First of all let me say this:
saving money is not a poverty issue.
It's a spending smart concept that anyone can embrace.
I have to say, I get my frugality from my dad...it's in my genes.
(I also get my freckles and my green eyes from him)
Long before the economy turned sour I embraced the world of thrift stores and consignment sales.
I don't think of it as buying used stuff,
but rather as purchasing recycled goods to help keep the earth clean,
and save money all at once!
Some people are almost ashamed of shopping frugally, but then again, saving money is not a poverty issue, it's a spending smart concept.
So let's look at 3 ways of shopping smart.
Thrift stores
are most often non-profit.
Think of Goodwill or Salvation Army.
You a good deal and help others as well.
The larger stores often get irregulars donated to them from big retail stores such as Target.
I have found new and unwashed clothes with tags still on, indicating the garment has been worn not at all.
Sometime people get gifts they never wear or that are the wrong size and donate them.
I have also recently found several brand new, household items,
donated from a Target that was closed down.
A total worth of over $90, for as little as $22.
Thrift stores
carry many household and decorative items as well, perfect for college dorms or temporary fixes when you're cash strapped.
You can find a lot of "trash" at those stores, as well as some awesome deals.
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| $12 shopping trip |
Consignment or resale stores
are the best place to shop if you need clothing of a better quality.
Owners are picky about the clothing they take in so most are in very good shape,
but come with a higher price tag.
Consignment stores are also a great place to find clothes for babies and toddlers.
I have bought plenty Stride rite shoes (over the last 4 years) for our girls for about $2 a pair.
Those are nice shoes folks!!
My #1 rule for buying anything second hand:
can it be washed or wiped down with clorox?
Stay Frugal,
19 comments:
Good Afternoon Daniela, I agree with you wholeheartedly....we call these shops, Charity Shops in England. All money raised is donated to the appropriate charity, such as Cancer Research or The Heart Foundation.
Like you, I do not see shopping in these shops as an embarrassment, but a way of using my money sensibly... and I have managed to purchase some wonderful bargains, which makes my home unique and not the same as everyone elses....and this I love.
.....and by the way, I have green eyes aswell.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Best Wishes
Daphne
Ciao Daniela, ottima politica questa. Tra l'altro nei mercatini a volte si trovano oggetti molto interessanti!
Io sono per il restauro e il riciclo!
V
I enjoy second hand shopping too. The thrift stores in my town all support different charities so when I spend there, I am stretching our dollars and helping others.
I am also a fan of Clorox for killing germs and keeping our whites white.
I'm actually headed to the Goodwill this afternoon. I agree with you, that shopping second hand is a wise thing to do, even if it's not out of necessity. You really do save money. It's amazing what treasures you can find, too.
XOXO,
Meredith
You are right on. Shopping sensibly is the only way to go. I must admit that I don't know what is in the regular retail stores anymore. I never look at the ads. Even their sale prices seem ridiculous. Take care.
You are such a smart shopper, Dani...and ahead of the game in so many ways. I am glad you are not caught up in the have more/want more/buy more plan of things- xo Diana
Dearest Daniela,
Wow, you got beautiful green eyes! Nice reveal in-between. But you do actually USE your pretty eyes and are very smart. For children, no doubt you can save tons of money that way, also for household items. You are lucky for living in or near a huge city. Living rural is never that great for such finds as we need to drive two-and-a-half hour for a Goodwill store. But we were in awe of what they do offer.
We only buy things on sale at outlet stores. Stocking up for the future, buying summer things in winter etc. That way you save so much. I'm not polluting the planet either with things that I trash because I want new, not needing... You're blessed girl!
Hugs,
Mariette
Your a smart chickadee and I totally agree with you. It becomes a lifestyle, and one I like to embrace. I even have been thrifting my clothes for awhile now. Not all, but a lot, and those are always my favs.
Even if I played and won 57 million dollars in a lottery, I'd still enjoy finding treasures at thrift stores! Some of the items are of superior quality to what we can find today for any price.
-Revi
We love thrift stores, yard sales, consignment. There are so many great ways to save money, I would much rather have a $50 pair of jeans that I paid $3 for instead of buying less quality that is "brand new" the key is value. This is how we live on one income right now!
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
Finding a good bargain on something I love is a wonderful feeling for me.
If there are still people out there that think second hand store shopping is only for the 'poor'... this post offers such an important message. I'm a long time shopper of thrift stores, and find wonderful treasures there!
Your posts are so informative and creative Daniela, I always leave with something 'new' to think about.
Leslie (gwen moss)
Great reminders, all of them!
Liz
It makes me really happy to find items I need (and sometimes I don't) at a really good price! I also love to donate items, a small way to give back!
I completely agree with this post! These are great reminders.
www.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I hope more people soon realize that shopping for second-hand items is not only good for the planet but is good for their wallet. You are so right in that it's not a poverty issue to shop goodwill stores, but a choice for everyone to embrace.
As you already know, I feel the exact same way. What a great reminder and a good inspiration to get out and get thrifting.
I like Once Upon a Child, but my true love are the twice yearly consignment sales we have around us. The prices are cheaper than Once Upon a Child and I have found such good deals. It is getting a bit harder the bigger my son gets since little boys like to destroy their clothes, but I would say that 75% of his clothes are bought second hand even now. Yay for being frugal!
I love thrifting! Recently I got so many compliments on this ensemble I was wearing, but everything was either clearanced, consigned, or hand-me-down. (You'll have to check my latest blog post to know why.) I didn't take a picture at the time, but I plan on doing a couple of thrifted fashion posts when I get the chance.
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