feel efficient, it’s a tremendous waste. Sometimes the most mundane-looking items can be worth a surprising amount of cash. So if you’re a recent heir, take a breath — and take stock. These items are worth more than you think.

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A recent Vanguard study revealed a self-managed $500,000 investment grows into an average $1.7 million in 25 years. But under the care of a pro, the average is $3.4 million. That’s an extra $1.7 million!

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